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Oklahoma football: Which Sooners are ready to breakout on defense?

By Christopher Dukes

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in the defense of Robert Barnes #20 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in the defense of Robert Barnes #20 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Miguel Edwards, defensive back

Anyone who watched last year’s spring game should know that Edwards came to Norman with the ability to make plays. He came up with a huge interception on the goalline that day and looked like he was going to compete for immediate playing time. For some reason it didn’t quite pan out that way for Edwards, who spent most of last year learning behind more experienced guys. The 5-foot-11 defensive back could be ready to break out this year with new coaches taking a fresh look at the roster. Whether he plays safety, nickel or corner, don’t be surprised to hear Edwards’ name called more than a few times as Alex Grinch brings the Speed D to Oklahoma football.

Brian Asamoah, linebacker

The Sooners scored Asamoah in a major last-minute recruiting coup over rival Texas last year. He spent last season learning the ropes behind an experienced group of upper-classmen and now could be ready to become a contributor. I don’t see Asamoah becoming a starter (that may be a year away still), barring something drastic happening at one of the Sooners’ three true linebacker positions, but that doesn’t mean the redshirt freshman isn’t ready to contribute. In the offense-heavy Big 12 and with a scheme that relies on running full speed to the football a little depth never hurt anyone and Asamoah has the kind of skills that could make him a bit of a utility player, rotating between the three linebacker positions and filling gaps where they need to be filled.

Nik Bonitto, linebacker

Yep, another outstanding redshirt freshman linebacker on the list. The Sooners class of 2018 was flush with them and they are growing up quickly. Bonitto, like Asamoah, may still be a year away from becoming a full-fledged starter, but with a new staff on hand he’ll probably get a look at one of the three linebacker spots. Sometimes guys are just too talented to keep off the field and that may very well end up being the case for this St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) product.

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