8/26/2007 Tulsa World
Quarterbacks
Depth chart
S. Bradford
J. Halzle or K. Nichol
The scoop
Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford won the starting job last week, but the competition might not be over. Coaches say every position must be earned weekly, which means Keith Nichol or Joey Halzle could still become the starter. The last time Bradford was on the field for a game was when he was a senior at Putnam City North High School in 2005.
Running backs
Depth chart
TB: A. Patrick,
C. Brown /D. Murray
FB: B. Eldridge, M. Clapp
The scoop
Allen Patrick's toughness and experience the second half of 2006 earns him the starting nod, but Chris Brown brings a nice change of pace, and DeMarco Murray is a gamebreaker who has to get on the field. Brody Eldridge, who's also the jumbo-set TE, is the team's best blocker, but he's returning from ankle surgery so might not be ready early.
Receivers
Depth chart
WR: M. Kelly, A. Tennell
WR: J. Iglesias,
Tulsa World Sports Extra
B. Caleb /F. Strong
WR: M. Johnson,
Q. Chaney
TE: J. Finley, J. Gresham
The scoop
Malcolm Kelly is one of the best in the country and is recovered from minor knee surgery. Juaquin Iglesias is an established slot presence, but is being pushed by Brandon Caleb. Manuel Johnson caught a career-high seven passes in the Fiesta Bowl. Joe Jon Finley and Jermaine Gresham present one of the Big 12's top TE tandems.
Offensive line
Depth chart
RT: B. Braxton, T. Williams
RG: B. Walker, B. Simmons
C: J. Cooper, B. Walker
LG: G. Robinson, S. Moore
LT: P. Loadholt, C. Brandon
The scoop
A trouble spot in the 2006 spring, now one of the team's greatest strengths. Size, experience and attitude push this group to an elite level. Phil Loadholt represents a serious upgrade at left tackle. Trent Williams started the last seven games for Branndon Braxton last season. Brandon Walker will have to improve to keep his job.
Defensive line
Depth chart
DE: A. Dotson, J. Beal
DT: D. Granger or
G. McCoy
DT: C. Bennett,
S. Coleman, A. Taylor
DE: A. English or
J. Williams
The scoop
Alonzo Dotson was perhaps the best big-play DE during the second half of last season. John Williams continues to progress from recurring knee injuries. The surprise of the summer was Auston English. Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman were steady late, but OU needs a greater playmaking presence from DeMarcus Granger, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor.
Linebackers
Depth chart
SLB: L. Baker, D. Pleasant
MLB: C. Lofton, M. Reed
WLB: R. Reynolds,
C. Lofton
The scoop
There's plenty of drama in Ryan Reynolds, who could be special if he rebounds from his second knee surgery. Curtis Lofton has nailed down the middle spot, but if transfer Mike Reed learns the system like he hits ballcarriers, he could get into the lineup. Lewis Baker has finally gained enough weight to play LB, and a position change could help former SS Keenan Clayton.
Defensive backs
Depth chart
CB: R. Smith,
L. Holmes or D. Franks
FS: N. Harris, D. Williams
L. Holmes
SS: D. Wolfe, N. Harris
CB: M. Walker, L. Holmes
NB: L. Holmes or N. Harris
or L. Baker
The scoop
In the 10-man two-deep, eight players have starting experience. Reggie Smith finally moves to CB from SS and is preseason Big 12 player of the year. While FS Darien Williams returns from foot surgery, Nic Harris moves from SS/nickel back to FS, which puts former CB D.J. Wolfe at SS for now. Marcus Walker is a lock-down CB, and Lendy Holmes, last year's surprise star at CB, will back up both corners and play FS and nickel.
Special teams
Depth chart
K: G. Hartley, M. Moreland
H: H. McEachern, J. Finley
P: M. Cohen, M. Knall
DS: D. Shaw, E. Mensik
KR: R. Smith, J. Iglesias
or D. Murray
PR: R. Smith, J. Iglesias
The scoop
Garrett Hartley, finally a senior, could be one of the nation's best kickers and has made 34-of-43 FGs in his career. Michael Cohen averaged 41 yards on 51 kicks last season, and Mike Knall placed nine of his 11 pooch-kicks inside the 20. Reggie Smith is an electrifying return man. Derek Shaw and Hays McEachern are back at snapper and holder, respectively.
