Oklahoma Sooners: Joseph Ibiloye
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 linebacker position.
Highlights: Frank Shannon was one of the stories in the 41-20 win at Texas Tech. Replacing veteran Tom Wort at middle linebacker in the first half, Shannon was a menace on the Red Raider offense, both against the run and covering crossing routes across the middle. With OU leading 24-13, Tech elected to go for it on fourth down with the ball in Sooner territory. But Shannon exploded between blockers on a blitz to sack Seth Doege, giving the Sooners back the ball, and the momentum for good.
Lowlights: This unit had a few. In the beginning of the season, they were exposed covering the pass. Kansas State sealed its win with a completion across Wort for a fourth-quarter first down. Later in the season, Mike Stoops simply abandoned using linebackers altogether, for fear the better pass offenses of the Big 12 would abuse them. All four of OU’s starting defensive backs finished with more tackles than any of the linebackers.
Highlights: Frank Shannon was one of the stories in the 41-20 win at Texas Tech. Replacing veteran Tom Wort at middle linebacker in the first half, Shannon was a menace on the Red Raider offense, both against the run and covering crossing routes across the middle. With OU leading 24-13, Tech elected to go for it on fourth down with the ball in Sooner territory. But Shannon exploded between blockers on a blitz to sack Seth Doege, giving the Sooners back the ball, and the momentum for good.
Lowlights: This unit had a few. In the beginning of the season, they were exposed covering the pass. Kansas State sealed its win with a completion across Wort for a fourth-quarter first down. Later in the season, Mike Stoops simply abandoned using linebackers altogether, for fear the better pass offenses of the Big 12 would abuse them. All four of OU’s starting defensive backs finished with more tackles than any of the linebackers.
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Postgame wrap: K-State 24, Oklahoma 19 
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
9:15
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon and
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Analyzing the finer points of Oklahoma's 24-19 loss to Kansas State:
• The Sooners nearly suffered another disastrous turnover in the third quarter. As jet back Roy Finch came in front of Landry Jones in motion, Jones took the snap and heaved it Finch’s way. Officials originally ruled the play a fumble and Kansas State recovered deep in OU territory. The replay booth, however, reversed call and gave the Sooners the ball back.
Initially, it looked as though Finch ran the wrong play or wasn’t expecting the ball. But after the game, Bob Stoops said the play was simply mistimed.
• The Sooners nearly suffered another disastrous turnover in the third quarter. As jet back Roy Finch came in front of Landry Jones in motion, Jones took the snap and heaved it Finch’s way. Officials originally ruled the play a fumble and Kansas State recovered deep in OU territory. The replay booth, however, reversed call and gave the Sooners the ball back.
Initially, it looked as though Finch ran the wrong play or wasn’t expecting the ball. But after the game, Bob Stoops said the play was simply mistimed.
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Practice report: S Tony Jefferson practices
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
7:05
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma free safety Tony Jefferson took every snap of Monday’s practice and is expected to play Saturday against Kansas State, head coach Bob Stoops said.
“No more questions about Tony, OK?” Stoops said.
Jefferson suffered a sprained ankle on Sept. 8 against Florida A&M, and sat out practice last week during the Sooners’ open date. His return is a huge boost for an OU defense facing its first true test of the season. The Wildcats are 13th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 46 points per game.
“No more questions about Tony, OK?” Stoops said.
Jefferson suffered a sprained ankle on Sept. 8 against Florida A&M, and sat out practice last week during the Sooners’ open date. His return is a huge boost for an OU defense facing its first true test of the season. The Wildcats are 13th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 46 points per game.
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Practice report: Linebackers grade out well
September, 3, 2012
9/03/12
7:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
In his first game back as coordinator of the Oklahoma defense, Mike Stoops was pleased with the overall performance. Despite giving up 177 yards on the ground to tailback Nathan Jeffery, the Sooners kept UTEP out of the end zone.
“We had consistent pressure all night,” Stoops said. “Thought we made it very uncomfortable for them.”
Stoops said the “front played awfully well,” despite not having starting tackles Casey Walker (who again wasn’t at practice Monday because of a personal issue) and Stacy McGee, who remains suspended. But Stoops saved most of his praise for the back seven, which didn’t give up a pass for longer than 13 yards.
