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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Position Preview: Defensive Backs
August 15, 2016 | Football
NORMAN ? The Sooners return three starters, plus their nickel back, to a secondary that greatly improved in 2015. OU ranked first in the Big 12 in pass defense a year ago, allowing just 202.8 yards per game through the air, and also ranked second in the league with 20 interceptions.
CORNERBACKS
Zack Sanchez's selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2016 NFL Draft has left one corner spot vacant, but junior Jordan Thomas will once again look to lock down one side of the field. He was a vital part of Oklahoma's improved secondary a year ago, ranking fourth in the Big 12 with five interceptions and being named to the All-Big 12 First Team by ESPN.com. At 6 feet tall, Thomas boasts good size for a corner and also excels is coverage. He often drew opposing teams' best receiver a year ago and succeeded in shutting them down.
Senior Dakota Austin is probably the favorite to man the opposite side of the field as Thomas. Austin played in 11 total games last year and made two starts in place of an injured Sanchez. He picked off a pair of passes and recorded three pass breakups. At 5-10 and 157 pounds, Austin is smaller than Thomas but has excellent coverage skills and is a proven tackler in open space.
Also in the mix for the second corner spot is sophomore P.J. Mbanasor. Mbanasor played in 10 total games and made a pair of starts a year ago. He boasts a more prototypical frame at 6-1 and 193 pounds, and also flashes elite athleticism that gives him a high ceiling as a corner prospect. Converted wide receiver Michiah Quick could also see playing time in 2016. The aptly-named Quick moved to the defensive side of the ball after spring practice and has been able to use his athleticism to insert himself into the rotation.
Assistant defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks also has a stable of talented youngsters pushing for playing time. Freshman Parish Cobb arrives in Norman a highly touted four-star recruit while fellow freshman Parnell Motley has also made noise in camp. Motley tipped a pass in Saturday's scrimmage that led to an interception by freshman linebacker Jon-Michael Terry. Redshirt freshman Antoine Stephens should also factor into the Sooners' depth.
SAFETIES/NICKEL BACK
The 2016 campaign will mark the second for senior Ahmad Thomas and junior Steven Parker to start alongside one another at safety. Both started all 13 games for the Sooners last year, combining for 135 tackles. Their veteran presence in the back end of the OU defense will be a huge asset for the Sooners, particularly with the team's relative youth at the linebacker position.
Will Johnson played a pivotal role last year as OU's nickel back. Now a redshirt junior, Johnson alternated starts with outside linebacker Devante Bond, depending on offensive formations, and played in 11 total games. Johnson made plenty of noise in Saturday's scrimmage as well, flashing big play ability both as a blitzer and in coverage. The Baltimore, Md., native is set to reprise the challenging role of covering the Big 12's bevy of explosive inside receivers again in 2016.
Oklahoma has plenty of young talent challenging for playing time and providing depth behind OU's safety duo. Kahlil Haughton, Prentice McKinney and Will Sunderland all saw the field last year as freshman and should see increased playing time in their second years in the program. Freshman Chanse Sylvie graduated early and participated in the Sooners' spring practice. That extra experience should help the four-star prospect factor into the safety conversation.
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