By John Shinn
Defenses have strengths and weaknesses. But it doesn’t matter how good a group of linebackers or defensive backs play, a weak defensive line will cause everything to buckle.
“It all starts up front. Whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run game,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said.
The Sooners believe they will put one of the best defenses of the Stoops Era on the field this season. What fuels that belief is what’s up front.
Counting the 2007 and 2008 seasons, OU has two defensive ends and two tackles that have been All-Big 12 performers. Defensive end Auston English and defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger earned those designations in 2007, but were limited by injuries last season.
Last year, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy turned into a star and has been a member of just about every preseason All-American team. Defensive end Jeremy Beal also turned into one of the most versatile down linemen in the Big 12 last season.
That doesn’t even mention Frank Alexander and Adrian Taylor who became first-year starters last season and showed they have incredibly bright futures.
“When you look at Auston English, Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander, those are as good as defensive ends as we’ve had as a group,” Stoops said. “And then inside with Gerald McCoy and Taylor and those guys, they’ve really played well. I’m hopeful that we can have a really special defense.”
The defensive end group has the talent to be special because the talent runs much deeper than two starters. Beal and English are the projected starters but Alexander is their equal in every way. They can all rush the passer and plug holes against the run.
Redshirt freshman R.J. Washington will also fight for playing time along with David King. The competition level among the group is as fierce as it gets on a daily basis.
“There is tons with Frank (Alexander) and Jeremy (Beal) and Jeremy is playing so good right now. Frank is always a great explosive playmaker for us, and there is great competition,” English said. “You just enjoy it, embrace it and it brings the best out of anybody.”
The defensive tackle spots are similar. There’s no doubt McCoy is the leader of the group. If he’s able to make a similar leap from his sophomore to junior season as the one from his freshman to sophomore season, he could very well be the best defensive tackle in college football.
Taylor, also a junior, had 27 tackles and 41⁄2 sacks in his first full season as a starter. You’d be hard pressed to find a better defensive tackle combination in college football.
The bonus is having Granger back in the mix. He was limited by foot and back injuries last season. When healthy he is the prototypical run-stuffing defensive tackle. Players like Granger are always precious commodities in football.
Cordero Moore gained valuable experience as a backup last season and should see playing time this year. Freshman Jarmarkus McFarland has impressed the coaches throughout training camp and will likely be part of the rotation at tackle along with redshirt freshman Stacy McGee and Casey Walker.
There’s no doubt the individual talent is there for OU to put a fearsome foursome on the field at any point during the game. It has established stars and raw talent waiting to be polished.
The key will be molding into a cohesive unit.
McCoy said that won’t be problem.
“We are a real close group and we all kind of have the same mindset and that killer instinct about us,” he said. “We know if we have that same mindset and we get real close off the field we will be even better on the field, so we are a real close group. That is what makes us as good as we are.”
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
