2015 Oklahoma Sooners Football Preview | Rebuilding The Offensive Line

Oklahoma's 2014 offensive line led the nation in allowing just nine sacks but it was senior laden and featured guys like Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams who are now working on earning a roster spot in the NFL. Now, as new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley installs a new system for moving the ball up and down the field, Oklahoma must rebuild one of the most significant aspects of their offense. The guys up front are the ones that pave the way for whatever play is called.

Projected Offensive Line Depth Chart

* Bold Italics Indicates Returning Starters

Senior Ty Darlington will anchor the line from the center position. He started all thirteen games in 2014 and will be looked upon once again to lead Oklahoma's guys in the battle of the trenches. Right guard Nila Kasitati has played in 29 total games during his senior career with 13 starts. He is Oklahoma's most experienced offensive linemen.

Behind the returning starters the Sooners have experience but that experience is as a backup. Derek Farniok has played in 27 games but has only started once, Josiah St. John has made eight game appearances and Jonathan Alvarez played in one game as a true freshman.

The suspension of Kenyon Frison most likely opens a door for a guy like Christian Daimler to get in on the two-deep and possibly even as an eventual starter. I also wouldn't sleep on Orlando Brown. He has NFL size and once things begin to click it is going to be really hard to keep him off the field.

The disadvantage for the Sooners is that they lost three starters from their 2014 line but the advantage is that the front runners to replace those guys have game experience and aren't just being thrown into the fire. Add to that the "quick strike" offensive philosophy will change, and simplify, the blocking schemes. At least on paper, the Sooners should be better on the o-line than what most are expecting.