Oklahoma Sooners: Zack Sanchez
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. 15 Zack Sanchez
Cornerback, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, redshirt freshman
No. 15 Zack Sanchez
Cornerback, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, redshirt freshman
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
CB Johnson making noise for OU in spring
March, 19, 2013
Mar 19
10:30
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- With four practices in the books and spring break upon us, spring football is in its early stages at Oklahoma.
Already, however, there are murmurs of a spring star emerging in Norman for the Sooners.
“Cortez Johnson has been a big surprise,” cornerbacks coach Bobby Jack Wright said. “I love the way he’s been working, his work ethic has been great. He’s a guy that wants to be good, he listens, he pays attention and tries to do everything we ask him to do.”
A transfer from Arizona, Johnson brings unique size to the cornerback position at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds. Johnson has been impressive early this spring, making it known that he plans to be a major contributor on OU’s defense.
With Demontre Hurst completing his eligibility after starting the last three seasons at cornerback, Johnson is staking claim to the starting spot opposite returning All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin. Redshirt freshman Zack Sanchez and walkon Brandon Young have been battling Johnson for the job but neither player has ignited the rave reviews from teammates and coaches like Johnson has.
“He’s made more plays and batted more balls down, just in four practices, than we’ve probably had around here the past two years,” Wright said.
Johnson, a redshirt sophomore, has a combination of ball skills, long arms and overall athleticism which could help him be up to the task if he wins the starting job and opponents decide to test him instead of challenging Colvin.
“Cortez is a big, physical guy,” Colvin said. “He’s really strong at the line of scrimmage.”
Sophomore receiver Sterling Shepard, who battles Johnson regularly in practices, has become a believer during his one-on-one matchups with the transfer.
“He’s a great corner,” Shepard said. “Cortez has long arms. He can break up some stuff you don’t even think he can break up but his arms are so long, he’ll end up getting it.”
With Wright transitioning from coaching defensive ends to coaching cornerbacks, he sees Johnson as a player with tremendous upside if his work ethic remains high. Otherwise, the Sooners have multiple newcomers, including February signee Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla/East Central), who could amp up the competition opposite Colvin and seize Johnson’s opportunity to start at that spot.
“He’s got the physical stature,” Wright said of Johnson. “What he has to do now is continue [improving] his technique.”
As teams will undoubtedly be hesitant to test his side, Colvin knows the Sooners defense is going to need a quality cornerback on the other side of the field. And what he’s seen from Johnson leads him to believe the lanky cover man can be the guy.
“He’s been really good,” Colvin said. “I’m probably the hardest on Cortez. And he probably doesn’t like that sometimes, but he’s going to be special.”
Already, however, there are murmurs of a spring star emerging in Norman for the Sooners.
[+] Enlarge
Jesse Beals/ Icon SMICortez Johnson spent a year at Arizona and was recruited by Mike Stoops.
Jesse Beals/ Icon SMICortez Johnson spent a year at Arizona and was recruited by Mike Stoops.A transfer from Arizona, Johnson brings unique size to the cornerback position at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds. Johnson has been impressive early this spring, making it known that he plans to be a major contributor on OU’s defense.
With Demontre Hurst completing his eligibility after starting the last three seasons at cornerback, Johnson is staking claim to the starting spot opposite returning All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin. Redshirt freshman Zack Sanchez and walkon Brandon Young have been battling Johnson for the job but neither player has ignited the rave reviews from teammates and coaches like Johnson has.
“He’s made more plays and batted more balls down, just in four practices, than we’ve probably had around here the past two years,” Wright said.
Johnson, a redshirt sophomore, has a combination of ball skills, long arms and overall athleticism which could help him be up to the task if he wins the starting job and opponents decide to test him instead of challenging Colvin.
“Cortez is a big, physical guy,” Colvin said. “He’s really strong at the line of scrimmage.”
Sophomore receiver Sterling Shepard, who battles Johnson regularly in practices, has become a believer during his one-on-one matchups with the transfer.
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum 
With Wright transitioning from coaching defensive ends to coaching cornerbacks, he sees Johnson as a player with tremendous upside if his work ethic remains high. Otherwise, the Sooners have multiple newcomers, including February signee Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla/East Central), who could amp up the competition opposite Colvin and seize Johnson’s opportunity to start at that spot.
“He’s got the physical stature,” Wright said of Johnson. “What he has to do now is continue [improving] his technique.”
As teams will undoubtedly be hesitant to test his side, Colvin knows the Sooners defense is going to need a quality cornerback on the other side of the field. And what he’s seen from Johnson leads him to believe the lanky cover man can be the guy.
