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University of Oklahoma Athletics
2003 Season Preview: Defensive Backs
August 13, 2003 | Football
SoonerSports.com presents a position-by-position preview of the 2003 Sooners complete with analysis and photo galleries. This is the eighth installment with a focus on the 2003 Sooner defensive backs.
Defensive Backs
Players with starting experience at the position: FS Brandon Everage, CB Derrick Strait, SS Eric Bassey, S Antonio Perkins, S Matt McCoy.
Free safety Brandon Everage and cornerback Derrick Strait both had six interceptions last season and both have been starters for two years. That alone would be enough to paint a bright picture. But that's a long way from the whole story.
Strong safety Eric Bassey, a starter in all 14 games last season, also returns.
Then there are players like part-time starter Antonio Perkins, who can play every position in the secondary, and nickel back specialists Matt McCoy and Brandon Shelby.
Five players with extensive experience return along with a half dozen or so talented youngsters who look forward to a competitive opportunity.
Everage and Strait appear to be set. A new corner must be found to replace the departed Andre Woolfolk. That player could be one of several. Perkins is a candidate, but Bassey could be, too. Those two rate as the fastest players on the team and appear to make sense in the corner role.
Mid-year transfer Donte Nicholson, considered one of the top junior college safeties in the nation last season, was impressive in the spring. He is likely to emerge at strong safety, but also keep an eye on one of the team's most promising young players, Brodney Pool.
[ View 2003 Defensive Backs Photo Gallery ]
Next: Linebackers
Defensive Backs
Players with starting experience at the position: FS Brandon Everage, CB Derrick Strait, SS Eric Bassey, S Antonio Perkins, S Matt McCoy.
Free safety Brandon Everage and cornerback Derrick Strait both had six interceptions last season and both have been starters for two years. That alone would be enough to paint a bright picture. But that's a long way from the whole story.
Strong safety Eric Bassey, a starter in all 14 games last season, also returns.
Then there are players like part-time starter Antonio Perkins, who can play every position in the secondary, and nickel back specialists Matt McCoy and Brandon Shelby.
Five players with extensive experience return along with a half dozen or so talented youngsters who look forward to a competitive opportunity.
Everage and Strait appear to be set. A new corner must be found to replace the departed Andre Woolfolk. That player could be one of several. Perkins is a candidate, but Bassey could be, too. Those two rate as the fastest players on the team and appear to make sense in the corner role.
Mid-year transfer Donte Nicholson, considered one of the top junior college safeties in the nation last season, was impressive in the spring. He is likely to emerge at strong safety, but also keep an eye on one of the team's most promising young players, Brodney Pool.
[ View 2003 Defensive Backs Photo Gallery ]
Next: Linebackers
| 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
