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Oklahoma Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 10 : Fullback Dimitri Flowers #36 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks September 10, 2016 at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Warhawks 59-17. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 10 : Fullback Dimitri Flowers #36 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks September 10, 2016 at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Warhawks 59-17. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – OCTOBER 01: Kyle Hicks #21 of the TCU Horned Frogs is tackled by Caleb Kelly #19 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – OCTOBER 01: Kyle Hicks #21 of the TCU Horned Frogs is tackled by Caleb Kelly #19 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting middle linebacker: Jon-Michael Terry
Backup: Emmanuel Beal

The starting middle linebacker spot is still up for grabs after Jordan Evans departed. The likely frontrunner is redshirt freshman Jon-Michael Terry who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs about 240 pounds, but possesses ideal athleticism. He’s going to have to hold off last year’s starter at outside backer, Emmanuel Beal.

In fact, Beal was a solid contributor in 2016 as a junior, finishing second on the team with 81 tackles to go along with three for loss and two sacks. However, Terry looks like the favorite to win the job. Don’t sleep on Ricky DeBerry, either. Although he hasn’t been mentioned much, he made the move to inside backer and is a former blue-chip recruit.

Related Story: Oklahoma Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Starting outside linebackers: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Caleb Kelly
Backups: Kenneth Murray, Addison Gumbs

One of the biggest stars on the defensive side of the ball for Oklahoma in 2016 had to be junior outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. He put up some video game-like numbers, finishing second on the team with 71 tackles, but led the Sooners with 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He added three pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Sophomore Caleb Kelly is also back as a starter following a strong first year with Oklahoma. He had 36 tackles and a sack in 2016. The freshman duo of Kenneth Murray and Addison Gumbs look to anchor down the backup spots. This unit is young, but the potential is through the roof.

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