I received some really good feedback on the preliminary depth chart for 2014 that I put together earlier this week. I thought it would be worthwhile to follow up with some additional thoughts.
*I adhered to the SoonerSports.com roster for positions. In retrospect, I probably should have allowed some flexibility to provide a more accurate picture of where things will end up by the fall.
*Case in point: Charles Walker. Walker has received rave reviews from the coaching staff since the end of the season and seems to be a likely candidate to contribute in 2014. The problem that I faced was that the online roster lists Walker as a defensive tackle.
In OU’s old 4-3 alignment, Walker could probably play an interior spot on the defensive line. At 6-3, 281 pounds, however, he simply doesn’t have the size to hold it down as a 3-4 nose guard. Assuming that DL coach Jerry Montgomery is planning on using Walker as a 4-technique end in the three-man front, the redshirt freshman should find himself in the rotation sooner or later.
*Similarly, I can’t see Mike Onuoha and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo staying at defensive end. That probably goes for D.J. Ward, too. More than likely, they end up as backup outside linebackers behind Eric Striker and Devante Bond.
*Blake Bell as the second-string tight end struck some as overly optimistic. I’m betting it’s not.
Bob Stoops clearly wanted Bell to stay with the program for his final season in Norman, so I expect that Bell will get every opportunity to succeed. It sends a message to players and offers a solid selling point in recruiting.
-Allen Kenney