Sooners Defensive Secondary

The Sooners' preseason question marks on defense have been primarily focused on the linebackers. The linebackers are inexperienced, that's for sure. But more pressure will be on OU's defensive backs this year. Not only do the Sooners return just two DBs with significant playing time, but they are also in a conference of all-out air assaults. This is no time to be unstable in the defensive backfield.

The good news is that the coaching staff and practice reports indicate that the unit is playing well. It's easy to forget who's playing where during this preseason of "musical chairs" backfield. Lendy Holmes went from starting to backup, then back to starter in a matter of weeks. Holmes is now penciled in as starting free safety. He brings experience and leadership, along with four-year starter and Thorpe Award candidate Nic Harris at strong safety. Pushing for playing time is redshirt freshman Sam Proctor. Proctor was almost a starter and should get significant reps this season at safety. The Sooners may use Proctor in the nickel formation. Holmes and Harris have played as well as anyone the past two years and will be depended upon to play consistent while the new corners adjust.


NIC HARRIS

Oklahoma lost two key corners to graduation - Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker. Also gone is D.J. Wolfe. Replacing these three is not an easy thing to do. During the 'Fiasco Bowl', freshman Dominique Franks started in place of the injured Smith. Franks played well, but really developed into a solid player during the spring. Franks had three interceptions in the Spring Game and should continue to play well as a sophomore. On the other side is junior cornerback Brian Jackson. According to coaches, Jackson has been a ball hawk in practice, breaking up several passes and intercepting others. If Franks and Jackson develop, they have a chance to be as good as their predecessors. That would be a great asset in a league of gunslingers.

Sooner cornerbacks face challenging role filled with criticism...newsok.com

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Old and new fill secondary...normantranscript.com