Oklahoma’s offseason will go a great distance in figuring out the Sooners’ on-field success subsequent fall. So far, so good, as Oklahoma has shored up a number of positions by means of the switch portal and signed an elite recruiting class.
The staff did go 6-7 on the season, although, leaving a lot to be desired and loads of holes to be stuffed. Oklahoma’s lack of execution will open the door for lots of place battles subsequent season.
There’s nonetheless time to add affect gamers by means of the portal and develop breakout stars within the Spring. Here are just a few positions surrounded with query marks that might be the deciding consider Oklahoma’s 2023 marketing campaign:
Cheetah
Indiana switch Dasan McCullough is primed to are available and compete instantly for snaps at linebacker in Brent Venables’ Oklahoma protection
Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK
Brent Venables spent portion of the low season explaining the ‘Cheetah’ place to each the followers and media. DaShaun White finally received that battle, and progressed an increasing number of because the season wore on. Now, trying forward to subsequent fall, White is out of eligibility and the Sooners, as soon as once more, have questions at Venables’ signature spot.
Indiana transfer Dasan McCullough’s identify has been thrown round as a potential candidate for White’s substitute. He spent period of time speeding the passer for the Hoosiers however is cellular sufficient to drop again into protection. Jaren Kanak stepped in to play the place on a number of events throughout his freshman season, too, and definitely confirmed promise. The expertise is there, the expertise is what’s missing.
Special Teams
Oklahoma kicker Zach Schmit made 66.7 p.c of his area purpose makes an attempt this season, which ranked No. 92-overall within the nation
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
The particular groups unit appears to be an all-around query mark for the Sooners. Zach Schmit continues to be a younger kicker nonetheless however didn’t fairly get the job accomplished in 2022, hitting simply 12-of-18 of his area purpose tries. Oklahoma’s punter, Michael Turk, has been the staff’s supply of consistency for the previous two seasons, and now his acquainted face is gone too.
Aside from the kicking models, the Sooners are nonetheless ready on Marvin Mims’ determination on the NFL, and his departure may affect extra than simply the offense. Adding to the uncertainty, Oklahoma could have to exchange its punt returner and kick returner if Mims declares for the NFL draft.
Scroll to Continue
The Sooners added transfer punter Luke Elzinga through the portal, however outdoors of that addition, the particular groups unit wants assist throughout the board. A constant kicker and an electrical return man could be a present for Brent Venables.
Defensive Line
The Sooners added Notre Dame switch Jacob Lacey to bolster their rotation alongside the inside of the defensive position
Michael Caterina / USA TODAY NETWORK
The primary spot of concern on the defensive position is, as soon as once more, the inside. Are the Sooners sufficiently big to win within the trenches?
Oklahoma acquired strong news on the defensive position entrance, as veteran Isaiah Coe introduced his intentions to return to Norman for one final season. His potential has been on show, and Coe looks as if a participant that would doubtlessly escape.
Both Jalen Redmond and Jeffery Johnson declared for the draft, leaving depth holes for Oklahoma to fill. The Sooners already added Notre Dame transfer Jacob Lacey in the portal, however OU ought to nonetheless be on the hunt for inside depth.
Want to be a part of the dialogue? Click here to turn out to be a member of the AllSooners message board neighborhood immediately!
Sign up in your premium membership to AllSooners.com immediately, and get entry to the complete Fan Nation premium community!
Follow AllSooners on Twitter to keep up to date on all the newest OU news.
Get your OU tickets from SI Tickets HERE.
put up credit score to Source link