Oklahoma Sooners: Bronson Irwin
During the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall and his long-term impact. Starting with No. 1 Kendal Thompson, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 99 Chaz Nelson.
No. 68 Bronson Irwin
Guard, 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, senior
No. 68 Bronson Irwin
Guard, 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, senior
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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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NORMAN, Okla. -- On Thursday, offensive tackle Lane Johnson became the 13th Sooner under Bob Stoops to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. In 2014, Stoops could have another first-rounder in cornerback Aaron Colvin.
SoonerNation breaks down Colvin’s prospects as well as what the rest of the 2014 OU draft class could look like:
SoonerNation breaks down Colvin’s prospects as well as what the rest of the 2014 OU draft class could look like:
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NORMAN, Okla. -- Following Saturday's spring game, SoonerNation has updated the "Oklahoma 10" -- a composite ranking of the 10 best players on the team. The list:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 1): Millard was held out of the spring game as a precaution, something Bob Stoops usually does with his stars. Despite manning an unheralded position, Millard certainly fits the bill of a star. You wouldn’t know it by the number of touches he gets, but Josh Heupel’s new option-oriented offense -- which, like Millard, was kept on the shelf Saturday -- could get the ball in Millard’s hands more often. That’s always good for the Sooners – and bad for opposing defenses.
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 1): Millard was held out of the spring game as a precaution, something Bob Stoops usually does with his stars. Despite manning an unheralded position, Millard certainly fits the bill of a star. You wouldn’t know it by the number of touches he gets, but Josh Heupel’s new option-oriented offense -- which, like Millard, was kept on the shelf Saturday -- could get the ball in Millard’s hands more often. That’s always good for the Sooners – and bad for opposing defenses.
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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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Turnover is an annual tradition in college football, but with that, teams' strengths and weaknesses constantly shift, too. Today, we'll continue our look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses for each Big 12 team.
Next up: Oklahoma.
Strongest position: Offensive line.
Don't discount Landry Jones' experience and decision-making, but Oklahoma threw the ball 571 times last year -- more than everyone in the Big 12 but Texas Tech -- and gave up just 15 sacks, third-fewest in the Big 12. The Sooners have good depth at running back but not a true gamebreaker, and the offense still averaged 4.85 yards a carry, third-most in the Big 12. Oklahoma dealt with a ton of injuries on the offensive line and at the end of the season, was basically reduced to five guys who could play and depended on true freshman Ty Darlington at times, too. The unit loses tackle Lane Johnson, but Gabe Ikard is the Big 12's best offensive lineman and returns alongside Adam Shead, Bronson Irwin and Tyrus Thompson. This unit perhaps could have been better than it was in 2011, which is part of the reason you saw position coach James Patton shown the door in favor of WVU's Bill Bedenbaugh, but it should be a big strength yet again in 2013. I'd say it's definitely the Sooners' best overall position. The Sooners fought through the loss of center Ben Habern and guard Tyler Evans in preseason camp last year, and Evans is out again after injuring his knee this spring. Here's betting Oklahoma fills the void yet again.
Weakest position: Defensive line
If you watched the Cotton Bowl, you know all you need to know about this position for the Sooners. Texas A&M had arguably the nation's best offensive line, but the Sooners D-line looked like a bunch of high schoolers for much of the game, applying zero pressure to Johnny Manziel and letting him get loose for a record-breaking game in a blowout loss. The Sooners lose four seniors along the line, leaving behind just Chuka Ndulue, Jordan Phillips and Mike Onuoha as contributors from last year's D-line that helped Oklahoma rank just 108th nationally in tackles for loss and 94th nationally in run defense. Oklahoma needs a big upgrade at this position to return to prominence, and I'm not sure the answer to the Sooners being as good along the front line of the defense is coming anywhere but on the recruiting trail.
More Weak and Strong.
Next up: Oklahoma.
Strongest position: Offensive line.