“We had consistent pressure all night,” Stoops said. “Thought we made it very uncomfortable for them.”
Stoops said the “front played awfully well,” despite not having starting tackles Casey Walker (who again wasn’t at practice Monday because of a personal issue) and Stacy McGee, who remains suspended. But Stoops saved most of his praise for the back seven, which didn’t give up a pass for longer than 13 yards.
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Film room: Five key plays from OU-UTEP
September, 2, 2012
9/02/12
5:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.
Oklahoma began its 2012 season with a 24-7 victory over UTEP at Sun Bowl Stadium on Saturday night. Some questions were answered and some questions arose while everyone agrees the Sooners have work to do if they plan to compete for a national championship this fall.
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Defining OU's new nickelback position
August, 29, 2012
8/29/12
1:00
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By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Gabe Lynn and Julian Wilson, two players that saw little action last year, figure to be a big part of the Sooners defense in 2012. Lynn has beaten out Wilson for the starting nickelback job, but Wilson is expected to come in as the dime back when the Sooners go to six defensive back sets.
“Julian has been very good. He's gonna play a lot,” coach Bob Stoops said. “Whether he starts or not, he's gonna be rotation with those guys. We really like how he plays. He's done really well.”
Joseph Ibiloye, who has been a nickelback the past three years, is working at weakside linebacker with Corey Nelson. Tony Jefferson, who started nickelback most of last season, is now at free safety.
New defensive coordinator Mike Stoops described what he has looked for in the nickelback position.
"We want somebody that’s big, that’s long and can cover up slot receivers; be athletic enough to run with guys, and be physical to fit the run game," he said. "They need to possess all those types of skills. They’re a little bit of a hybrid between a safety and a corner. They’re a little more athletic than safeties, and maybe not quite as athletic as corners. But they hit like safeties, not like corners.
“Julian has been very good. He's gonna play a lot,” coach Bob Stoops said. “Whether he starts or not, he's gonna be rotation with those guys. We really like how he plays. He's done really well.”
Joseph Ibiloye, who has been a nickelback the past three years, is working at weakside linebacker with Corey Nelson. Tony Jefferson, who started nickelback most of last season, is now at free safety.
New defensive coordinator Mike Stoops described what he has looked for in the nickelback position.
"We want somebody that’s big, that’s long and can cover up slot receivers; be athletic enough to run with guys, and be physical to fit the run game," he said. "They need to possess all those types of skills. They’re a little bit of a hybrid between a safety and a corner. They’re a little more athletic than safeties, and maybe not quite as athletic as corners. But they hit like safeties, not like corners.
Tim Kish high on OU's backup linebackers
August, 28, 2012
8/28/12
11:30
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By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
At the advent of two-a-days, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops lauded Oklahoma’s depth at linebacker. Nothing in the last three weeks has changed his mind. After starters Tom Wort and Corey Nelson, the Sooners have been using seniors Jaydan Bird and Joseph Ibiloye. But the development of sophomores Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin and true freshman Eric Striker has the staff feeling comfortable going three- and four-deep at the position.
“They're getting a lot of reps right now,” linebackers coach Tim Kish said. “They're making good progress. Neither (Shannon nor Franklin) really has a snap on defense when the lights are on. But they're working really hard as a group.
“We expect them to be game-ready.”
Shannon has been rotating in at middle linebacker, while Franklin and Striker have been working at weak-side.
Kish has been especially bullish on Striker, who will not redshirt this season. At worst, Striker is expected to be a big part of OU’s special teams units.
“He's just a football player,” Kish said. “He's got great instincts out there. He practices a hundred miles an hour. He's got a great attitude towards the game. He's energetic. He has that outwardly passion for the game. Where I've got maybe some quiet guys in the group, that maybe are a little more reserved that way, he's kind of loud. I think that makes him stand out with the rest of the guys.
“He just lacks experience right now. He's kind of swimming, which is to be expected of any freshman playing his position. It'll come around for him. He'll have a special teams role in the beginning, and we'll keep developing him as a linebacker. You never know how fast things can change. There will be a time during the fall where the light will really come on and he'll start seeing the pieces fit together.”
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J.P. Wilson/Icon SMI First-year assistants Mike Stoops (left) and Tim Kish like their depth at linebacker.
J.P. Wilson/Icon SMI First-year assistants Mike Stoops (left) and Tim Kish like their depth at linebacker.“We expect them to be game-ready.”
Shannon has been rotating in at middle linebacker, while Franklin and Striker have been working at weak-side.
Kish has been especially bullish on Striker, who will not redshirt this season. At worst, Striker is expected to be a big part of OU’s special teams units.
“He's just a football player,” Kish said. “He's got great instincts out there. He practices a hundred miles an hour. He's got a great attitude towards the game. He's energetic. He has that outwardly passion for the game. Where I've got maybe some quiet guys in the group, that maybe are a little more reserved that way, he's kind of loud. I think that makes him stand out with the rest of the guys.
“He just lacks experience right now. He's kind of swimming, which is to be expected of any freshman playing his position. It'll come around for him. He'll have a special teams role in the beginning, and we'll keep developing him as a linebacker. You never know how fast things can change. There will be a time during the fall where the light will really come on and he'll start seeing the pieces fit together.”
Updating Oklahoma's position battles
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
2:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
With the season opener rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to look at the results of the key position battles that made Oklahoma’s preseason camp intriguing. Some jobs were won years ago (i.e. starting quarterback Landry Jones) while others were won (tight end) this week. Here’s a look at some of the key position battles, where they stood heading into preseason camp and where they stand now.
BACKUP QUARTERBACK
Then: Drew Allen and Blake Bell were in a competitive battle to earn the No. 2 quarterback position as camp opened. Allen, a junior, won the position in 2011 and was Landry Jones' backup for the entire season even as Bell carved out a role in OU’s “Belldozer” package. Allen and Bell battled in the spring without a winner before summer workouts began.
BACKUP QUARTERBACK
Then: Drew Allen and Blake Bell were in a competitive battle to earn the No. 2 quarterback position as camp opened. Allen, a junior, won the position in 2011 and was Landry Jones' backup for the entire season even as Bell carved out a role in OU’s “Belldozer” package. Allen and Bell battled in the spring without a winner before summer workouts began.
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Ranking the Big 12's top 25 players: No. 13
August, 15, 2012
8/15/12
7:30
PM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Our official list of the Big 12's top 25 players entering the 2012 season marches on. Here's more on my criteria for who makes it, who doesn't and who lands where.
The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player a day leading up to the season.
Next up on the list:
No. 13: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
2011 numbers: Made 74 tackles (52 solo) and had 7.5 tackles for loss. Picked off four passes and made 4.5 sacks. Also forced a fumble and broke up three passes.
Most recent ranking: Jefferson was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Jefferson: No. 13 on this list feels low for Jefferson when it comes to total talent, but for Jefferson the production has to be there too. I expect that to be the case this year, and for Jefferson to make his case as a top 10 player, if not a contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
Why? He's moving back to his more natural position under new coordinator Mike Stoops. Jefferson will be patrolling the free safety spot instead of spending so much time at the nickel back spot. Teammates know that's where Jefferson's strength lies, and we'll see it on display this year. The Sooners have a solid replacement for him at nickel back in Joseph Ibiloye, and the Sooners move arguably their most talented defender to the spot where help is needed most.
The back of the defense was exposed far too often last season, and on big stages. Jefferson's move should plug that up, and give him more freedom to roam where he's far more comfortable. Jefferson shared the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Award in 2010, but was relatively quiet last season. Three of his four interceptions came on consecutive possessions against Ball State.
This year, I hope you're not expecting the 5-foot-11, 212-pound California native to stay quiet for long.
The rest of the list:
The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player a day leading up to the season.
Next up on the list:
No. 13: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
2011 numbers: Made 74 tackles (52 solo) and had 7.5 tackles for loss. Picked off four passes and made 4.5 sacks. Also forced a fumble and broke up three passes.
Most recent ranking: Jefferson was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Jefferson: No. 13 on this list feels low for Jefferson when it comes to total talent, but for Jefferson the production has to be there too. I expect that to be the case this year, and for Jefferson to make his case as a top 10 player, if not a contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
Why? He's moving back to his more natural position under new coordinator Mike Stoops. Jefferson will be patrolling the free safety spot instead of spending so much time at the nickel back spot. Teammates know that's where Jefferson's strength lies, and we'll see it on display this year. The Sooners have a solid replacement for him at nickel back in Joseph Ibiloye, and the Sooners move arguably their most talented defender to the spot where help is needed most.
