OU linebackers have strong heritage

Bosworth, Calmus, Lehman, Alexander. These are only a few of the names of great linebackers who have donned Sooner jerseys. I remember only a few years back when OU was being tabbed "Linebacker U". The lineage of Marshall to Calmus to Lehman to Mitchell seemed like it would just keep going. It has been four years since Linebacker U has produced a Butkus winner. Rufus Alexander was the latest candidate last year. Now we get to see who will carry on the tradition of linebacker greatness. Currently there three highly regarded candidates. Mike Reed is a JUCO transfer with crazy talent but no Division 1 experience. He may very well follow in the footsteps of Torrance Marshall and Lance Mitchell, both JUCO transfer all-big 12 linebackers. Next on the list is Curtis Lofton. Lofton came in as a heralded recruit out of Kingfisher, OK. A loaded depth chart in the past has kept him from significant playing time, although he started 5 games last year. He is tabbed as a starter this year as a junior and could really excel in 2007. Finally we come to Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds is a coach-favorite for his intelligence and field awareness. He's been plagued with injuries in the past but is back this year after knee surgery. Reynolds has the best chance of reaching All-American/Butkus status like OU LBs of the past. Reynolds, only a sophomore has time on his side and is probably the most talented linebacker on the team. This dude could definitely bring home some hardware in the years to come. For more on Reynolds click here...
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