Completed Event: Football versus Illinois State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 3
Final
Football
35
vs Illinois State
3
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Preview: '09 Defense, Special Teams
April 09, 2009 | Football
NORMAN, Okla. -- Below is the second half of the 2009 football preview that originally appeared in the spring football guide. The entire guide is available online. For the first half of the preview covering the OU offense, please click here.
With the introduction of several new starters and injuries to key players, it would be safe to acknowledge that 2008 had its share of growing pains on the defensive side of the ball.
Likewise, it's impossible to deny the improvement. By the time the season ended, the unit had rounded into one of team's strengths, so much so that the defense is one of the reasons Oklahoma is again forecasted as a top five team for the 2009 campaign.
Replacements must be found for departed safeties Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, but otherwise the group returns largely intact. The headliners include All-American tackle Gerald McCoy, 2008 Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Auston English and record-setting linebacker Travis Lewis, who broke Brian Bosworth's OU freshman record for tackles while claiming a team-high four interceptions.
Oklahoma's defense is fast and opportunistic. It's also much deeper than it was at this time last season.
An injury to English wound up a blessing in disguise when it forced Oklahoma to get Frank Alexander to the field quicker and more frequently than had been anticipated. Alexander was more than up to the task and now returns for his sophomore season pushing to maintain a starting job. English is back too along with two-year starter Jeremy Beal to make this a well-stocked position in both experience and talent.
Others to watch are David King and R.J. Washington, who redshirted last season. The signing class also was replete with ends including Jarrett Brown, Justin Chaisson and Terry Franklin. There is an expectation that Oklahoma will be capable of exerting considerable pressure off the edge.
Of course, the same may be true up the middle with a talented corps of defensive tackles. The ring leader is All-American McCoy, who will be a leading contender for both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy. His running mate last season, Adrian Taylor, also returns.
From there, the tackle positions are less certain. Cory Bennett graduated and DeMarcus Granger had back surgery, so half of the four-man rotation is either gone or somewhat questionable. Cordero Moore got snaps at tackle last season and he returns along with redshirt freshmen Stacy McGee and Casey Walker.
The incoming freshman class includes an outstanding prospect in Jemarkus McFarland. Oklahoma has been rock solid at the defensive tackle position for some time and there is no indication of anything less in `09. The same can really be said for the entire defensive front.
Injuries forced OU to go deep into a thin linebacker corps last season. The return of seven players along, with a stellar signing class, helps to address the situation. The Sooners will still feature young depth and will be looking to sign another strong class when much of this group departs after the `09 season.
Still, the immediate prospects are much improved. Ryan Reynolds and Austin Box are both recovering from injuries, but figure to be full-go by the time August workouts commence. Reynolds and senior Mike Balogun are likely to hold down the middle, while Box is a probable on either the strong or weak side.
On the strong side, Keenan Clayton is the returning starter. The former safety proved a valuable commodity as he could work in a nickel role in passing situations. He'll be pushed by J.R. Bryant. On the weak side, All-America candidate Lewis is back after an outstanding freshman season.
Both OU corners were new to full-time starting roles in 2008, but they performed remarkably well and set up the Sooner defense to be strong on the outside in `09.
Dominique Franks returns at field corner with Brian Jackson working the boundary. Players like Jonathan Nelson and Lamar Harris will look to challenge.
Both safeties, Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, exhausted their eligibility last season so the Sooners will have new faces on the back end. Quinton Carter played extensively and is a likely candidate at one of the spots with Sam Proctor and Joseph Ibiloye also hoping to compete. Proctor saw duty with special teams last season while the rangy Ibiloye redshirted. Others at safety include Desmond Jackson and Emmanuel Jones.
The class of incoming defensive backs is strong enough that several of those players may find their way onto the field. The list includes safeties Kevin Brent and Javon Harris and corners Gabe Lynn, Marcus Trice and Demontre Hurst, the latter of which may also work at safety. The physical maturity and overall skill of the newcomers lend themselves to a quick adjustment period.
For the most part, the special teams will have a familiar look with a number of returning players counted among the ranks. That does not mean, however, that there will not be substantial competition for playing time.
Kicker
Jimmy Stevens handled the placements last season with Matthew Moreland taking care of the kickoff chores. Both return, but will be pushed by redshirt freshman Tress Way. Another who could enter the fray is Cameron Kenney, the junior college transfer wide receiver. He also is likely to be considered at punter.
Punter
Mike Knall wrapped up his second full year as the team's punter last season so the job is open. Way and Kenney will be among those trying to secure this spot.
Returners
With the end of Juaquin Iglesias' career so ends the exploits of one of the school's great returners. He finished with more kickoff return yards than anyone in OU history. Still, there are a number of very qualified returners. DeMarco Murray has proved dynamic in the role and Chris Brown has been used some too.
It's safe to assume that other candidates will be reviewed as well, and if history serves as a guide, Oklahoma will have a fast and elusive tandem doing the work. At punt returner, Ryan Broyles and Dominique Franks, who combined for 30 of the Sooners' 32 punt returns last season are back. Broyles will likely get the bulk of the assignment.
Deep Snapper
Three players handled the duties last year and all three are back. Derek Shaw is the most experienced, but Ben Hampton, who has been used primarily on placements, and James Winchester also have experience.
Holder
Carter Whitson returns after filling the role admirably last season. The wide receiver was sure-handed and remains athletic enough to provide options.
