Ranking the top seven linebackers in school history

Oklahoma football: Ranking the top seven linebackers in school history

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: The Oklahoma Sooners flag is waved from the field after a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

6 of 8

Oklahoma Sooners sooner schooner during the game against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 — Rod Shoate

Rod Shoate is the oldest player to make this list, and holds the distinction of having played under both Chuck Fairbanks and Barry Switzer. He played his high school football in Oklahoma, but was a bit small for the position at only 6-foot, 1-inch and 215 pounds.

What Shoate lacked in size, he made up for in pure speed. He simply had the pedal to the medal 24/7. Think prime Russell Westbrook playing linebacker in the 70s. Shoate played with zero fear, which allowed him to set the all-time record for tackles when he left Norman (that record has since been broken). He was also named a first team All-American three times.

Shoate led the Sooners in tackles in ’72, ’73 and ’74. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Home/OU Football