Veterans lock down key roles and rising stars seize injury-driven opportunities as the depth chart takes shape during a high-stakes first week of practice in Norman
Fall camp is underway, and after the first week of practices the picture of Oklahoma’s starting lineup is starting to come into focus.
It is believed by many that Brent Venables has his most complete roster yet since taking over as the Sooners' head coach, and expectations have risen to include OU within the national title conversation.
Nothing is set in stone this early, but based on what’s been said and how the depth chart is shaping up, here’s a realistic look at who could be out there when the season opens.
Offense
Quarterback – John Mateer (R-Sr.)
No competition here. Mateer is fully healthy and locked in as the starter. After dealing with the thumb injury last year, he’s in a much better spot physically and mentally heading into his senior season.
Running Back – Lloyd Avant (Jr.)
Avant isn’t necessarily the most talented back on the roster, but he’s made a strong early impression on new running backs coach Deland McCullough. With Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock still working their way back from offseason injuries, Avant has taken advantage of the opportunity and currently sits atop the depth chart.
Wide Receiver 1 – Isaiah Sategna III (R-Sr.)
Coming off a First-Team All-SEC season, Sategna is the clear top option. He’s already talked about wanting 1,500 yards this year. As long as he stays healthy, he should see plenty of targets.
Wide Receiver 2 – Trell Harris (R-Sr.)
Harris earned Second-Team All-ACC honors last season and looks ready to step into a bigger role. He should fill the kind of production Deion Burks provided a year ago.
Wide Receiver 3 – Parker Livingstone (R-So.)
His size and long speed give Mateer a different dimension. Livingstone has the tools to stretch the field and create mismatches.
Tight End 1 – Hayden Hansen (R-Sr.)
Hansen brings SEC experience and should be a reliable safety valve for Mateer. He’s one of the more polished options in a completely rebuilt tight end room.
Tight End 2 – Rocky Beers (R-Sr.)
Beers has the look of a red-zone threat. Given how efficient Oklahoma was inside the 20 last year, having another big body who can finish drives is valuable.
Left Tackle – Michael Fasusi (So.)
The sky is the limit for Fasusi. After starting as a true freshman, he has a chance to develop into one of the better left tackles in the country if he continues on this path.
Left Guard – Eddy Pierre-Louis (R-So.)
Pierre-Louis plays with a nasty streak and has been one of the more reliable pass protectors. He’s the type of guard who sets a physical tone.
Center – Jake Maikkula (R-Sr.)
Maikkula posted an 81.1 PFF pass-blocking grade last season and only allowed two sacks. Stability in the middle is important, and he provides it.
Right Guard – Ryan Fodje (So.)
Fodje has rare movement skills for the position and has added significant weight since arriving in Norman. The athletic traits are intriguing.
Right Tackle – E’Marion Harris (R-Sr.)
Harris improved his pass efficiency numbers last year. Cleaning up hand placement and limiting interior pressure will be the next step for him.
Defense
Defensive End – Taylor Wein (R-Jr.)
Wein is due for a big year. If everything clicks, he’s got All-American potential and should be one of the more productive edge players in the SEC.
Defensive Tackle – David Stone (Jr.)
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Stone as a possible top-10 pick next spring. He’s talented, but this will be his first year as a true every-down starter. The opportunity is there for him to prove the projections right.
Defensive Tackle – Jayden Jackson (Jr.)
Jackson moves well for a 300-plus pound interior lineman. His ability to play with light feet and switch gaps quickly makes him a solid complement next to Stone.
Defensive End – Adepoju Adebawore (Sr.)
The length and athleticism jump out. Adebawore has the physical tools to be a consistent disruptor on the edge.
Middle Linebacker – Owen Heinecke (R-Sr.)
Fully cleared after his eligibility situation, Heinecke returns to his old role and the green-dot communication duties. Having him back stabilizes the second level.
Sam Linebacker – Kip Lewis (R-Sr.)
Lewis has All-American upside and the kind of game that could push him into the first round of the NFL Draft with a strong season.
Cheetah Linebacker – Cole Sullivan (Jr.)
Sullivan was ready to step into a bigger role when Heinecke’s status was up in the air. With Heinecke back, he still needs to be on the field. Sliding him into the Cheetah spot makes sense after the year he had at Michigan.
Strong Safety – Peyton Bowen (Sr.)
A Second-Team All-SEC player a year ago, Bowen should be the leader of the secondary and one of the more reliable pieces in the back end.
Free Safety – Michael Boganowski (Jr.)
Boganowski earned a reputation as a physical, downhill safety. Of the projected starters in the secondary, he probably has the most to prove over a full season.
Left Cornerback – Courtland Guillory (So.)
Guillory had an outstanding freshman year and looks like a future star. He has the talent to develop into one of the better corners in the country.
Right Cornerback – Eli Bowen (Jr.)
Despite a smaller frame, Bowen earned Third-Team All-SEC recognition last season and continues to show lockdown ability on the outside.
This projected group reflects a roster that has more experience and depth than recent years. On offense the questions still center on the run game and consistency up front. On defense the talent is obvious, especially in the secondary and along the defensive line.
Camp will sort out the final details, but this is a realistic look at how Oklahoma could line up when the season starts.
