Four Telltale Takeaways From Sooners’ 2017 Spring Game

The Sooners Get Defensive

Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is probably sick and tired of constantly hearing how the Sooner defense has not lived up to expectations. The fact is, Sooner defenses of late have not played at the level that Oklahoma fans are accustomed to seeing, so the criticism is somewhat justified.

But the defense played well in the Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn, so there is hope that Mike Stoops’ charges are finally ready to turn the corner.

It’s difficult to gauge a defense’s performance during a spring game, given all the rules designed to protect the skill players. But, it was evident on Saturday that the defense was playing with an edge and did not wish to be embarrassed.

Parnell Motley and Neville Gallimore are two players whose names were called quite a bit during the game. Motley was outstanding in coverage, especially when he intercepted a long pass from Baker Mayfield. And Gallimore was a disruptive force along the line. If he continues to progress, his ceiling may be quite high.

Linebackers Curtis Bolton and Caleb Kelly also had good games, notching five and four tackles, respectively.

Going into the spring and summer, there is little doubt that the coaches are quite excited about the young talent on the Sooner linebacking corps. The competition is heating up, which may be the reason why linebacker Kapri Doucet has decided he is leaving the program. But even with this unexpected departure, the Sooner linebackers have the makings of something  special in 2017.

The proof will come when the Sooners actually take the field against real competition, but so far it appears that the defense is stocked with enough talent to make a significant step change in 2017 and perhaps finally start playing at an elite level.

Next: Kyler Murray Splitting Time Between Two Sooner Sports This Spring

Hopefully, that step change will come around the time the Sooners travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State on Sept. 9.