Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of articles looking ahead at the linebacker position for the 2021 Oklahoma football season.
In the not-so-distant past, Oklahoma defenses were a laughing stock of the college football landscape.
The scope and breadth of the Sooner defense’s ineptitude created a national narrative that until now has been inescapable. It was so bad that even when the Oklahoma’s defense improved rapidly in Alex Grinch’s first season as defensive coordinator, college football analysts like Jim Mora Jr. and Joey Galloway still insisted that the OU defense was stuck in the proverbial mud.
At long last, the Sooners have finally found continuity on the defensive side of the ball. For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, the Sooners have depth on defense. Most notably in the defensive line and linebacker positions.
The Sooners lost some defensive talent to the draft with the departure of defensive backs Tre Brown and Tre Norwood, and defensive end Ronnie Perkins, but the Sooners have completely reloaded at the linebacker position.
Sooner fans waited nervously for junior linebacker Nik Bonnito to announce his future plans after being one of the best pass-rushing linebackers in the country last season. Bonnito would have been an interesting prospect had he declared for the NFL Draft, but he decided to return to OU (wisely, in my opinion) to further help his draft stock. And that is a big plus for the Sooners.
The Sooners also return a physical specimen in David Ugwoegbu. At 6-feet, 3 inches and 251 pounds, his body is reminiscent of former OU linebacker and NFL first-round pick Kenneth Murray. Ugwoegbu may not be as athletic as Murray, but he’s every bit as good at shedding blocks and making tackles.
Oklahoma will also get a sixth year out of Caleb Kelly who has unfortunately been sidelined for two years due to injury. Kelly was a five-star recruit out of high school and started for both of OU’s College Football Playoff runs in 2017 and 2018. Even if he isn’t the athlete he was before his injury struggles, he adds depth and experience to this linebacker unit. His story will also undoubtedly be feel-good fodder on “College Gameday” on ESPN.
Deshaun White also returns to the fold for another season. White is a linebacker with tremendous athleticism and is great in run fits. The senior has always been a hot off-season topic in his time at OU, but he’s yet to completely break out on the field. This could finally be the year that White becomes the linebacker we all think he can be.
Bryan Mead will return in 2021 to provide depth for the linebacking corps. His presence on the OU defense has been maligned (perhaps a bit unfairly) after giving up a long touchdown to Deuce Vaughn of Kansas State last season. Nonetheless, he provides experience and depth to a talented group. Shane Witter, a freshman last year with tremendous upside, will provide valuable depth as well.
Brian Asamoah rounds out the list of returning production at the linebacker position. He’s a head hunter, can play sideline-to-sideline, and can secure the edge and make plays at the line of scrimmage. He is the quintessential outside linebacker and an important piece to the puzzle for next season.
Sooner fans will forever wonder just how far the 2017 and 2018 teams could’ve gone had they fielded a halfway decent defense. But in 2021, all the pieces are in place to make a solid run for the national title.
This linebacker group is the best to come through Norman in almost a decade, couple that with a veteran defensive line a group of DB’s that are no longer a complete liability and you’ve got a window that’s wide open for a national title run.
Be wary, Sooner fans, to not take this group for granted. This group of linebackers is something special. If you can remember the days in which the OU defense would give up 501 yards passing to Taylor Cornelius of Oklahoma State or 572 total yards to West Virginia wide-receiver Tavon Austin, then seeing competence on the defensive side of the ball should fill you with an abundance of joy.
Enjoy the ride, Sooner fans. For the first time in a very long time, you have reason to be excited for an OU defense. Cherish it.