Quarterbacks
Depth chart
S. Bradford
J. Halzle or K. Nichol
The scoop
Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford won the starting job last week, but the competition might not be over. Coaches say every position must be earned weekly, which means Keith Nichol or Joey Halzle could still become the starter. The last time Bradford was on the field for a game was when he was a senior at Putnam City North High School in 2005.
Running backs
Depth chart
TB: A. Patrick,
C. Brown /D. Murray
FB: B. Eldridge, M. Clapp
The scoop
Allen Patrick's toughness and experience the second half of 2006 earns him the starting nod, but Chris Brown brings a nice change of pace, and DeMarco Murray is a gamebreaker who has to get on the field. Brody Eldridge, who's also the jumbo-set TE, is the team's best blocker, but he's returning from ankle surgery so might not be ready early.
Receivers
Depth chart
WR: M. Kelly, A. Tennell
WR: J. Iglesias,
Tulsa World Sports Extra
B. Caleb /F. Strong
WR: M. Johnson,
Q. Chaney
TE: J. Finley, J. Gresham
The scoop
Malcolm Kelly is one of the best in the country and is recovered from minor knee surgery. Juaquin Iglesias is an established slot presence, but is being pushed by Brandon Caleb. Manuel Johnson caught a career-high seven passes in the Fiesta Bowl. Joe Jon Finley and Jermaine Gresham present one of the Big 12's top TE tandems.
Offensive line
Depth chart
RT: B. Braxton, T. Williams
RG: B. Walker, B. Simmons
C: J. Cooper, B. Walker
LG: G. Robinson, S. Moore
LT: P. Loadholt, C. Brandon
The scoop
A trouble spot in the 2006 spring, now one of the team's greatest strengths. Size, experience and attitude push this group to an elite level. Phil Loadholt represents a serious upgrade at left tackle. Trent Williams started the last seven games for Branndon Braxton last season. Brandon Walker will have to improve to keep his job.
Defensive line
Depth chart
DE: A. Dotson, J. Beal
DT: D. Granger or
G. McCoy
DT: C. Bennett,
S. Coleman, A. Taylor
DE: A. English or
J. Williams
The scoop
Alonzo Dotson was perhaps the best big-play DE during the second half of last season. John Williams continues to progress from recurring knee injuries. The surprise of the summer was Auston English. Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman were steady late, but OU needs a greater playmaking presence from DeMarcus Granger, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor.
Linebackers
Depth chart
SLB: L. Baker, D. Pleasant
MLB: C. Lofton, M. Reed
WLB: R. Reynolds,
C. Lofton
The scoop
There's plenty of drama in Ryan Reynolds, who could be special if he rebounds from his second knee surgery. Curtis Lofton has nailed down the middle spot, but if transfer Mike Reed learns the system like he hits ballcarriers, he could get into the lineup. Lewis Baker has finally gained enough weight to play LB, and a position change could help former SS Keenan Clayton.
Defensive backs
Depth chart
CB: R. Smith,
L. Holmes or D. Franks
FS: N. Harris, D. Williams
L. Holmes
SS: D. Wolfe, N. Harris
CB: M. Walker, L. Holmes
NB: L. Holmes or N. Harris
or L. Baker
The scoop
In the 10-man two-deep, eight players have starting experience. Reggie Smith finally moves to CB from SS and is preseason Big 12 player of the year. While FS Darien Williams returns from foot surgery, Nic Harris moves from SS/nickel back to FS, which puts former CB D.J. Wolfe at SS for now. Marcus Walker is a lock-down CB, and Lendy Holmes, last year's surprise star at CB, will back up both corners and play FS and nickel.
Special teams
Depth chart
K: G. Hartley, M. Moreland
H: H. McEachern, J. Finley
P: M. Cohen, M. Knall
DS: D. Shaw, E. Mensik
KR: R. Smith, J. Iglesias
or D. Murray
PR: R. Smith, J. Iglesias
The scoop
Garrett Hartley, finally a senior, could be one of the nation's best kickers and has made 34-of-43 FGs in his career. Michael Cohen averaged 41 yards on 51 kicks last season, and Mike Knall placed nine of his 11 pooch-kicks inside the 20. Reggie Smith is an electrifying return man. Derek Shaw and Hays McEachern are back at snapper and holder, respectively.