“He’s been really good,” Colvin said. “I’m probably the hardest on Cortez. And he probably doesn’t like that sometimes, but he’s going to be special.”
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
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Oklahoma’s best recruiting job of the offseason was convincing Aaron Colvin to return for his senior year. Colvin gives the Sooners a premier lockdown coverman who will make opposing QBs think twice about throwing his way.
Good thing, too, because OU’s other cornerback spot is a major question mark on this defense going into the spring.
Good thing, too, because OU’s other cornerback spot is a major question mark on this defense going into the spring.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Simon, Anderson no longer on OU team
February, 17, 2013
Feb 17
11:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
UPDATE: An OU spokesperson confirms junior defensive tackle Damon Williams is no longer on the team, as well.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma will be transitioning to three new assistant coaches this spring. The Sooners will also have to make do with just four scholarship cornerbacks and possibly as few as three scholarship defensive tackles during the spring, as well.
An OU spokesperson confirmed Sunday night that cornerback Gary Simon and defensive tackle Marquis Anderson are no longer with the squad.
That leaves the Sooners with only returning starter Aaron Colvin, Cortez Johnson and Zack Sanchez and Kass Everett at cornerback; and just Jordan Phillips, Jordan Wade and Torrea Peterson at defensive tackle.
OU was hoping to add junior-college tackle Quincy Russell in January. Russell, however, still has academic work to complete before he can enroll. Of OU’s three returning defensive tackles, only Phillips saw even spot duty last season.
The Sooners signed three high school defensive tackles earlier this month, as well. But one of those, Kerrick Huggins, has yet to qualify and doubled-signed with Trinity Valley Community College in case he doesn’t make it Norman.
Coach Bob Stoops showed he hasn’t been happy lately with OU’s production or recruiting at defensive tackle, and fired his longtime defensive tackles coach, Jackie Shipp, last week. Last season, the Sooners ranked 94th in run defense and 108th in tackles for loss.
OU also lost its top three defensive tackles -- Casey Walker, Jamarkus McFarland and Stacy McGee -- to graduation.
The Sooners face transition in the secondary, as well. Three of five starters are gone, and Simon was expected to challenge Johnson for the starting job at corner opposite Colvin.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma will be transitioning to three new assistant coaches this spring. The Sooners will also have to make do with just four scholarship cornerbacks and possibly as few as three scholarship defensive tackles during the spring, as well.
An OU spokesperson confirmed Sunday night that cornerback Gary Simon and defensive tackle Marquis Anderson are no longer with the squad.
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum
OU was hoping to add junior-college tackle Quincy Russell in January. Russell, however, still has academic work to complete before he can enroll. Of OU’s three returning defensive tackles, only Phillips saw even spot duty last season.
The Sooners signed three high school defensive tackles earlier this month, as well. But one of those, Kerrick Huggins, has yet to qualify and doubled-signed with Trinity Valley Community College in case he doesn’t make it Norman.
Coach Bob Stoops showed he hasn’t been happy lately with OU’s production or recruiting at defensive tackle, and fired his longtime defensive tackles coach, Jackie Shipp, last week. Last season, the Sooners ranked 94th in run defense and 108th in tackles for loss.
OU also lost its top three defensive tackles -- Casey Walker, Jamarkus McFarland and Stacy McGee -- to graduation.
The Sooners face transition in the secondary, as well. Three of five starters are gone, and Simon was expected to challenge Johnson for the starting job at corner opposite Colvin.
CB Colvin's return adds stability for OU 
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
4:39
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s hopes of fielding a strong defense in 2013 just received a boost.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin announced he would return to OU on Monday afternoon. The All-Big 12 first-team selection was considering making himself available for the 2013 NFL draft but elected to return for his senior season.
It’s a huge boost for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ defense. If Colvin had declared, OU would have had to replace four of five starters in its defensive backfield. With Colvin’s return, the Sooners secondary now has a cornerstone to build around.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin announced he would return to OU on Monday afternoon. The All-Big 12 first-team selection was considering making himself available for the 2013 NFL draft but elected to return for his senior season.
It’s a huge boost for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ defense. If Colvin had declared, OU would have had to replace four of five starters in its defensive backfield. With Colvin’s return, the Sooners secondary now has a cornerstone to build around.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Freshman update: DB Zack Sanchez
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
12:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Zack Sanchez doesn’t expect to see the field this season.
But the Oklahoma defensive back hasn’t changed his mental approach in practice.
“He’s putting in the same amount of work,” safety Javon Harris said, “because he knows what’s going to be expected when his name is called.”