The back of the defense was exposed far too often last season, and on big stages. Jefferson's move should plug that up, and give him more freedom to roam where he's far more comfortable. Jefferson shared the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Award in 2010, but was relatively quiet last season. Three of his four interceptions came on consecutive possessions against Ball State.
This year, I hope you're not expecting the 5-foot-11, 212-pound California native to stay quiet for long.
The rest of the list:
- No. 25: Justin Gilbert, CB/KR, Oklahoma State
- No. 24: Ben Habern, C, Oklahoma
- No. 23: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
- No. 22: Josh Boyce, WR, TCU
- No. 21: Cyril Richardson, OL, Baylor
- No. 20: Trey Millard, FB/TE, Oklahoma
- No. 19: Quandre Diggs, CB/KR, Texas
- No. 18: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
- No. 17: Brodrick Brown, CB, Oklahoma State
- No. 16: Stansly Maponga, DE, TCU
- No. 15: Gabe Ikard, OL, Oklahoma
- No. 14: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Tim Kish: Corey Nelson focused, improved
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
11:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Two years ago, Bob Stoops called weak-side linebacker Corey Nelson the defensive MVP of the spring. But this past spring, Nelson was anything but. He didn’t even start the spring game, despite the graduation of Travis Lewis.
But this fall apparently has been a different story for Nelson.
“In the spring, he was a little bit out of whack I thought, just lot of things going on with his life at that time,” said linebackers coach Tim Kish. “Now he seems to be settling down, I think he’s more focused this fall, which he needed to be. He’s providing us with some leadership out there, but he needs to keep improving like everybody else. We’re looking for him to be a leader out there.”
The Sooners have several promising prospects at linebacker. Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin have turned a corner in the last year. Kish already has said that true freshman Eric Striker won’t redshirt and contribute on special teams. Compared to them, Nelson is experienced. But he has only 11 career starts.
“Him and (Tom) Wort and Joe (Ibiloye) are really the only ones with linebacker experience,” Kish said. “And Corey doesn’t have that much. When you look at it, you have really only one returning starter in Tom. Like I said, we just got to develop that position. Competition has been good in there. We have to raise our game every day.”
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Peter G. Aiken/Getty ImagesCorey Nelson is battling Joseph Ibiloye for the starting job at weakside linebacker.
Peter G. Aiken/Getty ImagesCorey Nelson is battling Joseph Ibiloye for the starting job at weakside linebacker.“In the spring, he was a little bit out of whack I thought, just lot of things going on with his life at that time,” said linebackers coach Tim Kish. “Now he seems to be settling down, I think he’s more focused this fall, which he needed to be. He’s providing us with some leadership out there, but he needs to keep improving like everybody else. We’re looking for him to be a leader out there.”
The Sooners have several promising prospects at linebacker. Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin have turned a corner in the last year. Kish already has said that true freshman Eric Striker won’t redshirt and contribute on special teams. Compared to them, Nelson is experienced. But he has only 11 career starts.
“Him and (Tom) Wort and Joe (Ibiloye) are really the only ones with linebacker experience,” Kish said. “And Corey doesn’t have that much. When you look at it, you have really only one returning starter in Tom. Like I said, we just got to develop that position. Competition has been good in there. We have to raise our game every day.”
LB Eric Striker won’t redshirt, is ‘special’
August, 11, 2012
8/11/12
4:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Much has been made of Oklahoma’s offensive freshmen, like receivers Trey Metoyer and Sterling Shepard and running back Alex Ross. But a few freshmen defenders are making waves through the first week of practice, including outside linebacker Erik Striker.
Linebackers coach Tim Kish said Tuesday he has “no intentions” of redshirting Striker.
“He’s a tough, physical player; has good football instincts,” Kish said. “We’re definitely utilizing him right now on special teams and work him in there and keep developing him as an outside linebacker.”
Striker is working in at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, Joe Ibiloye and Aaron Franklin. Striker won’t see much playing time at linebacker this season. But on special teams, he could make an immediate impact.
