• With Ingram and Alexander back, Oklahoma’s linebacking corps has experience
By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
In most sports, two out of three isn’t bad. It’s better than average and, in most cases, it’s enough to get the job done.
In Oklahoma’s case, two out of three is the number of starting linebackers returning this season. The Sooners feel that will equal to far better than average.
Weakside linebacker Rufus Alexander, a junior, and strongside linebacker Clint Ingram, a senior, highlight a group that has been one of OU’s best positions during the Bob Stoops’ era.
From 2000-2003, OU has had a consensus All-American linebacker every season. The string ended last year, but a new one could be on the horizon.
It starts with Alexander and Ingram.
“I feel like they’re as athletic, explosive and have the play-making ability as good as anybody in the conference,” OU defensive co-coordinator Venables said.
Alexander and Ingram saw their first extensive action last year. Alexander responded with 74 tackles, seven for losses, including two sacks. His play-making abilities turned him into a second-team selection on last season’s All-Big 12 team. He is a first-team selection to this year’s pre-season squad. Ingram registered 50 tackles and two sacks. He also gained a reputation for his ability to cover the pass and a run-stopper.
They are the known commodities in the linebacker corps. The unknown is in the middle where junior Zach Latimer has to fill the large shoes of Lance Mitchell.
Latimer spent last season as Mitchell’s understudy, soaking in the defense. The time has arrived to show his knowledge on the field.
Venables believes he’s up to the task.
“A guy like Zach Latimer hasn’t played, but has been in our program now three years,” Venables said. “We feel like he’s got the range and mindset for it. He just needs to have an opportunity to play and gain experience.”
Of course, neither Alexander or Ingram had experience before their 2004 last seasons. But, last year, they both made the most of their opportunities.
Ingram doesn’t expect that to change this season.
“All three of us at linebacker, we all have the ability to make plays and be leaders,” he said. “Maybe it can be all three of us.”
But experience is an issue.
Sophomore Demarrio Pleasant saw limited action last season and will see more this year. Where is the question.
“Demarrio Pleasant is the wild card,” Venables said. “He can play all three positions.”
Pleasant has worked at every spot during the preseason and admits practice can be a bit overwhelming.
“It’s kind of tough because I have to know everything,” he said. “There’s a lot of things I can relate to with the (weakside and strongside), but I have to get out there and learn it.”
Pleasant is the only reserve with playing experience. OU has filled its two-deep position chart with a pair of very talented freshmen.
Curtis Lofton and Ryan Reynolds were both highly-touted when they signed with OU in February.
In the short time they’ve been on campus, they’ve gotten rave reviews from Venables. He has no plans to redshirt either of the freshmen. He said they’re ready to play.
“It’s obvious how physical and aggressive they are,” Venables said. “A lot of it is instinct, they just have a feel for it. They’re active from sideline-to-sideline and just seem to have a real good feel for the game.”
It’s a group that is big on talent, but short on experience. That’s a similar scenario to what OU faced last season when Alexander and Ingram were unknowns.
Everything seemed to work all right then. Venables believes it won’t change in 2005.
“It’s an athletic group,” Venables said. “We are two-deep (at all three spots). Some of the younger guys haven’ t played as much, but you can see their confidence on the field.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
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