Position Preview: Offensive Linemen

NORMAN — It's been hard to argue with the play of Oklahoma's offensive front under the direction of line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, as the Sooners have put together their most productive rushing campaigns under head coach Bob Stoops in each of the past two years. After leading the country in fewest sacks allowed (9.0) and graduating five key players last season, there is open competition to fill important O-line positions for 2015.

One spot that's not up for grabs is center. In his final run with the Sooners, senior Ty Darlington looks to anchor the front line once again this season. The Apopka, Fla., native is the most experienced of the returning linemen after starting all 13 games during the 2014 season. Darlington has been a vocal leader both on and off the field, and his efforts have tacked him on the preseason watch list for multiple awards. The list includes the Rimington Trophy (most outstanding center) and the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman). Darlington is also in the mix for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. At 6-foot-3, 268 pounds, Darlington provides stability for the offensive line and will be vital in setting the offense in motion.

Striker fall camp

Senior Ty Darlington is on the watch lists for the Rimington, Outland and Wuerffel Trophies.

"He's the smartest guy and everybody understands that," said Bedenbaugh of Darlington, who earned his undergraduate degree in just two-and-a-half years. "Everybody goes to him when they've got questions. Ty, even last year, did a pretty good job in taking a leadership role."

Darlington will have some additional experience to help. Assisting on the interior will be redshirt senior Nila Kasitati, a 6-3, 319-pound guard who earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors by the league's coaches last season. He played in 12 of 13 games a year ago and has 10 career starts under his belt at right guard. Known by some OU fans for his singing ability, Kasitati is a quiet leader on the field but has taken strides to be more vocal this season as the front line depends on his leadership as well.

"It's definitely different being one of the older guys and having to take that role of being a leader because you're a veteran here and it's definitely a learning experience," Kasitati said. "Sometimes you can doubt yourself with whatever it is, but the younger guys are looking up to you no matter what."

"Nila is not a vocal guy, but he's done a really good job," Bedenbaugh said. "He's playing as good as he has since I've been here up to this point. He's got to take on more of a vocal role. Overall, both (Kasitati and Darlington) have done a good job, but they have to continue to do that."

TOBY'S TAKE

rowland

When I'm asked what position group concerns me the most going into 2015, I consistently answer “the offensive line.” That certainly isn't because I don't believe in Coach Bedenbaugh. In Bill I trust. But the fact is that Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson were really good. And the Sooners will be unproven at offensive tackle against an SEC pass rush in Week 2.

Ty Darlington is a rock at center. A perfect leader on and off the field to anchor the offense. Nila Kasitati has pro potential, but needs to have a healthy senior season. Josiah St. John, Derek Farniok and redshirt freshman Orlando Brown appear to be the favorites to start at tackle. They'll need to come along quickly at a very important position.

Listen to OU play-by-play announcer Toby Rowland weekday mornings from 6-9 a.m. on the "T-Row in the Morning Show" on KREF 98.5 FM and 1400 AM.

There are openings at both tackle positions and at the other guard spot for Bedenbaugh to fill and he has a mixed group of candidates from which he can choose. Options for tackle begin with redshirt seniors Josiah St. John (6-6, 308) and Derek Farniok (6-8, 339). St. John has gained useful experience after seeing the field in eight competitions in 2014 and has had a strong spring and fall camp thus far. Farniok has the most experience of the tackles with 29 games played, and that will be valuable as the younger members of the offensive line continue to adjust and improve.

"The O-line is different this year because we don't have as much experience," St. John said. "We really are maximizing our practices and get the most out of everything. But we're a young group and we have a lot of drive. We hear what people are saying about us, and it's just fueling us to do better."

The coaches have also been particularly impressed with redshirt freshman Orlando Brown (6-8, 342) and true freshman Dru Samia (6-7, 293).

anderson

Redshirt Senior Nila Kasitati will play an important role for the offensive line after playing in 12 of 13 games last season.

"I feel good about the younger guys," Bedenbaugh said. "They're coming along, but obviously they're young and inexperienced. We're in a situation where some of the young guys will have to play, and they're doing a good job pushing the older guys and working to take a position.

"Orlando Brown and Dru Samia have been two of the guys who have really stepped up and pushed to become starters," Bedenbaugh added.

The Sooners may also look to junior college transfer Jamal Danley (6-3, 297) and Sam Grant (6-6, 274), a redshirt junior who saw the field in all 13 games last season.

The younger members of OU's offensive line should not be counted out, however, as they vie for a major role this season. Sophomore Jonathan Alvarez saw action in the 2014 season opener, while redshirt freshmen Alex Dalton (6-3, 290) has a year of development after sitting out last year. Other freshmen on the radar include Allen, Texas, native Bobby Evans (6-4, 287), who was a consensus four-star recruit. Cody Ford (6-3, 324) from Pineville, La., considered a four-star recruit by another agency, is an additional option for Bedenbaugh.

While the Sooners are putting together the pieces of the offensive line puzzle, they have several options who can make perfect fits.

Players Mentioned

Jonathan Alvarez

Orlando Brown

Alex Dalton

Jamal Danley

Ty Darlington

Ty Darlington

Bobby Evans

Derek Farniok

Cody Ford

Sam Grant

Nila Kasitati

Nila Kasitati

Dru Samia

Josiah St. John

Tyrus Thompson

Daryl Williams

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics