Oklahoma football: The state of the program

The rush end spot will be much like what Mike Stoops called the “jack” linebacker the past few seasons. Jalen Redmond came on strong last year to earn a starting spot before health issues ended his season early. He, along with Ryan Jones, will have to fend off a host of younger guys all gunning for playing time.

There are two other linebacker spots in the Grinch base defensive package. One would think returners Kenneth Murray and Caleb Kelly would be in line to take those spots, but there is going to be some competition with a crop of young, talented linebackers itching to get on the field. Brian Asamoah, Nik Bonitto, Levi Draper, Jon-Michael Terry and DeShaun White will all push for time on the field in what will be the deepest group of linebackers the Sooners have had in at least a decade.

At cornerback Tre Brown, Tre Norwood and Parnell Motley will all be upperclassmen. The question will be whether they can hold off the younger guys at the position. Starrland Baldwin redshirted last year and could be a factor along with a potentially-repositioned Brendan Radley-Hiles. There will also be a hard push from the incoming freshman class, which is as heralded as any group in recent memory.

The safety spot has been one of concern for the past few years with depth being a real issue on the back end.  Freshmen Patrick Fields and Robert Barnes ended up starting by the end of the year.  Delarrin Turner-Yell, another true freshman, was forced into service after some injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. Converted corner Jordan Parker and soon-to-be senior Chanse Sylvie will all try to fight off a talented incoming freshman class to stay ahead on the depth chart.