But the Oklahoma defensive back hasn’t changed his mental approach in practice.
“He’s putting in the same amount of work,” safety Javon Harris said, “because he knows what’s going to be expected when his name is called.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Oklahoma redshirt plan coming into focus
September, 11, 2012
9/11/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Through two games, the Sooners have played nine true freshmen: wide receivers Trey Metoyer, Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal, tight end Taylor McNamara, center Ty Darlington, defensive ends Mike Onuoha and Charles Tapper, linebacker Eric Striker and cornerback Gary Simon. With the cupcake portion of the schedule over and one with, it appears the rest of the true freshmen will redshirt this season.
SoonerNation breaks down the rest of the freshman class, from those most likely to least likely to make an impact in 2013:
1. Alex Ross, running back: The Sooners could have an opening in the backfield for Ross with Dominique Whaley due to graduate. Damien Williams figures to be projected starter, and then there’s Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. But Ross nearly avoided this redshirt this season with an even more crowded backfield. Ross’ future is bright.
SoonerNation breaks down the rest of the freshman class, from those most likely to least likely to make an impact in 2013:
1. Alex Ross, running back: The Sooners could have an opening in the backfield for Ross with Dominique Whaley due to graduate. Damien Williams figures to be projected starter, and then there’s Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. But Ross nearly avoided this redshirt this season with an even more crowded backfield. Ross’ future is bright.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Positives, negatives from preseason camp
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
9:30
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Preparations for their season opener against UTEP is well underway for the Sooners football team. Oklahoma had a up-and-down preseason camp which saw several members of their 2012 recruiting class prove themselves ready to make an immediate impact, while injuries and a suspension put a damper on preseason preparations.
Here’s a look at the positives and negatives from preseason camp:
POSITIVES
Here’s a look at the positives and negatives from preseason camp:
POSITIVES
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Practice report: Who steps up at DT?
August, 17, 2012
8/17/12
1:53
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- The big news of the day was Bob Stoops revealing that Stacy McGee has been suspended indefinitely for violating university policy. McGee was starting at the three-technique alongside Casey Walker and Jamarkus McFarland, who were manning the nose-guard spot. Redshirt freshman Jordan Phillips was backing up McGee at the three-technique.
Walker continually stressed the need for him to stay healthy this season. With the news of McGee’s suspension, Walker becomes even more important for OU. Walker and Jamarkus McFarland are the Sooners' top two defensive tackles with limited game experience behind that senior duo.
Walker has played in 21 of 27 games in the past two seasons as he’s been hampered by injuries. He played through labrum and thumb injuries in 2011, playing in 12 games while starting eight.
Walker continually stressed the need for him to stay healthy this season. With the news of McGee’s suspension, Walker becomes even more important for OU. Walker and Jamarkus McFarland are the Sooners' top two defensive tackles with limited game experience behind that senior duo.
Walker has played in 21 of 27 games in the past two seasons as he’s been hampered by injuries. He played through labrum and thumb injuries in 2011, playing in 12 games while starting eight.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Triple option: OU’s options at tailback
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. Monday night was a tough one for OU fans as Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage-Boca Delray running back Greg Bryant decommitted from the Sooners. It’s a major blow even though OU does have the commitment of the third-ranked RB in the nation in Cypress (Texas) Ranch back Keith Ford. Where might OU turn? Two names stick out in Adam Taylor (Katy, Texas/Katy) and Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage). And one incredibly dark horse name to keep tabs on is in-state back Diquon Woodhouse (Altus, Okla./Altus), who fared well at OU’s camp in June. With no favorites, the search is back on for Cale Gundy.
2. With USC taking the commitment of ESPN 300 defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) on Sunday, the Trojans are officially out of scholarships. The Trojans have used up their 18 scholarships and 16 of their 18 commits have OU offers. The good news for OU is with USC out of the way, there are a lot of west coast products that have the Sooners on their short list. And OU can no longer be beaten in a head-to-head battle with USC.
1. Monday night was a tough one for OU fans as Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage-Boca Delray running back Greg Bryant decommitted from the Sooners. It’s a major blow even though OU does have the commitment of the third-ranked RB in the nation in Cypress (Texas) Ranch back Keith Ford. Where might OU turn? Two names stick out in Adam Taylor (Katy, Texas/Katy) and Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage). And one incredibly dark horse name to keep tabs on is in-state back Diquon Woodhouse (Altus, Okla./Altus), who fared well at OU’s camp in June. With no favorites, the search is back on for Cale Gundy.
