Oklahoma football appears ready for run at national title in 2021

Sooner defense looks to take yet another step forward

Oklahoma has had a much-maligned defense over the course of Lincoln Riley’s tenure in Norman, but it showed definite signs of life last season. With nine returning starters, expect another leap for the Sooners’ defense.

Along the line, Oklahoma is going to be led by Isaiah Thomas, who had eight sacks last season. Oklahoma led the Big 12 in sacks with 39 last year and Thomas was a big reason for that. Jalen Redmond, who led the Sooners in sacks in 2019, is back after opting out last season. Perrion Winfrey is a very nose tackle who made a big impact on the run defense last season.

The linebackers are led by last season’s leading pass rusher Nik Bonnito who had 8.5 sacks and is an All-American candidate this year. DaShaun White has been a two-year starter for the Sooners and he is primed for a big season. Brain Asamoah is the other projected starter and David Ugwoegbu is primed to earn some playing time.

The secondary is the unit that is hardest hit with departures.

Tre Norwood and Tre Brown are now both in the NFL and Brendan Radley-Hiles transferred to Washington. There is talent on the back end, however. Jeremiah Criddell is the favorite to start at nickelback and Woodi Washington and DJ Graham are going to be on the outside.

There is depth at corner as well with Tennessee transfer Key Lawrence and Justin Harrington.

At safety, look for Delarrin Turner-Yell and Pat Fields to have big seasons.