“That guy is something special,” Nelson said. “A great player who is very fast, very instinctive and so full of life. To have him on the team is amazing, I look forward to him playing this season. He’s one of those guys you need to look out for, because he’s a playmaker.”
Striker was a terrific defender in high school and excelled close to the line of scrimmage and on blitzes, so it seems like a natural fit to move him to linebacker. His seemingly smooth transition to college linebacker has been one of the top developments of camp thus far.
Linebackers coach Tim Kish said Tuesday he has “no intentions” of redshirting Striker.
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Striker is working in at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, Joe Ibiloye and Aaron Franklin. Striker won’t see much playing time at linebacker this season. But on special teams, he could make an immediate impact.
“That guy is something special,” Nelson said. “A great player who is very fast, very instinctive and so full of life. To have him on the team is amazing, I look forward to him playing this season. He’s one of those guys you need to look out for, because he’s a playmaker.”
Striker was a terrific defender in high school and excelled close to the line of scrimmage and on blitzes, so it seems like a natural fit to move him to linebacker. His seemingly smooth transition to college linebacker has been one of the top developments of camp thus far.
Camp is open up in Norman. Before we get too deep in sweltering hot practices, I'll offer up a quick preview of what you need to know heading into the season.
Next up: Oklahoma
Media's predicted finish: First.
Biggest story line: Is Oklahoma, fresh off a disappointing end to 2011, good enough to bounce back and ascend back into the BCS in 2012 as Big 12 champs? The Sooners are the favorites, and have a decent shot at winning a national title if they stay healthy. This year, they don't have to deal with the crushing pressure of the preseason No. 1 and the expectation of a national title. Even QB Landry Jones admitted to me this preseason that wins last year felt mostly like relief, the calm after holding their breath for 60 minutes. This year should be much more relaxing, with wins feeling more like accomplishments. Will the results show up on the field?
Biggest question mark: Receivers. There's tons of potential here, especially with the addition of Penn State transfer Justin Brown, who'll contribute on punt returns, too. Kenny Stills returns, but offseason suspensions means Brown and Stills will be the only Sooners on the roster who have played a down of college football when the season begins. Trey Metoyer looks likely to emerge as an impact player, but he's got to prove it. Can Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal get in the mix while Jaz Reynolds and Trey Franks sit out with multiple game suspensions?
Biggest addition: Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is in after nearly a decade in charge of the Arizona program. He'll coach the defensive backs and replace Brent Venables, who left for Clemson after being forced into a co-defensive coordinator role with Stoops.
Who needs to step up: The rest of the offensive line. Oklahoma's camp has gotten off to an awful start. Center Ben Habern left football after lingering neck and back issues, and guard Tyler Evans is out with a torn ACL. That's a pair of three-year starters. Guard Gabe Ikard, the team's most talented lineman, is moving to center, but the Sooners are officially strapped for depth. It's time for junior Bronson Irwin to slide into Evans' spot, and he'll have to be great if OU is going to win another Big 12 or national title.
On the mend: Dominique Whaley. The Sooners' RB suffered a nasty broken ankle last season against Kansas State, but he's back and ready to compete with Roy Finch and Brennan Clay for carries in a crowded backfield.
Don't forget about: S Tony Jefferson. He's moving from the nickel back spot (Joe Ibiloye is expected to take over) back to free safety across from Javon Harris as strong safety, but don't be surprised if Jefferson makes a run at the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award by season's end. He's got the physical talent and his instincts are almost unmatched in this league. At a more natural spot, could he emerge as an All-American, or more?
Next up: Oklahoma
Media's predicted finish: First.
Biggest story line: Is Oklahoma, fresh off a disappointing end to 2011, good enough to bounce back and ascend back into the BCS in 2012 as Big 12 champs? The Sooners are the favorites, and have a decent shot at winning a national title if they stay healthy. This year, they don't have to deal with the crushing pressure of the preseason No. 1 and the expectation of a national title. Even QB Landry Jones admitted to me this preseason that wins last year felt mostly like relief, the calm after holding their breath for 60 minutes. This year should be much more relaxing, with wins feeling more like accomplishments. Will the results show up on the field?