2. With USC taking the commitment of ESPN 300 defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) on Sunday, the Trojans are officially out of scholarships. The Trojans have used up their 18 scholarships and 16 of their 18 commits have OU offers. The good news for OU is with USC out of the way, there are a lot of west coast products that have the Sooners on their short list. And OU can no longer be beaten in a head-to-head battle with USC.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
What is OU's biggest need in the 2013 recruiting class?
May, 7, 2012
5/07/12
4:05
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Monday during the summer, the SoonerNation staff answers a roundtable question. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: What is Oklahoma's biggest need in the 2013 recruiting class?
Mike Stoops said during the spring it was imperative the Sooners signed five "quality" defensive backs in their next recruiting class. In the NFL, top-notch defensive backs are becoming a premium because of the number of proficient passing games that have taken over the league. The same can be said of the Big 12. If you don't have a strong defensive backfield, you're going to get beat, and, as OU found out last season, often more than once. The Sooners added a few promising players this past class in Gary Simon, Eric Striker and Zack Sanchez, but by 2014 Aaron Colvin, Tony Jefferson, Demontre Hurst, Javon Harris, Lamar Harris and Joe Ibiloye will all be gone. Replacing them with "quality" players is of the highest priorities.
- Jake Trotter
Defensive back is a major need for the Sooners. OU's lack of depth in the secondary can be considered one of the primary reasons for losses to Baylor and Texas Tech in 2011 and the Sooners will be looking at losing at least half of its entire starting secondary after this season. And that's if Tony Jefferson and Aaron Colvin return and don't enter the 2013 NFL draft. Mike Stoops said he is looking to sign five quality defensive backs in this recruiting class and the Sooners are definitely going to need all of those bodies with the hope at least two of them can step in and make an impact immediately.
- Brandon Chatmon
Oklahoma was close with a couple of big-time offensive tackle targets in 2012. In not getting Joshua Garnett (Stanford) or Zach Banner (USC), it has made offensive tackle an even bigger point of emphasis for the class. OU is hoping to get three tackles and Bruce Kittle has sought out the guys he thinks will fit the Sooners best. OU picked up one with Dalton Rodriguez (Tulsa, Okla./Union), but he is an unknown commodity at the position. There aren't many elite regional tackles still on the board so Kittle has some work to do in convincing a national recruit to take a chance on the Sooners.
- Bob Przybylo
There's no doubt the Sooners are lacking depth on the defensive side of the ball. But linebacker is the position that's most in need of young talent, especially after Oklahoma didn't sign any 'backers in the class of 2012 (Eric Striker will likely play safety at OU). Earlier this spring, their most-talented young linebacker Kellen Jones, who played some as a true freshman in 2011, transferred to join Brent Venables at Clemson. That leaves OU desperate for young depth with its entire top four being upperclassmen. It's a priority for new assistant coach Tim Kish to find a few playmakers in the class of 2013.
- Dane Beavers
Today's question: What is Oklahoma's biggest need in the 2013 recruiting class?
[+] Enlarge
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comIn-state cornerback Stanvon Taylor committed to the Sooners late last week.
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comIn-state cornerback Stanvon Taylor committed to the Sooners late last week.- Jake Trotter
Defensive back is a major need for the Sooners. OU's lack of depth in the secondary can be considered one of the primary reasons for losses to Baylor and Texas Tech in 2011 and the Sooners will be looking at losing at least half of its entire starting secondary after this season. And that's if Tony Jefferson and Aaron Colvin return and don't enter the 2013 NFL draft. Mike Stoops said he is looking to sign five quality defensive backs in this recruiting class and the Sooners are definitely going to need all of those bodies with the hope at least two of them can step in and make an impact immediately.
- Brandon Chatmon
Oklahoma was close with a couple of big-time offensive tackle targets in 2012. In not getting Joshua Garnett (Stanford) or Zach Banner (USC), it has made offensive tackle an even bigger point of emphasis for the class. OU is hoping to get three tackles and Bruce Kittle has sought out the guys he thinks will fit the Sooners best. OU picked up one with Dalton Rodriguez (Tulsa, Okla./Union), but he is an unknown commodity at the position. There aren't many elite regional tackles still on the board so Kittle has some work to do in convincing a national recruit to take a chance on the Sooners.
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum
There's no doubt the Sooners are lacking depth on the defensive side of the ball. But linebacker is the position that's most in need of young talent, especially after Oklahoma didn't sign any 'backers in the class of 2012 (Eric Striker will likely play safety at OU). Earlier this spring, their most-talented young linebacker Kellen Jones, who played some as a true freshman in 2011, transferred to join Brent Venables at Clemson. That leaves OU desperate for young depth with its entire top four being upperclassmen. It's a priority for new assistant coach Tim Kish to find a few playmakers in the class of 2013.
