Oklahoma football: Analyzing spring roster changes

Michael Thompson moves from defensive tackle to offensive guard

The Sooners worked hard to get Michael Thompson late in last year’s recruiting cycle, using a full-court press to persuade the 6-foot-5, 338-pounder to become a Sooner.

It was believed at the time he would play the role of 0-technique nose guard and be an immovable object in the center of the Sooners defense.

He even looked to be on track for some early playing time at the spot before a knee injury ended his 2018 season before it began. Now it appears his days of chasing quarterbacks are over and he’ll instead be protecting them going forward for the Sooners.

What does it mean for the program? This move says a few different things about where the Sooners are on both sides of the ball.

One, Oklahoma and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch aren’t worried too much about depth on the defensive line despite the loss of freshman defensive tackle Derek Green last month to the transfer portal. The Sooners’ three-deep at the nose position looks like Neville Gallimore, Dillon Faamatau and Jordan Kelly right now, barring any changes over the next few months. Don’t expect any true freshmen to move over the center and if they do, expect them to be given a year to develop.

Two, the Sooners are clearly changing their criteria for defensive linemen. Thompson was supposed to be the guy who stood up blockers and allowed athletic linebackers to make plays behind him in the old Mike Stoops system. Grinch’s “Speed D” moniker isn’t just words. He wants leaner, more athletic guys up front shooting gaps and creating havoc in the backfield.

Three, Thompson might be able to contribute early on the offensive side of the ball. Mariquis Hayes, Finley Fielix, Tyrese Robnson and Erik Swenson are all talented prospects at the guard spots, but they don’t have a single FBS collegiate start between the four of them. Not to mention Creed Humphrey‘s injury opens up another interior lineman spot for the spring. It will be interesting to see if Thompson can take advantage of his new spot and challenge for playing time or whether he is going to be used simply to shore up depth.