Oklahoma Sooners: Charles Tapper
The last several days, ESPN Insider Phil Steele has been rolling out the rankings of his top individual position units in the country. In that vein, SoonerNation has ranked OU’s position units for the upcoming season, from best to worst:
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Improved football IQ is key for OU's Tapper
April, 25, 2013
Apr 25
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- The first time he stepped on the field as a Sooner, defensive end Charles Tapper felt uncertainty.
“It was nerve-racking,” he said.
In the Sooners’ 2012 season opener, the UTEP offensive tackle on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage did his best to intimidate Tapper, then just a freshman.
“I was kind of scared to go out there at first,” Tapper said. “The offensive tackle was just staring at me and I was just shaking.”
So instinct took over.
“So I tried to do a basketball move and he just threw me out of the way,” said Tapper, who was a standout basketball player who didn’t play football until his junior year at Baltimore (Md.) City College High School.
Later in the game, Tapper got the best of his one-on-one battle, pressuring UTEP quarterback Nick Lamaison in the final minutes of OU’s 24-7 win.
“After my first snap I was OK, I was ready to play,” Tapper said.
Those moments in El Paso, Texas, define Tapper's first season at OU. During times of uncertainty, the raw defeensive end turned to his basketball roots yet when he focused on his football fundamentals, he saw success.
“It was nerve-racking,” he said.
In the Sooners’ 2012 season opener, the UTEP offensive tackle on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage did his best to intimidate Tapper, then just a freshman.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiDefensive end Charles Tapper player sparingly for the Sooners in 2012, but he'll be a key member of the defense this season.
So instinct took over.
“So I tried to do a basketball move and he just threw me out of the way,” said Tapper, who was a standout basketball player who didn’t play football until his junior year at Baltimore (Md.) City College High School.
Later in the game, Tapper got the best of his one-on-one battle, pressuring UTEP quarterback Nick Lamaison in the final minutes of OU’s 24-7 win.
“After my first snap I was OK, I was ready to play,” Tapper said.
Those moments in El Paso, Texas, define Tapper's first season at OU. During times of uncertainty, the raw defeensive end turned to his basketball roots yet when he focused on his football fundamentals, he saw success.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Many faces are gone from final 2012, SoonerNation “Oklahoma 10” -- a composite ranking of the 10 best players on the squad.
Through the first half of spring ball, we’ve updated the “Oklahoma 10,” which – you guessed it – features many new faces:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 2): Perhaps no one stands to benefit more from the ongoing tweaks offensively this spring than Millard -- and that’s a good thing for the overall team, too. Millard averaged 6 yards per carry and more than 11 per reception in 2012, despite touching the ball just 63 the entire season. With a renewed emphasis on the running game featuring a heavy dose of read, midline and triple option, Millard figures to be a bigger part of the attack next season.
Through the first half of spring ball, we’ve updated the “Oklahoma 10,” which – you guessed it – features many new faces:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 2): Perhaps no one stands to benefit more from the ongoing tweaks offensively this spring than Millard -- and that’s a good thing for the overall team, too. Millard averaged 6 yards per carry and more than 11 per reception in 2012, despite touching the ball just 63 the entire season. With a renewed emphasis on the running game featuring a heavy dose of read, midline and triple option, Millard figures to be a bigger part of the attack next season.
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Spring football is always one of the best times of the year. While uncertainty and unknowns surround the program, excitement and positivity tend to override most concerns. Oklahoma opens its spring drills on Saturday, so here are some defensive players to keep an eye on this spring.
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, sophomore
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, sophomore
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After recruiting them for several months, Oklahoma's coaching staff was finally able to talk publicly about the players the Sooners added to the program on signing day. Over the next week or so, SoonerNation will review some of the key things coaches had to say about the players signed at each position group during their signing day webcast on Soonersports.com.
One of the most intriguing signees for the Sooners is defensive end Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy). A high-motor defender who matches his energy with production, Dimon could force his way into the lineup as a true freshman. Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright is hopeful Dimon steps right in alongside sophomores Charles Tapper and Mike Onuoha to provide OU quality, yet youthful depth at defensive end.