- - - - - - -
2009 Spring Game
Oklahoma's annual spring football game is set for Saturday, April 11, with a kickoff time of 1:15 p.m. at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Purchase tickets online, call or visit the OU Athletics ticket office. Fans can also vote for the participants in the first annual Varsity "O" Legends Flag Football Classic:
Spring Game Tickets | Legends Classic | Spring FB Central
 |
The Defense |
With the introduction of several new starters and injuries to key players, it would be safe to acknowledge that 2008 had its share of growing pains on the defensive side of the ball.
Likewise, it's impossible to deny the improvement. By the time the season ended, the unit had rounded into one of team's strengths, so much so that the defense is one of the reasons Oklahoma is again forecasted as a top five team for the 2009 campaign.
Replacements must be found for departed safeties Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, but otherwise the group returns largely intact. The headliners include All-American tackle Gerald McCoy, 2008 Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Auston English and record-setting linebacker Travis Lewis, who broke Brian Bosworth's OU freshman record for tackles while claiming a team-high four interceptions.
Oklahoma's defense is fast and opportunistic. It's also much deeper than it was at this time last season.
|
Defensive Line |
An injury to English wound up a blessing in disguise when it forced Oklahoma to get Frank Alexander to the field quicker and more frequently than had been anticipated. Alexander was more than up to the task and now returns for his sophomore season pushing to maintain a starting job. English is back too along with two-year starter Jeremy Beal to make this a well-stocked position in both experience and talent.
Others to watch are David King and R.J. Washington, who redshirted last season. The signing class also was replete with ends including Jarrett Brown, Justin Chaisson and Terry Franklin. There is an expectation that Oklahoma will be capable of exerting considerable pressure off the edge.
Of course, the same may be true up the middle with a talented corps of defensive tackles. The ring leader is All-American McCoy, who will be a leading contender for both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy. His running mate last season, Adrian Taylor, also returns.
From there, the tackle positions are less certain. Cory Bennett graduated and DeMarcus Granger had back surgery, so half of the four-man rotation is either gone or somewhat questionable. Cordero Moore got snaps at tackle last season and he returns along with redshirt freshmen Stacy McGee and Casey Walker.
The incoming freshman class includes an outstanding prospect in Jemarkus McFarland. Oklahoma has been rock solid at the defensive tackle position for some time and there is no indication of anything less in `09. The same can really be said for the entire defensive front.
|
Linebackers |
Injuries forced OU to go deep into a thin linebacker corps last season. The return of seven players along, with a stellar signing class, helps to address the situation. The Sooners will still feature young depth and will be looking to sign another strong class when much of this group departs after the `09 season.
Still, the immediate prospects are much improved. Ryan Reynolds and Austin Box are both recovering from injuries, but figure to be full-go by the time August workouts commence. Reynolds and senior Mike Balogun are likely to hold down the middle, while Box is a probable on either the strong or weak side.
On the strong side, Keenan Clayton is the returning starter. The former safety proved a valuable commodity as he could work in a nickel role in passing situations. He'll be pushed by J.R. Bryant. On the weak side, All-America candidate Lewis is back after an outstanding freshman season.
|
Defensive Backs |
Both OU corners were new to full-time starting roles in 2008, but they performed remarkably well and set up the Sooner defense to be strong on the outside in `09.
Dominique Franks returns at field corner with Brian Jackson working the boundary. Players like Jonathan Nelson and Lamar Harris will look to challenge.
Both safeties, Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, exhausted their eligibility last season so the Sooners will have new faces on the back end. Quinton Carter played extensively and is a likely candidate at one of the spots with Sam Proctor and Joseph Ibiloye also hoping to compete. Proctor saw duty with special teams last season while the rangy Ibiloye redshirted. Others at safety include Desmond Jackson and Emmanuel Jones.
The class of incoming defensive backs is strong enough that several of those players may find their way onto the field. The list includes safeties Kevin Brent and Javon Harris and corners Gabe Lynn, Marcus Trice and Demontre Hurst, the latter of which may also work at safety. The physical maturity and overall skill of the newcomers lend themselves to a quick adjustment period.
|
The Special Teams |
For the most part, the special teams will have a familiar look with a number of returning players counted among the ranks. That does not mean, however, that there will not be substantial competition for playing time.
Kicker
Jimmy Stevens handled the placements last season with Matthew Moreland taking care of the kickoff chores. Both return, but will be pushed by redshirt freshman Tress Way. Another who could enter the fray is Cameron Kenney, the junior college transfer wide receiver. He also is likely to be considered at punter.
Punter
Mike Knall wrapped up his second full year as the team's punter last season so the job is open. Way and Kenney will be among those trying to secure this spot.
Returners
With the end of Juaquin Iglesias' career so ends the exploits of one of the school's great returners. He finished with more kickoff return yards than anyone in OU history. Still, there are a number of very qualified returners. DeMarco Murray has proved dynamic in the role and Chris Brown has been used some too.
It's safe to assume that other candidates will be reviewed as well, and if history serves as a guide, Oklahoma will have a fast and elusive tandem doing the work. At punt returner, Ryan Broyles and Dominique Franks, who combined for 30 of the Sooners' 32 punt returns last season are back. Broyles will likely get the bulk of the assignment.
Deep Snapper
Three players handled the duties last year and all three are back. Derek Shaw is the most experienced, but Ben Hampton, who has been used primarily on placements, and James Winchester also have experience.
Holder
Carter Whitson returns after filling the role admirably last season. The wide receiver was sure-handed and remains athletic enough to provide options.
- - - - - - -
2009 Spring Game
Oklahoma's annual spring football game is set for Saturday, April 11, with a kickoff time of 1:15 p.m. at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Purchase tickets online, call or visit the OU Athletics ticket office. Fans can also vote for the participants in the first annual Varsity "O" Legends Flag Football Classic:
Spring Game Tickets | Legends Classic | Spring FB Central
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