Oklahoma Football: 3 breakout candidates for Sooners in 2021

Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto emerged as Oklahoma football’s best pass rusher last season, leading the Sooners with nine sacks. Not only did Bonitto lead OU in sacks, but he also finished second in the Big 12 and ninth in the country.

Bonitto is a preseason All-Big 12 and preseason All-American selection and on the watchlist for the Bednarik Award this season. The Florida native is a piece in Alex Grinch’s havoc-rate defense. An EDGE rusher coming out of high school, Bonitto made the transition to outside linebacker almost seamlessly.

Though Bonitto was recruited by former defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, he is part of a defense that has seen a significant uptick in talent the last three seasons. Bonitto’s emergence last season and expectation for a big season are due partly to the talent and depth on the defensive roster.

The Sooners have plenty of talent to create one on one opportunities for Bonitto. Defensive end Isaiah Thomas who was second on the team in sacks, returns. There is plenty of beef in the middle to take on double teams and take up space.

Perrion Winfrey and Josh Ellison are part of an interior line rotation that includes LaRon Stokes and Jalen Redmond.

Bonitto, however, is the centerpiece. Expect the redshirt junior to have an evolved role this season in Grinch’s multiple formation defense.