The season is still over two weeks away, but the Oklahoma Sooners are already dealing with a major injury blow.
The Sooners at least avoided the worst-case scenario of a season-ending injury, but Sooners on SI's John Hoover reported Monday that OU will still be without starting center Jake Maikkula for 4-6 weeks after an MRI revealed he sprained his MCL during Saturday's intersquad scrimmage. At the earliest, Maikkula returns for the Michigan game Week 2, but more than likely, we're looking at the Red River Rivalry against Texas on Oct. 10, with OU coming off a bye and trip to Georgia.
Read more: Oklahoma avoids worst-case scenario with latest Jake Maikkula injury update
Now, it's all about who the next man up is so the Sooners can have a chance during the toughest part of their schedule. It's just been a day, but there seems to be three early realistic candidates to replace Maikkula at center: Noah Best, Ryan Fodje and Caleb Nitta.
Here's how I rank those those options:
Why Ryan Fodje is the Sooners' best option at center going forward
Noah Best has earned a lot of unexpected hype during fall camp, and fellow offensive lineman Ryan Fodje even said he believes Best could start Day 1. But Best's first opportunity shouldn't be at center.
No matter how impressive he's looked during fall camp, Best is still a freshman who has never dealt with an FBS defensive line, let alone the trenches of the SEC or Big Ten. He could very well hold his own, especially at guard, where he has gotten first-team reps at during practice. However, it doesn't set up a freshman for success to throw him to the wolves playing a brand-new position.
Read more: Noah Best is turning Oklahoma’s early injury problem into an advantage
Can Best fill in if someone slides over to play center? Sure. And he could probably even find success at center against UTEP, but the Sooners also need someone for Michigan.
It's irresponsible for Best's first college experience to come while also learning a new position, especially at center, where a veteran leader can be vital.
Caleb Nitta appears to be the easiest and top option, but not on this list. He's the only one left on the roster with actual experience at center. He started nine games there last season for Western Kentucky before transferring to Oklahoma over the offseason.
It worries me, though, that Nitta had to take a step down from Virginia Tech to Western Kentucky to finally crack a starting lineup. He appeared in just three games total in two years with the Hokies. It's been two years since, but if Nitta couldn't man the spot for Virginia Tech, there's concern he also can't for Oklahoma, especially against Michigan. Like Best, Nitta would also be fine against UTEP, but that game will be used to get ready for the trip to Ann Arbor the next week.
Less than a week ago, Ryan Fodje proclaimed, "If they need me at center, I'll take the glove off right now and start snapping the ball." Well, now is the time, Fodje.
Fodje's versatility has been highlighted throughout fall camp as he's shuffled from position to position depending on who's been banged up. It's included every position except center, but Fodje said he's versatile enough to play all five spots, and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has even mentioned before that Fodje could be the Sooners' center of the future after Maikkula is gone next year. So why not now?
Read more: Ryan Fodje’s selfless Oklahoma role could pay off in every way
There's no question Fodje is the most talented of this trio. He was good enough to start six games between right guard and right tackle as a freshman last year. And most importantly, he's made it clear he's willing to play wherever needed and learn that position so the Sooners can make the most of his talent.
This is also where timing favors the Sooners. This didn't happen midseason where Fodje has to learn a new spot in a week while also preparing for a game. He has over two weeks of fall camp still left to figure things out and can also gain experience at center against UTEP before the challenge of Michigan.
Between his talent and proven versatility, Fodje could not only suffice while Maikkula is sidelined, but even evolve into the Sooners' starting center, no matter who is healthy.
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