"[He's] a quick-twitch guy off the edge, good run stopper, good pass rusher," Wright said. "Hopefully he’s a guy who can come in and give us immediate help at defensive end. And we’ll give him the opportunity to do that."
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Dimon brings excellent size to the defensive end spot and could, in the long term, bring some swing versatility similar to David King, who played defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior.
"He’s kind of an old school-type guy," linebackers coach Tim Kish said. "He’ll bring great energy to the program."
"[He's] a quick-twitch guy off the edge, good run stopper, good pass rusher," Wright said. "Hopefully he’s a guy who can come in and give us immediate help at defensive end. And we’ll give him the opportunity to do that."
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Dimon brings excellent size to the defensive end spot and could, in the long term, bring some swing versatility similar to David King, who played defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior.
"He’s kind of an old school-type guy," linebackers coach Tim Kish said. "He’ll bring great energy to the program."
NORMAN, Okla. -- Nowhere have the Sooners done a better job compiling young talent defensively than at defensive end.
But two questions loom going into the spring. Will that young talent be ready to contribute to a defense in need of impact performers? And how will the Sooners use their defensive ends?
But two questions loom going into the spring. Will that young talent be ready to contribute to a defense in need of impact performers? And how will the Sooners use their defensive ends?
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Roundtable: OU's best recruiter in 2013 
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
4:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: Which Oklahoma coach has recruited best for the Sooners in 2013?
• In two years, Bobby Jack Wright has loaded up the defensive end spot for bear in Norman. Last year, he signed promising athletes Charles Tapper and Mike Onouha. This year, he augmented the position further, garnering commitments from two of the Top 25 DEs in the country in D.J. Ward and Matt Dimon. That foursome, along with upside prospect Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, whom the Sooners swiped from Oklahoma State, should ensure that defensive end is a position of strength for years to come.
Today's question: Which Oklahoma coach has recruited best for the Sooners in 2013?
• In two years, Bobby Jack Wright has loaded up the defensive end spot for bear in Norman. Last year, he signed promising athletes Charles Tapper and Mike Onouha. This year, he augmented the position further, garnering commitments from two of the Top 25 DEs in the country in D.J. Ward and Matt Dimon. That foursome, along with upside prospect Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, whom the Sooners swiped from Oklahoma State, should ensure that defensive end is a position of strength for years to come.
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Roundtable: No. 1 defensive concern
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
4:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: What is OU's biggest offensive concern going into the offseason?
Today's question: What is OU's biggest offensive concern going into the offseason?
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As critics took aim at Oklahoma’s defensive line this season, head coach Bob Stoops was unyielding in his defense of his players, often pointing to the experience that five senior rotation players bring to the table. Stoops said on more than one occasion that his defensive line was playing well.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
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Charles Tapper was a pleasant surprise when he played his way out of a redshirt season during Oklahoma’s fall camp last August. The defensive end has a limited football background, yet his physical gifts were too much to ignore as the Sooners elected to play him in limited reps during his freshman season.
OU hopes getting Tapper’s feet wet in 2012 will pay off in 2013. And the early signs point to the true freshman making positive steps toward becoming a key member of OU’s defensive line as a sophomore.
Left tackle Lane Johnson, who battled Tapper during bowl practices in December, can tell the difference in the Baltimore native from August to December.
OU hopes getting Tapper’s feet wet in 2012 will pay off in 2013. And the early signs point to the true freshman making positive steps toward becoming a key member of OU’s defensive line as a sophomore.
Left tackle Lane Johnson, who battled Tapper during bowl practices in December, can tell the difference in the Baltimore native from August to December.
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State of the position: Defensive end
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
12:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s defensive ends in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the defensive ends on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the position for Oklahoma. Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future at defensive end.
Next in line: Geneo Grissom. The sophomore’s raw athletic ability and physical gifts were never in question heading into the 2012 season. After injury-filled first two seasons in Norman, Grissom started the season at tight end before moving to defensive end in the middle of the year. He immediately began earning playing time and saw significant action in November. He appears poised to be a core member of OU’s defensive end rotation in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Charles Tapper. His combination of strength and athleticism has impressed teammates since he stepped on campus last summer. The former standout basketball player has just scratched the surface of his upside on the gridiron and will have plenty of opportunities to become a key part of OU’s defense as a sophomore. His development could be a key to the overall production and depth at the position.