- Dane Beavers
Mike Stoops: OU will sign 5 defensive backs
April, 23, 2012
4/23/12
2:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops looks at his secondary and knows he needs to add additional young talent to the roster. Demontre Hurst, Lamar Harris, Jesse Paulsen and Javon Harris are seniors while key playmakers Tony Jefferson and Aaron Colvin are juniors.
Even though OU signed prep defensive backs Zack Sanchez and Gary Simon in February, signing a few talented youngsters in the class of 2013 is a top priority.
“We have to sign five quality players in the back end,” Stoops said. “We have to sign a class of quality players that can come in and play at this level.”
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of several talented secondary players including cornerbacks Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles), Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) and Antwuan Davis (Bastrop, Texas/Bastrop) along with safeties Erik Huhn (Cibolo, Texas/Steele), Tahaan Goodman (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif/Rancho Cucamonga) and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Nila). OU is also looking at a trio of in-state defensive backs.
Even though OU signed prep defensive backs Zack Sanchez and Gary Simon in February, signing a few talented youngsters in the class of 2013 is a top priority.
“We have to sign five quality players in the back end,” Stoops said. “We have to sign a class of quality players that can come in and play at this level.”
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of several talented secondary players including cornerbacks Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles), Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) and Antwuan Davis (Bastrop, Texas/Bastrop) along with safeties Erik Huhn (Cibolo, Texas/Steele), Tahaan Goodman (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif/Rancho Cucamonga) and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Nila). OU is also looking at a trio of in-state defensive backs.
Spring position preview: Safety
February, 21, 2012
2/21/12
10:35
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
As Oklahoma prepares to open spring football practices, plenty of eyes will be on the safety position.
It is a position the Sooners will need to shore up if they have any hope of competing for a national championship in 2012. Memories of Baylor and Texas Tech will make the battle for playing time at safety arguably the most interesting competition of the spring.
What Oklahoma has: Junior Aaron Colvin is one of the Big 12’s most underrated players. His versatility, playmaking and consistency made him one of the Sooners' top defenders in 2011. He finished with 84 tackles, which tied for the team lead, including a team-high 58 solo stops. Colvin should anchor the Sooners secondary.
It is a position the Sooners will need to shore up if they have any hope of competing for a national championship in 2012. Memories of Baylor and Texas Tech will make the battle for playing time at safety arguably the most interesting competition of the spring.
What Oklahoma has: Junior Aaron Colvin is one of the Big 12’s most underrated players. His versatility, playmaking and consistency made him one of the Sooners' top defenders in 2011. He finished with 84 tackles, which tied for the team lead, including a team-high 58 solo stops. Colvin should anchor the Sooners secondary.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Loss impact: Cornerback Jamell Fleming
February, 20, 2012
2/20/12
2:45
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
“Loss Impact” analyzes each outgoing starter or rotation player to assess how much his departure will impact Oklahoma next season.
Over the last two seasons, no player made a bigger overall impact on the OU defense than Jamell Fleming. His combination of size and speed allowed him to matchup with the big-play wide receivers of the Big 12. Fleming was also a superb tackler against the run for a boundary cornerback.
What Oklahoma loses: The game against Texas Tech says it all. The OU defensive backfield basically collapsed without Fleming in the lineup. Seth Doege was hammered the boundary side of the field and finished with 441 yards passing and four touchdowns in the Red Raiders’ 41-38 victory. When Fleming was on the field, the boundary side was rarely a worry for the Sooners. OU was blown out by Oklahoma State, but Fleming did a relatively decent job limiting Justin Blackmon, who was held to under 100 yards receiving. Then in the Insight Bowl, Fleming shut down Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Marvin McNutt, who had just four catches for 46 yards.
Over the last two seasons, no player made a bigger overall impact on the OU defense than Jamell Fleming. His combination of size and speed allowed him to matchup with the big-play wide receivers of the Big 12. Fleming was also a superb tackler against the run for a boundary cornerback.
What Oklahoma loses: The game against Texas Tech says it all. The OU defensive backfield basically collapsed without Fleming in the lineup. Seth Doege was hammered the boundary side of the field and finished with 441 yards passing and four touchdowns in the Red Raiders’ 41-38 victory. When Fleming was on the field, the boundary side was rarely a worry for the Sooners. OU was blown out by Oklahoma State, but Fleming did a relatively decent job limiting Justin Blackmon, who was held to under 100 yards receiving. Then in the Insight Bowl, Fleming shut down Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Marvin McNutt, who had just four catches for 46 yards.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.