Surprises on No. 1 Sooners' Latest Depth Chart

Eric PennellJun 3, 2018

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops released the final depth chart of the preseason on Monday leading up to the Week 1 battle with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes on September 3, 2011.

The Sooners will be without sophomore WR Kenny Stills (suspension) and senior LB Travis Lewis (broken foot). While listed on the depth chart, the status of DE Ronnell Lewis is still unknown.

Tulsa will be without the two-time NCAA leader in all-purpose yards, WR Damaris Johnson, who got caught up in some legal issues off the field.

There was a lot of movement in Stoops' depth chart. Let's take a look at each side of the ball.

Offense

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The biggest eyebrow-raiser is at running back, where sophomore Brennan Clay is listed with junior walk-on Dominique Whaley at the top spot, closely followed by scat back Roy Finch, who impressed last season. Whaley has been the least publicized back of the group, but has been consistent in practices. Jonathon Miller—occupying the top spot on the last depth chart—is not listed. Nor is Brandon Williams, the talented freshman who likely needs a little more time to mature in the system.

Staying at the skill positions, Trey Franks is listed in DeJuan Miller’s previous starting role at WR No. 3. This might just be a formality, seeing that DeJuan will still start against Tulsa. He was moved behind Kenny Stills, who is suspended for the first game. Franks’ backup is true freshman Kameel Jackson, who has received mounds of praise all offseason from the coaches. He outworked fellow freshman Justin McCay for the job who was previously listed there.

Playmaking tight end Austin Haywood makes his first appearance on an OU depth chart, sharing the No. 2 spot with Trent Ratterree, behind James Hanna. Expect big things from the sophomore this season, especially in the passing game.

The all-freshman battle at right tackle seems to be decided, with Daryl Williams getting the nod over Tyrus Thompson. Donald Stephenson’s backup at left tackle, Lane Johnson, will see plenty of snaps backing up both tackles.

Defense

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On the other side of the ball, there are still some big unanswered questions. Everyone in Sooner nation is wondering if Ronnell “The Hammer” Lewis is going to start at defensive end. He has been M.I.A. for much of the offseason dealing with vaguely described “personal issues." Junior David King passed R.J. Washington as Ronnell’s backup.

Jamarkus McFarland jumped Stacey King at defensive tackle, but expect a three-man rotation with other starter Casey Walker.

The surprises continue at linebacker. Freshman MLB Kellen Jones transferred to Norman from the University of Michigan earlier this month and was reported to be making an impact quickly. It seems this impact has paid off, as he shares the backup spot with junior Jaydan Bird behind Tom Wort.

At cornerback, Jamell Fleming has (not surprisingly) regained his starting role over Gabe Lynn. Not to disrespect Gabe, but Jamell is one of the top corners in the conference and was serving a punishment from coach Stoops.

Special Teams, More Info

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To round it out, place-kicker Jimmy Stevens and punter Tress Way will handle kicking duties again.Trey Franks and Brennan Clay will be returning kicks and Ryan Broyles will return punts.

There seem to be a few battles left to work out, seeing that there are eight spots with an “or” separating two players. The class breakdown is as follows: Senior(10), Junior(17), Sophomore(18), Freshman(13). Yes, that is a lot of underclassmen.

Prediction on Ronnell Lewis: LB Travis Lewis is undoubtedly the starter at the weak side, but he is not listed due to an injury that will have him out several games. However, Kenny Stills is listed as a starter despite a one-game suspension stemming from a DUI in January. Since Ronnell is indeed listed, it leads me to believe that he is either playing or, at worst, might see a one game suspension. Just a hunch.

***UPDATE*** As of Bob Stoop's official pregame press conference today (Tuesday), there is still no word on Ronnell Lewis. Looks like we will have to wait until game time to see who runs out.

Click here for the full depth chart.