Next in line: Geneo Grissom. The sophomore’s raw athletic ability and physical gifts were never in question heading into the 2012 season. After injury-filled first two seasons in Norman, Grissom started the season at tight end before moving to defensive end in the middle of the year. He immediately began earning playing time and saw significant action in November. He appears poised to be a core member of OU’s defensive end rotation in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Charles Tapper. His combination of strength and athleticism has impressed teammates since he stepped on campus last summer. The former standout basketball player has just scratched the surface of his upside on the gridiron and will have plenty of opportunities to become a key part of OU’s defense as a sophomore. His development could be a key to the overall production and depth at the position.
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OU position grades: Defensive ends
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
In the weeks leading up to the Cotton Bowl, SoonerNation will take a look back at how the Sooners performed position-by-position and give each group a grade based on that performance. Today, we examine the defensive end position.
Highlights: Senior David King capped a solid career with a solid senior season. The second-team All-Big 12 selection finished the regular season with 25 tackles and proved to be OU’s most valuable player on the defensive line because of his versatility to play tackle, too.
Lowlights: The Sooners struggled to get pressure on opposing QBs all season and finished 61st nationally with just 24 sacks. OU had 40 sacks last season. Senior R.J. Washington came up with a huge strip in the victory at TCU, but drifted in and out of the rotation. Chuka Ndulue was solid at times, but he and Washington each struggled with their run fits. Teams such as Kansas State, West Virginia, Baylor and Oklahoma State took full advantage as the Sooners finished with the No. 83 run defense in the country.
Highlights: Senior David King capped a solid career with a solid senior season. The second-team All-Big 12 selection finished the regular season with 25 tackles and proved to be OU’s most valuable player on the defensive line because of his versatility to play tackle, too.
Lowlights: The Sooners struggled to get pressure on opposing QBs all season and finished 61st nationally with just 24 sacks. OU had 40 sacks last season. Senior R.J. Washington came up with a huge strip in the victory at TCU, but drifted in and out of the rotation. Chuka Ndulue was solid at times, but he and Washington each struggled with their run fits. Teams such as Kansas State, West Virginia, Baylor and Oklahoma State took full advantage as the Sooners finished with the No. 83 run defense in the country.
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Could OU switch up defensive line?
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
3:02
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma is continuing to add options along the defensive line.
Houston (Texas) Alief Taylor defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, decommitting from Oklahoma State. Okoronkwo picked OU over OSU, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Utah, Purdue and others.
Okoronkwo’s decision is great news for the Sooners, who add another athletic defensive end to the fold. He has good quickness, acceleration and strength while being active and relentless.
Houston (Texas) Alief Taylor defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, decommitting from Oklahoma State. Okoronkwo picked OU over OSU, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Utah, Purdue and others.
Okoronkwo’s decision is great news for the Sooners, who add another athletic defensive end to the fold. He has good quickness, acceleration and strength while being active and relentless.
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Sooner Snapshot: DE Jordan Evans
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
1:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
To gear up for 2013 national signing day, SoonerNation's Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment in the Sooners' 2013 recruiting class. View the full archive here.
Vitals: Defensive end Jordan Evans, Norman, Okla./North | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Committed: Nov. 27, 2012
Vitals: Defensive end Jordan Evans, Norman, Okla./North | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Committed: Nov. 27, 2012
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Sooner Snapshot: DE Matt Dimon
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
12:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
To gear up for 2013 national signing day, SoonerNation's Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment in the Sooners' 2013 recruiting class. View the full archive here.
Vitals: Defensive end Matt Dimon, Katy, Texas/Katy | 6-foot-3, 250 pounds
Committed: March 13, 2012
Vitals: Defensive end Matt Dimon, Katy, Texas/Katy | 6-foot-3, 250 pounds
Committed: March 13, 2012
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ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.