Oklahoma Sooners: Top Five Things To Look For In The 2009 Season

The emergence of a backup Quarterback:

With Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford back for his junior season, the focus shifts from what was going to be who will replace Sam Bradford (who was likely going to be the first player taken in the draft) to who will step up and compete for the backup position in the upcoming season.

Who are the two options?

Red-shirt freshman Landry Jones and true freshman Drew Allen are candidates. Either way, whoever emerges as the go-to guy will be young and inexperienced. You have to look at the term ‘inexperienced’ carefully though. Neither have played in a game at the collegiate level, but both are extremely talented quarterbacks for their age.

In the most recent summer depth chart released by the coaching staff, the 6'6" true freshman Drew Allen holds a slight lead over Jones (Summer Depth Chart). Allen who graduated early and enrolled at OU in the spring semester has shown the ability through the spring of being a very capable quarterback.

Jones on the other hand, from watching spring practices and his performances in the spring game, shows that he could hold the upper hand by the time summer workouts are over. Jones has had the benefit of being in OU’s system for well over a year now, which should help him tremendously in earning that second spot. Jones presents a game that is very unique as well. With a cannon for an arm, he has the ability to throw a very accurate deep ball as well as short intermediate routes, and also shows the ability to run with the football; something he did very well in high school.

The placement of Allen over Jones on the summer depth chart could be a tactic by the coaching staff to help Jones step up and play at the level he needs to be playing at by the time the season begins. In all likeliness, Jones will be Bradford’s backup if something were to happen to the “Big Easy,” and Allen will be redshirted to gain more experience within the system. 


The development of a brand new offensive line:

With the departure of Phil Loadholt, Duke Robinson, Jon Cooper, and Brandon Walker, the 2009 offensive line will be anchored by Trent Williams, the only returning starter. Williams who started every game at the right tackle position has shifted over to the ever important left tackle spot—a move which Sam Bradford will appreciate.

Week after week during the 2008 season, Williams graded out the highest nearly every game, even among Robinson and Loadholt who seemed to grab the attention of the entire nation. Williams was considered one of the “Big Four” to return instead of going pro. To complete the left side of the line is senior guard Brian Simmons, who played in all 14 games last season, seeing time at both the left and right sides of the line.

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