Don't discount Landry Jones' experience and decision-making, but Oklahoma threw the ball 571 times last year -- more than everyone in the Big 12 but Texas Tech -- and gave up just 15 sacks, third-fewest in the Big 12. The Sooners have good depth at running back but not a true gamebreaker, and the offense still averaged 4.85 yards a carry, third-most in the Big 12. Oklahoma dealt with a ton of injuries on the offensive line and at the end of the season, was basically reduced to five guys who could play and depended on true freshman Ty Darlington at times, too. The unit loses tackle Lane Johnson, but Gabe Ikard is the Big 12's best offensive lineman and returns alongside Adam Shead, Bronson Irwin and Tyrus Thompson. This unit perhaps could have been better than it was in 2011, which is part of the reason you saw position coach James Patton shown the door in favor of WVU's Bill Bedenbaugh, but it should be a big strength yet again in 2013. I'd say it's definitely the Sooners' best overall position. The Sooners fought through the loss of center Ben Habern and guard Tyler Evans in preseason camp last year, and Evans is out again after injuring his knee this spring. Here's betting Oklahoma fills the void yet again.
Weakest position: Defensive line
If you watched the Cotton Bowl, you know all you need to know about this position for the Sooners. Texas A&M had arguably the nation's best offensive line, but the Sooners D-line looked like a bunch of high schoolers for much of the game, applying zero pressure to Johnny Manziel and letting him get loose for a record-breaking game in a blowout loss. The Sooners lose four seniors along the line, leaving behind just Chuka Ndulue, Jordan Phillips and Mike Onuoha as contributors from last year's D-line that helped Oklahoma rank just 108th nationally in tackles for loss and 94th nationally in run defense. Oklahoma needs a big upgrade at this position to return to prominence, and I'm not sure the answer to the Sooners being as good along the front line of the defense is coming anywhere but on the recruiting trail.
More Weak and Strong.
Coaches' corner: OL Dionte Savage
February, 21, 2013
Feb 21
3:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
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.
Oklahoma is looking to get tougher, more physical along its offensive front. Guard Dionte Savage (Flint, Mich./Arizona Western) should help the Sooners reach that goal. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Savage brings unique size to OU's interior line.
"This guy has size on top of size," co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said. "What a physical presence he brings. When you say full-grown man when he walks in a room, this kid is a full-grown man. We had a lot of injuries last year and it was tough at the end getting healthy bodies out there. This guy is a big strong guy who can help us with our running game and depth."
After ending the 2012 season with very limited bodies at guard, Savage joins returning starters Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin along with Tyler Evans and Nila Kasitati, who are returning from injuries. Savage brings a better body than any of the Sooners returnees.
"He is a specimen," running backs coach Cale Gundy said. "He’s someone we expect can come in and give us some help, possibly be one of our starting guards.”
The Sooners were impressed by Savage's dedication, as the former 400-pounder lost more than 60 pounds to get into better shape for his second season at Arizona Western.
"Dionte Savage is a big, strong, physical guy," head coach Bob Stoops said. "A huge weightlifter and a powerful, strong guy. He’s got great ability to move and great strength, so I believe he is going to help us be more physical in there. Just really powerful, an excellent young man. Loved having him on campus, he loves to work. He’s going to help us be more physical."
Oklahoma is looking to get tougher, more physical along its offensive front. Guard Dionte Savage (Flint, Mich./Arizona Western) should help the Sooners reach that goal. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Savage brings unique size to OU's interior line.
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After ending the 2012 season with very limited bodies at guard, Savage joins returning starters Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin along with Tyler Evans and Nila Kasitati, who are returning from injuries. Savage brings a better body than any of the Sooners returnees.
"He is a specimen," running backs coach Cale Gundy said. "He’s someone we expect can come in and give us some help, possibly be one of our starting guards.”
The Sooners were impressed by Savage's dedication, as the former 400-pounder lost more than 60 pounds to get into better shape for his second season at Arizona Western.
"Dionte Savage is a big, strong, physical guy," head coach Bob Stoops said. "A huge weightlifter and a powerful, strong guy. He’s got great ability to move and great strength, so I believe he is going to help us be more physical in there. Just really powerful, an excellent young man. Loved having him on campus, he loves to work. He’s going to help us be more physical."
NORMAN. Okla. -- The players on the offensive line will be largely the same in 2013. The coach directing them will not.