Biggest question mark: Receivers. There's tons of potential here, especially with the addition of Penn State transfer Justin Brown, who'll contribute on punt returns, too. Kenny Stills returns, but offseason suspensions means Brown and Stills will be the only Sooners on the roster who have played a down of college football when the season begins. Trey Metoyer looks likely to emerge as an impact player, but he's got to prove it. Can Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal get in the mix while Jaz Reynolds and Trey Franks sit out with multiple game suspensions?
Biggest addition: Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is in after nearly a decade in charge of the Arizona program. He'll coach the defensive backs and replace Brent Venables, who left for Clemson after being forced into a co-defensive coordinator role with Stoops.
Who needs to step up: The rest of the offensive line. Oklahoma's camp has gotten off to an awful start. Center Ben Habern left football after lingering neck and back issues, and guard Tyler Evans is out with a torn ACL. That's a pair of three-year starters. Guard Gabe Ikard, the team's most talented lineman, is moving to center, but the Sooners are officially strapped for depth. It's time for junior Bronson Irwin to slide into Evans' spot, and he'll have to be great if OU is going to win another Big 12 or national title.
On the mend: Dominique Whaley. The Sooners' RB suffered a nasty broken ankle last season against Kansas State, but he's back and ready to compete with Roy Finch and Brennan Clay for carries in a crowded backfield.
Don't forget about: S Tony Jefferson. He's moving from the nickel back spot (Joe Ibiloye is expected to take over) back to free safety across from Javon Harris as strong safety, but don't be surprised if Jefferson makes a run at the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award by season's end. He's got the physical talent and his instincts are almost unmatched in this league. At a more natural spot, could he emerge as an All-American, or more?
Wide receiver Justin Brown spoke with the media for the first time since transferring from Penn State. Brown flew in to Norman on Monday night, and was on the practice field Tuesday. Even though he wasn’t in pads with the rest of the team, Bob Stoops praised Brown effusively.
“He looked very impressive,” Stoops said. “I said to (wide receivers coach Jay) Norvell, ‘Wow, he going to be special here.’ ”
Stoops also said that Brown “absolutely” would return punts this season, and called him one of the top 10 punt returners in the country in 2011.
“He looked very impressive,” Stoops said. “I said to (wide receivers coach Jay) Norvell, ‘Wow, he going to be special here.’ ”
Stoops also said that Brown “absolutely” would return punts this season, and called him one of the top 10 punt returners in the country in 2011.
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SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers on Monday about Oklahoma football and recruiting. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag.
Here are a few highlights from the chat:
Trent (Blanchard): Which player from last year's roster do you see making the biggest jump in production this season on both sides of the ball?
Jake Trotter: I could see Brennan Clay becoming a bigger factor on the offense. They trust him. He doesn't have Finch's explosion, but he's sound across the board. Defensively, R.J. Washington is the one to watch. He could/should finish out as the team's sack leader.
Kevin (Reno, NV): Will Gabe Lynn have any impact in Sooner uniform? Or will the former 5-star prospect only be using up a scholarship during his career in Norman?
Jake Trotter: Right now, I'd say Lynn is the third safety, behind two guys that might be gone in 2013. So no, Lynn's days are not done, and I think the Mike Stoops change of scenery could do wonders for him and his confidence.
Ryan (Dallas): Should our LB be an area of concern? Tom Wort seems a little prone to injury, while Corey Nelson and Joe Ibiloye don't have a lot of experience, especially in this new defense.
Jake Trotter: Area of concern? No. But will it be the strength of the team? Probably not. Wort is injury prone, but Jaydan Bird has proven to be a reliable backup. I don't think Corey Nelson is the player he was getting hyped as two springs ago, but he can still be a very effective Big 12 LB.
Tony (Richmond, CA): Will Jordan Wade or Jordan Phillips emerge for OU this season and give the Sooners a big body to clog the middle and stop the run?
Jake Trotter: Wade is probably still a year way. But Phillips could really help, and is a potential future star.
Over the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. We'll analyze each player’s impact on the program since they arrived on campus, their potential impact this fall and their long-term impact in the daily series. Starting with No. 1 Tony Jefferson, the series will go in numerical order until our final analysis of No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 5 Joseph Ibiloye
Linebacker, 6-foot-3, 219 pounds
No. 5 Joseph Ibiloye
Linebacker, 6-foot-3, 219 pounds
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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.