No one is trying to hide the fact that one of the biggest area's of improvement needed in the Oklahoma offense is the line. In 2010 they were great in pass blocking but struggled heavily at times in run blocking which proved to be costly a few times. Now the unit returns mostly intact and another year experienced which should pave the way for stronger running lanes in 2011.
While there's plenty of experience to go around, depth could be a concern. The Sooners have to prepare as if Jarvis Jones won't be playing and there's another cause for concern there as well. Jones, 6-7/289 senior, is out with a knee injury and may miss up to half of the season. He recorded a total of 81 knockdowns last season while only starting four games.
|
LT |
LG |
C |
RG Tyler Evans |
RT |
| Lane Johnson | Stephen Good | Austin Woods | Adam Shead | Josh Aladenoye |
Center
Junior Ben Habern is entering his third season as a starter. Last year he started all 14 games and registered 123 knockdown blocks. That's a category he led the team in five times last season in, including the Colorado game where he registered 16. At 6-4/292, Habern excels in pass blocking.
Behind Habern in sophomore Austin Woods who was the starting deep snapper on place kicks last season.
Left Tackle
Starting just 10 games last season, senior Donald Stephenson placed second on the team with 103 knockdown blocks. He led the team in knockdowns four times, including 15 against Baylor. Last season was his first action since 2008 after sitting out the 2009 season.
Junior Lane Johnson is a bit of a project who has finally found a home at left tackle. The 6-6/296 junior was moved from tight end to defensive end last season but never received any playing time at either position. He was a redshirt in 2009.
Left Guard
Sophomore Gabe Ikard was a Freshman All-American after playing in 13 games at left guard last season, starting the final 11. He recorded 72 knockdown blocks including a season high 11 against Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game. He's a third year sophomore who will be going into his second season as a starter.
Senior Stephen Good could occupy this position as the starter but will at least be in the rotation. He was replaced by Ikard last season but still saw action in all 13 games, recording 81 knockdowns.
Right Guard
Tyler Evans is going to be a third year starter. A 6-5/305 junior, he started in 12 of Oklahoma's 14 games last season and recorded 81 knockdowns.
Redshirt freshman Adam Shead was a three-star recruit by Rivals who had him ranked as the 13th best offensive guard in the nation.
Right Tackle
Redshirt freshman Daryl Williams was a four-star recruit by Rivals who had him ranked as the 32nd best offensive tackle prospect in the nation.
Sophomore Josh Aladenoye played in 12 games last season as a reserve.