Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Which early enrollees will make an impact?

By Christopher Dukes

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 25: Head Coach Lincoln Riley of Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated West Virginia 59-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 25: Head Coach Lincoln Riley of Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated West Virginia 59-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: The Oklahoma Sooners run onto the field prior to the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: The Oklahoma Sooners run onto the field prior to the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Perkins, linebacker

While the depth chart could be in flux under new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, the Sooners do return experience and depth at the linebacker positions. Expect Caleb Kelly and Kenneth Murray to take up two of the starting spots with a returning Ronnie Perkins an early candidate to take the “rush” linebacker position. With a talented young crop of linebackers like DaShaun White, Brian Asamoah, Levi Draper, Ryan Jones and Nik Bonitto all ready to step in and contribute it makes sense for Perkins to spend next season learning the scheme and bulking up his 214-pound frame to prepare for what the Sooners are hoping could be a big career at Oklahoma.

Finley Felix, offensive tackle

The Sooners replace both tackles and both guards coming into the season and normally a JUCO acquisition like Felix is a signal of a candidate for early playing time, but there’s a waiting list at every starting position.

Erik Swenson, Adrian Ealy, Brey Walker, David Swaby and Darrell Swenson are all enqueue to take occupy the two-deep spots at left and right tackle while Tyrese Robinson and Erik Swenson  Marquis Hays all look to have the inside track at becoming the heirs to the two guard spots.

Still, Felix will get his shot. It will all come down to how fast he can pick up the Sooners’ offense against a group of guys who all have an experience edge.

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