Oklahoma Sooners Football: Grading Each Unit, Spring Edition

Spring is known as the season of rebirth. After a long, dismal winter the grass begins to grow, flowers bloom, and optimism is in the air.

For the University of Oklahoma, things are no different. This Spring brought new coaches, new impact recruits, new positions for several players and, more importantly, a fresh new outlook.

Several areas of need were addressed, like the defensive secondary and the post-Ryan Broyles wide receiver group.

New strengths emerged, like the rock-solid interior of the offensive line and a deep, versatile stable of running backs.

With the Spring practice session coming to a close—ending with the Red/White Spring Game this Saturday at 2 p.m.— it is time to give the first set of position grades of the new season.

Quarterback: A-

Senior Landry Jones already holds laughable leads over past greats in the Sooner record books for his career, and one can only expect more of the same next season.

Landry caught some criticism last year, however, for his poor decision-making and inaccurate arm. Things didn't get any better for him when the passing game came to a crashing halt after his safety blanket Ryan Broyles was lost to injury.

Landry can't hide behind those gaudy numbers anymore. He has one more season to prove to Sooner nation that he is more than just a "system guy".

The No. 2 spot is still apparently up in the air. "They're doing well. It's kinda day-to-day,” head coach Bob Stoops said referring to the battle between Drew Allen and Blake Bell. “They'll get their stretches when they're doing well and then a play pops up that they have to learn from. That's why you keep putting them out there.”

No matter who is officially named as the backup, Bell will more than likely see more playing time than Allen next year. His signature package, the Bell-Dozer, was wildly successful last year at converting third downs and red-zone opportunities despite being thrown in mid-season.

If Bell can emerge from this offseason as a passing threat out of the power formation, the offense might literally be unstoppable.

Running Back: A

Despite losing two future stars to transfer last season, the Sooners' backfield is as dynamic as they come in the Big 12.

Walk-on legend Dominique Whaley has the ability to be All-Big 12 next season if he fully recovers from a gruesome broken ankle. He has yet to fully participate in spring practice.

Whaley's downhill, one-cut-and-gone style of play contrasts brilliantly with Roy Finch's scatback, twelve-moves-and-gone bag of tricks.Finch will be employed in several different roles next season in an attempt to get him into space with the ball.

Those two will get the majority of the carries, but there is considerable depth behind them. Junior Brennan Clay will be pushed hard by JUCO transfer Damien Williams who rushed for over 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.

Redshirt freshman Danzel Williams has been making quite a name for himself this spring despite his 5-foot-8, 180-pound frame.

The ultra-versatile Trey Millard rounds out the group. His new nickname "Flash" was recently given because he excelled at every role the coaches tried him at: fullback, running back, H-back, tight end, blocking, catching, running—Millard can do it all and do it exceptionally well.

This group of backs represents one of the most complete units Bob Stoops has had the pleasure of coaching during his tenure at OU.

Wide Receiver: A+

Sam Bradford's 2008 squad scored more points in a season than any other team in college football history. You can put me on record as saying the 2012 Sooners are going to get awful close to the 716-point high-mark.

The main reason? The pass-happy Oklahoma Sooners are going to trot out the best unit of wide receivers in the country next season.

There is talent oozing from the top of the depth chart, where proven commodities like Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds reside, all they way down to Durron Neal, Sterling Shepard and a host of other newcomers all ready to make their mark in Norman.

The biggest splash this Spring has been freshman Trey Metoyer, the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the country one year ago. Many have him competing for a starting role come this fall.

Returning playmakers Kameel Jackson and Trey Franks will add quality depth to the mix, as well. “Trey Franks has had a very good spring,” receivers coach Jay Norvell said. “Trey has continued to develop as a player. He’s made tremendous progress in the spring, especially in the past week and a half.”

“Kameel continues to work and gives us great competition out there,” Norvell added. “He’s a guy who’s gaining confidence. He’s stronger, more physical and explosive than he’s ever been.”

Expect big, BIG things from this group this year.

Offensive Line: B+

The interior of the offensive line is experienced, talented and deep all the way across. Guards Gabe Ikard and Tyler Evans along with center Ben Habern are all multi-year starters who could contend for All-Big 12 honors.

Guard Adam Shead impressed everyone when he was forced into the lineup as a redshirt freshman last season and has continued his inspiring play this spring. Second year man Nila Kasitati has been filling in at center for Ben Habern and has made quite an impression, himself.

Tyler Evans had plenty to say about the two. "I think he’s the most improved along the offensive line,” Evans said referring to Shead. “Nila is looking pretty good at center. I think he’s found himself a home.”

For as solid as the interior of the line is, the tackle position is just as up in the air.

Lane Johnson has earned the starting left tackle spot despite having very little experience at the key position, and right tackle is going to be a three-man battle. Sophomores Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams have been fighting for the spot since last spring, but JUCO transfer Will Latu won't even make it to Norman until this summer. This one could come down to opening day.

Defensive Line: B-

In most cases, if you said a team like OU has five seniors on the defensive line, it would be safe to assume that they must be one of the top units around, right?

Well this defensive line reminds me a lot of the Indiana Pacers—just a bunch of role-player types that, despite some lofty expectations, haven't quite shown the ability to shine through.

Solid, but nothing to get excited about.

R.J. Washington (end) and Jamarkus McFarland (tackle) were billed as the "next big thing" when they came to Norman as freshman but have yet to make a big impact. David King played alright at end last season but never really wowed anyone, and I honestly have a hard time differentiating tackles Stacey McGee and Casey Walker from each other.

