University of Oklahoma Athletics

2003 Season Preview: Defensive Line

2003 Season Preview: Defensive Line

August 11, 2003 | Football

SoonerSports.com presents a position-by-position preview of the 2003 Sooners complete with analysis and photo galleries. This is the sixth installment with a focus on the 2003 Sooner defensive linemen.
 
It is impressive that Oklahoma returns nine starters on defense. It is more impressive that the Sooners return five players who have been starters for two years. Beyond its experience, the OU defense is talented and deep.

There have been a lot of good Oklahoma defenses over the years, including several during Bob Stoops' four seasons in Norman. This one could be in a position to stand with some of its greatest predecessors.
 
Defensive Line
Players with starting experience at the position: Tommie Harris, Kory Klein, Dusty Dvoracek, Lynn McGruder.
 
The two interior positions return the entire four-man rotation. Tommie Harris and Kory Klein have taken the bulk of the starts over the past two seasons. Dusty Dvoracek and Lynn McGruder give OU a top four that rivals most in the college ranks.

Harris is a headliner who looks to rebound after being slowed by a groin injury last season. The understated Klein is as steady as any player on the team. Dvoracek is as active as any of OU's defensive linemen and McGruder is a space eater with an explosive first step.

Oklahoma's defensive middle will hold its own.
 
[ View 2003 Defensive Line Photo Gallery ]
 
Next: Defensive Ends
 

2003 Football Preview -
Monday, Aug. 4 Season Outlook
Tuesday, Aug. 5 Quarterbacks
Wednesday, Aug. 6 Running Backs
Thursday, Aug. 7 Receivers
Friday, Aug. 8 Offensive Line
Monday, Aug. 11 Defensive Line
Tuesday, Aug. 12 Defensive Ends
Wednesday, Aug. 13 Defensive Backs
Thursday, Aug. 14 Linebackers
Friday, Aug. 15 Special Teams
 
 
Thursday, June 25
Monday, June 22
Monday, May 18
Thursday, April 30