One of the first moves Bob Stoops made after signing day was firing Bruce Kittle and James Patton and replacing them with Bill Bedenbaugh, who was formerly at West Virginia.
One of the first moves Bob Stoops made after signing day was firing Bruce Kittle and James Patton and replacing them with Bill Bedenbaugh, who was formerly at West Virginia.
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OL Savage provides safety net for Sooners 
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
3:04
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
The outlook at one position can change in a heartbeat.
Oklahoma learned that heading into the 2012 season as it watched interior lineman drop like flies, turning one of the deepest positions on the roster into one of the thinnest spots by season’s end.
The commitment of Dionte Savage (Yuma, Ariz/Arizona Western) is a sign the Sooners don’t want to see their numbers crippled by injury and defections for a second straight season in 2013.
Oklahoma learned that heading into the 2012 season as it watched interior lineman drop like flies, turning one of the deepest positions on the roster into one of the thinnest spots by season’s end.
The commitment of Dionte Savage (Yuma, Ariz/Arizona Western) is a sign the Sooners don’t want to see their numbers crippled by injury and defections for a second straight season in 2013.
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Each week, SoonerNation ranked Oklahoma’s top 10 performers of the season. Following OU’s 41-13 loss to Texas A&M in the AT&T Cotton Bowl, here is the final Oklahoma 10 of 2012:
1. QB Landry Jones (Last week: No. 1): Jones didn’t have the kind of career finale he had hoped for. But without him, the Sooners go 8-5 this season, at best. His turnovers can drive one crazy, but Jones was OU’s best player this season. He will be tougher to replace than most OU fans think.
2. FB Trey Millard (5): The only silver lining to come out of Friday night was Millard’s announcement that he’s coming back to school for his senior season. Millard finished with 198 yards on 33 carries. If the Sooners are going to be a serious team in 2013, Millard’s touches need to triple.
1. QB Landry Jones (Last week: No. 1): Jones didn’t have the kind of career finale he had hoped for. But without him, the Sooners go 8-5 this season, at best. His turnovers can drive one crazy, but Jones was OU’s best player this season. He will be tougher to replace than most OU fans think.
2. FB Trey Millard (5): The only silver lining to come out of Friday night was Millard’s announcement that he’s coming back to school for his senior season. Millard finished with 198 yards on 33 carries. If the Sooners are going to be a serious team in 2013, Millard’s touches need to triple.
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OU position grades: Guards/centers
December, 17, 2012
12/17/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
In the weeks leading up to the AT&T 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 guard and center position.
Highlights: The injuries were downright incredible. Before the season even began, OU lost starters Ben Habern and Tyler Evans for the year to injuries. A few weeks into the season, the Sooners lost top reserve Nila Kasitati to injury as well. With no depth remaining, guards Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin had to battle through ankle injuries all season. Even center Gabe Ikard missed the Baylor game because of a concussion. In 2009, the offensive line experienced similar injuries. And that line completely wilted. This line did not. And somehow kept performing at a high level all season. Even in the final game, Shead couldn’t continue to go because of his back and ankle. Ikard slid to guard, and true freshman Ty Darlington came in at center. And yet, the line didn’t miss a beat. That game underscored the entire season.
Lowlights: The Sooners were dominated up front in their two losses. OU struggled to run the ball against Kansas State, and couldn’t do anything against Notre Dame nose guard Stephon Tuitt. In that game, the Irish used only three down linemen, and only Louis Nix in the middle. And still, the Sooners struggled to block him or create running lanes.
Highlights: The injuries were downright incredible. Before the season even began, OU lost starters Ben Habern and Tyler Evans for the year to injuries. A few weeks into the season, the Sooners lost top reserve Nila Kasitati to injury as well. With no depth remaining, guards Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin had to battle through ankle injuries all season. Even center Gabe Ikard missed the Baylor game because of a concussion. In 2009, the offensive line experienced similar injuries. And that line completely wilted. This line did not. And somehow kept performing at a high level all season. Even in the final game, Shead couldn’t continue to go because of his back and ankle. Ikard slid to guard, and true freshman Ty Darlington came in at center. And yet, the line didn’t miss a beat. That game underscored the entire season.
