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Oklahoma Football: Spring Game 2017 – What to Look For

By Sixto Ortiz

Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader performs during the game against the Texas Longhorns during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Texas beat Oklahoma 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader performs during the game against the Texas Longhorns during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Texas beat Oklahoma 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners safety Ahmad Thomas (13) runs off the field with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners safety Ahmad Thomas (13) runs off the field with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Will the Defense Step Up?

Ah, the Sooner defense. While the past few seasons have been quite disappointing for defensive-minded Sooner fans, there is hope for 2017, especially after the Sooners’ solid defensive showing against Auburn in the Sugar Bowl last season.

Will the Sooner defense build on that performance and be even better in 2017? Or will the maddening inconsistency and defensive breakdowns return?

While replacing Charles Walker and Jordan Wade along the line will be tough, the Sooners bring back juniors D.J. Ward and Matt Romar, so some experience returns. And, the coaching staff is excited about Neville Gallimore and expect him to see even more playing time in 2017.

The linebacking corps should be improved in 2017: Caleb Kelly came into his own during the 2017 Sugar Bowl and may blossom into a star if he continues to progress. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is already on the brink of stardom, and if youngsters Curtis Bolton and Ricky DeBerry live up to their billing, they will provide valuable depth.

Incoming freshmen Levi Draper and Addison Gumbs are talented four-star recruits who could push for playing time in the rotation.

Jordan Thomas and Steven Parker, both returning, will anchor a secondary that, barring unexpected injuries, should be much improved over the 2016 edition. Unfortunately, the injury bug has already bit the Sooners: according to OU Insider, Jordan Thomas suffered a stress fracture in his foot that will keep him out of action for the spring.

Spring games rarely provide much insight into how a defense will play, so the hope here is to emerge from Saturday’s scrimmage with no more injuries.

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