OU Football 2015: Grading the Sooner Position Units
By Chip Rouse
Sep 13, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Dominique Alexander (1) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Pig Howard (2) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers
Like the running backs are to the offense, the Oklahoma linebackers are easily the strength of the Sooner defense. And that is a good situation to be in. Senior Eric Striker is a major disruptive force and one of the best at the position in the country. He led the Sooners with 17 tackles for loss last season and also recorded nine quarterback sacks. He has exceptional speed for the position and a lightning-quick first step that makes him a major load rushing the passer.
The OU athletic communications department has quoted head coach Bob Stoops as saying this about his All-Big 12 linebacker: “He is the fire and the gasoline. He does it all and does it with a smile on his face. He is always ready to go.”
Juniors Dominique Alexander and Jordan Evans or senior Frank Shannon fill out what college football guru Phil Steele calls the Big 12’s best linebacking crew.
The Sooners also have a couple other talented players at the position who they can put in and get heavy pressure on the opposing quarterback: senior Devante Bond and sophomore Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Grade: A-
Next: Defensive Backs