Nov 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Antwan Goodley (5) runs as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) defends during the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Backs
The erratic play of the OU secondary last season probably was the single biggest contributor to the Sooners disappointing 2014 performance. Oklahoma yielded far too many long pass plays and was near the bottom of the Big 12 in pass defense yardage (276.2 yards per game). That ranked 117th nationally among Football Bow Subdivision teams.
Cornerback Zack Sanchez is an All-Big 12 First Team performer and what you would consider a lockdown corner, but beyond him there is still a lot of uncertainly about this group heading into the 2015 season. Mike Stoops, who coached the defensive backs last season along with his primary duties as defensive coordinator, believes the year of experience gained by the three other first-year starters in the secondary – two freshman and a sophomore cornerback will upgrade OU’s performance and consistency on the back end this season. Stoops won’t be coaching the D-backs this season, though. Kerry Cooks has been brought in from Notre Dame as the full-time defensive backs coach.
Sophomore Jordan Thomas appears to be almost a lock at the other corner spot opposite Sanchez, but junior-college transfer Will Johnson could also get some playing time there. Steven Parker and Ahmad Thomas will draw the starting assignments at the two safety spots, with junior Hatari Byrd also expected to see action in reserve at safety. Freshman Will Sunderland also could get an opportunity to play some as a backup safety. Grade: C
Next: Special Teams