If this group of seniors doesn't get it done early this season, they had better watch out behind them because there is a group of young guys ready to take over.

Chaz Nelson, Chuka Ndulue and converted linebacker P.L. Lindley are putting pressure on King and Washington at end while redshirt freshman tackle Jordan Phillips—by far the largest member of the unit at 6'6" and 329 pounds—has had coaches drooling over him all spring.

Linebackers: B

Bob Stoops has fielded some legendary linebacker units over the years, but this year's squad still has a lot to prove.

The point man this year will be Tom Wort, taking over the MLB spot for departing four-year starter Travis Lewis. Wort has big-game experience, a high motor and is as hungry as anyone on the team, but is considered a little undersized for the position and, in turn, is often injured.

Corey Nelson has all the physical tools you could every want in a strong-side linebacker. Now that he is in his third year on campus, it is time to put it all together and live up to what the coaches have been raving about for two years. Mike Stoops' simpler defensive scheme should suit Nelson well, allowing him to just react instead of make several reads first.

The third linebacker in a Stoops defense has traditionally been a hybrid role, with time split between pass-coverage and attacking the line. Tony Jefferson has held the position the last two years, but his move to free safety means senior Joseph Ibiloye is the man. He has played well when filling in for Jefferson in the past and will be relied upon heavily to continue his solid performances.

The reason for the low grade is that there is very little depth. Wort's backup, senior Jaydan Bird, has been around a while but has very little in-game experience. Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin have been the most complimented of the young guys but have never set foot on the playing field.

The lack of depth is a big concern, especially for a position that takes so much wear and tear. The Sooner faithful had better keep their fingers crossed next season as this could be the weak point of the defense if the unit suffers a serious injury to one of the starters.

Defensive Backs: TBD

The defensive backfield has been an ever-evolving unit all spring long.

Tony Jefferson's move to free safety has been a big positive. His size, ability and instincts all suit the position much better than the nickelback spot he had played for two years.

Demontre Hurst steps out of Jamell Fleming's shadow this year as the main man at corner. If he can build on a good 2012 campaign, he could garner serious NFL attention by the end of the year.

Strong safety and the other corner position have been up for grabs, however. Javon Harris and Gabe Lynn have both gotten time at strong safety, with Harris adjusting well to his new position that doesn't have as much focus on the deep part of the field.

Many believe that if Harris can solidify the strong safety spot, last year's starter and tackle-leader Aaron Colvin will be deployed to cornerback opposite Hurst. Colvin is still recovering from shoulder surgery, so we will have to wait until summer for this saga to end.

Senior Lamar Harris, junior Joe Powell, JUCO transfer Kass Everette and sophomore Julian Wilson have all had a run at corner, with Harris and Powell distancing themselves slightly from the pack.

“[Lamar Harris] and Joe Powell continue to get the most action there,” Bob Stoops said recently. “They're doing well with it.”

I'll have to give this unit two different grades, depending on the possible outcomes...

Hurst and Colvin at corner, Jefferson and J. Harris at safety: A-

Hurst and Powell/L. Harris/Everette/Wilson at corner, Jefferson and Colvin at safety: B

Special Teams: A-

The Sooners will have one of the best kicking duos in the conference next season. Senior Tress Way is probably the Big 12's best and has been a model of consistency in his three years as a Sooner.

Sophomore kicker Michael Hunnicutt seems to have finally put an end to the post-Garrett Hartley blues. He was 21-24 on field goals last season with a long of 53 and only missed one extra point.

Kenny Stills seems to be the predecessor to Ryan Broyles returning punts. He has been working hard this spring to improve his return game. “It’s going good,” Stills said. “I feel like I am the most comfortable person back there right now.”

Finding an able punt returner is much more difficult than finding bodies to return kickoffs. Stills, Trey Franks and Roy Finch have been regularly mentioned as possibilities throughout Spring.

Keep an eye out for one or two of the impressive new class of wide receivers to make an impact in the return game, as well. Durron Neal and Sterling Shepard were kick return stars in high school and are perfectly built for the job.

Coaching: B+

Heads surely needed to roll after last year's defensive collapse. Most expected last year's secondary coach Willie Martinez to be the scapegoat. Few foresaw long-time assistant Brent Venables hitting the road though, especially for the same title, defensive coordinator, at Clemson.

But time marches on and the additions of Tim Kish (linebackers) and Mike Stoops (defensive coordinator, secondary) from Arizona have been welcomed additions in Norman.

Tom Wort had good things to say of his new positional coach.

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"It's just a different style of coaching. There's only one coach Venables, but there's only one coach Kish. [He] is a real cool dude. Knows what he's talking about. ... He's definitely hands-on. He gets fired up at practice. I'd say a little more laid-back than Venables, but I don't think that's a hard feat to accomplish."

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Mike Stoops has taken this spring to completely reevaluate his personnel in the defensive backfield. Tony Jefferson to free safety, Javon Harris to strong safety, Aaron Colvin (possibly) to corner, Gabe Lynn to strong safety, a five-man battle for the second cornerback spot... the list goes on.

This kind of overhaul is exactly what the defense needed. This, combined with new simpler defensive scheme, should have the D back on track for 2012.

Depth: A

The Sooners are currently loaded with talent in several key positions. The offensive line is heavily bolstered with young talent, running back is well balanced with experience and youth and defensive tackle has young prospects that could easily push the starting seniors off the field.

Heated competitions at cornerback, wide receiver, right tackle and defensive end have given the younger guys valuable reps which always bodes well for the future.

The only major concern is at linebacker, where a the heavy-load position is frightfully thin.