NORMAN — OU is a program in transition in 2024.
The Sooners are moving from the Big 12 to the SEC, from Dillon Gabriel to Jackson Arnold at quarterback and from a team with its offense as its backbone to one that relies on defense to get the job done.
While plenty of production returns, particularly on defense with linebacker Danny Stutsman, defensive end Ethan Downs, safety Billy Bowman and cornerback Woodi Washington leading the way, there are also plenty of questions.
Before the start of preseason camp, The Oklahoman’s Ryan Aber and Colton Sulley rank the Sooners’ position groups:
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No. 1: Linebacker
Projected starters: Kendel Dolby (cheetah), Kip Lewis, Danny Stutsman
Expected contributors: Lewis Carter, Jaren Kanak, Dasan McCullough, Kobie McKinzie, Samuel Omosigho
Intel: OU’s linebackers room is one of the deepest it has had in some time. Veterans Jaren Kanak, Kip Lewis, Dasan McCullough and Danny Stutsman’s decisions to return were massive for new defensive coordinator Zac Alley’s group. Head coach Brent Venables has the most competitive depth he’s had at the position since he arrived in Norman and the Sooners will go as far as their leaders bring them. OU’s second-year players like Lewis Carter and Samuel Omosigho have a chance to break out. Who Venables decides to play at his famed cheetah position will be notable and it is a position Omosigho could fit into well. The sky’s the limit for Kendel Dolby who showed flashes of excellence in 2023. Overall, the best position group currently on OU’s roster is the one with arguably its best player. Stutsman was selected to the preseason All-SEC first team and is coming off a season in which he totaled 104 tackles. — Colton Sulley
No. 2: Secondary
Projected starters: Woodi Washington (CB), Gentry Williams (CB), Billy Bowman (S), Robert Spears-Jennings (S)
Expected contributors: Eli Bowen, Peyton Bowen, Jacobe Johnson, Dez Malone, Reggie Powers III, Jayden Rowe, Makari Vickers, Kani Walker
Intel: The top two position groups coming on defense? Who could’ve envisioned this a few years ago? But it’s hard to argue against the secondary as one of the top groups, with the experience of Woodi Washington and Billy Bowman returning, the promise Gentry Williams and Robert Spears-Jennings have shown, and the additional pieces that were added in the offseason. Washington’s versatility to play any of the four spots, as well as the cheetah, make him a particularly valuable commodity. Bowman is generating buzz unlike any Sooners’ defensive back in recent history after recording six interceptions a year ago. The most intriguing among the group, though, might be San Diego State transfer Dez Malone. Malone started all 12 games at cornerback for the Aztecs a year ago, with 47 tackles and an interception but has the versatility to see time at safety as well. — Ryan Aber
No. 3: Wide receiver
Projected starters: Nic Anderson, Deion Burks, Jayden Gibson
Expected contributors: Andrel Anthony (barring injury), Ivan Carreon, Jalil Farooq, J.J. Hester, Zion Kearney, Jaquaize Pettaway, Brenen Thompson
Intel: Purdue transfer Deion Burks was one of the most impressive players during spring ball, including during the spring game when he erupted for a pair of deep touchdown catches. If he and quarterback Jackson Arnold develop chemistry, watch out. Nic Anderson is one of the more underrated players in the SEC heading into the season. Anderson caught 10 touchdowns in 2023. Andrel Anthony could be a significant piece of the offense if he returns from injury, talented freshmen Ivan Carreon and Zion Kearney could shine off the bench. J.J Hester has caught just 13 passes in four years at OU but he shined during the spring and looks like he’s ready to take the next step. — Colton Sulley
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No 4: Defensive line
Projected starters: Ethan Downs, Da’Jon Terry, R Mason Thomas, Damonic Williams
Expected contributors: Adepoju Adebawore, Trace Ford, Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson, Ashton Sanders, Davon Sears, David Stone, Markus Strong, Caiden Woullard
Intel: If you’re taking futures bets on position groups, this one would probably be at the top. David Stone and Jayden Jackson figure to make immediate contributions up front, but Danny Okoye figures to be a factor before long. R Mason Thomas showed flashes last season when healthy and has a chance to be a starter this season. The big addition here was TCU transfer Damonic Williams, who figures to be the starter at defensive tackle after earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore last season. — Ryan Aber
No. 5: Special teams
Projected starters: Zach Schmit (kicker), Luke Elzinga (punter), Peyton Bowen (kick and punt returns)
Other options: Tyler Keltner (kicker), Josh Plaster (punter), Deion Burks (kick and punt returns)
Intel: OU football struggled with special teams at times last season. Entering the SEC where the margins will be slim in every game, Venables hired Doug Deakin, San Diego State’s former special teams…
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