Oklahoma Sooners preseason depth chart guess
With OU getting down to business in the next few days, I figured it was high time for another stab at what I imagine the depth chart looks like at this exact moment in time.
Offense
Notes:
*Not much movement here since the spring.
*With Kyler Murray spending his summer in the Cape Cod League, I suspect he starts the season in the three hole at quarterback. I don't know if it will stay that way, though.
Lincoln Riley may draw some special packages or plays for Murray. A larger question would be what happens if Baker Mayfield misses any extended time this season. I could envision a scenario in which Austin Kendall might be a short-term back-up and Murray gets the nod if the Sooners need a QB for more than just finishing out a game.
*Rodney Anderson gaining full clearance means he will probably start the year as first-team tailback. It wouldn't shock me if Anderson, Abdul Adams and Marcelias Sutton ended up getting their fair share of touches over the course of the season.
*Receiver is one area that I expect will stay in flux all year. I'll roll with Kentucky transfer Jeff Badet at the Z spot for now over Marquise Brown, who will still get plenty of action. True freshman CeeDee Lamb will see the field at some point, but I doubt it's right away.
Defense
Notes:
*To be clear, I have Amani Bledsoe as the No. 2 3-tech defensive tackle. His suspension probably means that Dillon Faamatau backs up Neville Gallimore to start the season.
*I'm not sure if there's any point to listing a second-string SAM linebacker behind Caleb Kelly. I'm betting OU would go with its nickel package as its primary defense were Kelly to get injured.
*While we're on the topic, however, Murray is an interesting question. Given that the coaching staff talks so highly of him, do they really want to move him inside if it's not a natural fit for him?
*I'll back Will Johnson in the race to replace Will Sunderland at safety. Mike Stoops always has shown a soft spot for Johnson, who seems to anticipate and read opposing offenses better that his chief competition, Kahlil Haughton.
Even with all the praise for Robert Barnes wafting out of camp from Norman, that is a dangerous position to play a true freshman who is coming off a major injury.
*I personally hope Chanse Sylvie makes a push for playing time at nickelback. I loved his aggressiveness and physicality in the spring game.