Wednesday, June 13, 2012

College Football Preview: 4. Oklahoma Sooners

4. Oklahoma Sooners Returning Starters: 15 Returning Star: QB Landry Jones Key Loss: WR Ryan Broyles Player to Watch: QB Landry Jones Few teams were more disappointing then the Oklahoma Sooners of 2011-2012. Starting of the season number one, the Sooners had a Heisman canidate at QB (Landry Jones), a star receiver (Ryan Broyles) and a fantastic linebacker (Travis Lewis). Now the Sooners hope they have matured enough to have a successful 2012 season. Jones is back for his senior season and is hoping that '12 will go a lot smoother than last year. Jones has a good arm and is dominant when he is on, but, when he isn't he constantly turns the ball over. He struggled without Broyles to through to last season. The Sooners backfield was inconsistent without a leader like Demarco Murray. Dominique Whaley is back but will not play much this season due to injury. That leaves the door open for junior back Roy Finch. Finch looked decent in his playing time last season. He may improve this year thanks to a great fullback and line. Fullback Trey Milliard will lead the way for Finch. Milliard is big and bulky and perfect for the Sooners offense. Receiever Broyles may be gone but Jones still has good hands to throw to thanks to junior Kenny Stills. Stills had a strong sophomore year and will be constantly targeted. Junior Jaz Reynolds also makes his return giving Jones another consistent option. Oklahoma lost tight end James Hanna who was a good blocker. The offensive line is strong losing just one starter. Center Gabe Ikard is one of the nation's best at that position. Senior Lane Johnson, Adam Shead and Tyler Evans complete the rest of the line. The defense has some questions but is still a decent unit. On the line, the Sooners are okay. Tackle Casey Walker and senior Jamarkus McFarland stuff runners up the middle but the pass rush is one the weaker side. Junior Tom Wort had a strong sophomore year and will help stopping the run. Corey Nelson can make plays all over the field. The defensive back has talent but is still pretty inconsistent. Senior Demontre Hurst may be the best defender on the team. Heisman Hopeful: Landry Jones Big 12 Rank: 1st

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