Lowlights: The Sooners were dominated up front in their two losses. OU struggled to run the ball against Kansas State, and couldn’t do anything against Notre Dame nose guard Stephon Tuitt. In that game, the Irish used only three down linemen, and only Louis Nix in the middle. And still, the Sooners struggled to block him or create running lanes.
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Oklahoma 10: Week 14 power rankings
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
12:00
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Each week, SoonerNation ranked Oklahoma’s top 10 performers of the season. With OU’s 24-17 win over TCU to cap the regular season, here is SoonerNation’s final Oklahoma 10:
1. QB Landry Jones (Last week: No. 1): Jones cooled off in Fort Worth, throwing another senseless interception. But his third-and-long touchdown pass to Jalen Saunders just before halftime was one of the finest of his career. A career that ranks up there in OU history.
2. S Tony Jefferson (3): After struggling in two straight games, Jefferson came up big in OU’s regular-season finale. He tipped away two touchdown passes, including TCU’s final play of the day, which would have sent the game to overtime. Jefferson also led the Sooners with eight tackles.
1. QB Landry Jones (Last week: No. 1): Jones cooled off in Fort Worth, throwing another senseless interception. But his third-and-long touchdown pass to Jalen Saunders just before halftime was one of the finest of his career. A career that ranks up there in OU history.
2. S Tony Jefferson (3): After struggling in two straight games, Jefferson came up big in OU’s regular-season finale. He tipped away two touchdown passes, including TCU’s final play of the day, which would have sent the game to overtime. Jefferson also led the Sooners with eight tackles.
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Many Sooners called it one of the best games of their careers. Others called it special. No matter what words are chosen to describe Bedlam, one thing is certain. This year's Bedlam was unlike any other.
Oklahoma knocked off Oklahoma State, 51-48, in overtime at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday to keep the Sooners' Big 12 championship hopes alive. Several big plays changed the game but here are five critical plays that helped decide Bedlam.
Jamarkus McFarland’s first-down stop after OU’s turnover on downs
Oklahoma knocked off Oklahoma State, 51-48, in overtime at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday to keep the Sooners' Big 12 championship hopes alive. Several big plays changed the game but here are five critical plays that helped decide Bedlam.
Jamarkus McFarland’s first-down stop after OU’s turnover on downs
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Landry Jones would not be denied.
Those six words describe the Oklahoma quarterback’s play in the final minutes of OU’s 50-49 win over West Virginia at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday night. WVU star Tavon Austin gave OU’s defense fits throughout the night, placing the game on Jones’ shoulders. The fifth-year senior responded with arguably the best performance of his career.
While there were a bevy of key plays in the Sooners win, here are five key plays in the final seven minutes which helped OU keep its Big 12 title hopes alive.
Those six words describe the Oklahoma quarterback’s play in the final minutes of OU’s 50-49 win over West Virginia at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday night. WVU star Tavon Austin gave OU’s defense fits throughout the night, placing the game on Jones’ shoulders. The fifth-year senior responded with arguably the best performance of his career.
While there were a bevy of key plays in the Sooners win, here are five key plays in the final seven minutes which helped OU keep its Big 12 title hopes alive.
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As Oklahoma stares at the final four games of the regular season, the Sooners still have several goals, including a possible BCS berth, within reach.
Nonetheless, Oklahoma football is about championships. And a BCS title berth is out of the question and an outright Big 12 championship would require a Kansas State collapse down the stretch.
Therefore, now is a good time for the Sooners to starting thinking of 2013 as well as finishing off 2012 without another loss. Both goals can be accomplished if OU makes it a point to play some of the young players on its roster that they know they will be counting on in 2013. Here’s a look at five offensive players who should see more time in OU’s final four regular season and bowl game appearance:
Nonetheless, Oklahoma football is about championships. And a BCS title berth is out of the question and an outright Big 12 championship would require a Kansas State collapse down the stretch.
Therefore, now is a good time for the Sooners to starting thinking of 2013 as well as finishing off 2012 without another loss. Both goals can be accomplished if OU makes it a point to play some of the young players on its roster that they know they will be counting on in 2013. Here’s a look at five offensive players who should see more time in OU’s final four regular season and bowl game appearance:
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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.