Oklahoma has always counted on its linebackers.
Taking on offensive linemen and running stride for stride with running backs are both part of the job. The ability to accomplish both tasks are difficult to find in any one player, but the Sooners always seem to find at least three who are up to the job.
This season is no different.
OU brings back two starters in weakside linebacker Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer in the middle. Both are coming off solid seasons and were the Sooners’ top tacklers a year ago.
Latimer had 84 stops, including six behind the line of scrimmage. He proved he could handle the rigors of OU’s defense.
But Alexander is the star of the group.
Since 2001, OU has claimed two Butkus Award winners in Rocky Calmus (2001) and Teddy Lehman (2003). Defensive coordinator Brent Venables believes Alexander is on their level.
“Rufus has a chance to be in the company of the awfully good linebackers that we’ve had since we’ve been here,” he said.
The senior from Baton Rouge, La., made himself a fan favorite with his knack for making plays at critical times. Chants of “Ruuuufus” have become as commonplace as “Boomer Sooner” over the last three seasons.
Last year Alexander paced OU with 102 tackles, including 17 for losses. He also amassed five sacks, an interception and broke up nine passes. The effort made him an All-Big 12 selection.
But more is expected in his final season. Alexander was named the Big 12’s preseason defensive player of the year and will compete for the Butkus Award.
He’s appreciative of the accolades, but he knows he has to earn everything on the field.
“It feels good that people think of you that highly, but it’s all predictions,” Alexander said. “You can’t go off that. You have to produce, play and execute.”
It’s a pretty sure bet he will, and Latimer is sure to be better after a season of experience. He was the new guy last season.
“Everyone has to do it,” Latimer said. “The guys that step right in and play are few and far between. It’s good to wait and learn and finally step in when it’s your turn.”
The only question mark is at the strongside spot. Clint Ingram held down the position for the last two seasons and his departure left a gaping hole.
However, it could turn into a golden opportunity for Demarrio Pleasant. The junior has been waiting for two seasons to get on the field.
He battled Ryan Reynolds for the spot in the spring and impressed the coaching staff along the way. His solid play has continued this preseason.
“I think he’s more than capable of being an awfully good football player,” Venables said. “He has all the physical traits and he has great instincts and range.”
The Sooners put even more stock in Pleasant after Reynolds suffered a knee injury last May. Reynolds is expected to redshirt this season and his unavailability him has made depth an issue.
Curtis Lofton is battling Latimer for playing time in the middle and Lewis Baker can step in and play at either the weak or strong spot.
Venables admits losing Reynolds for the season hurts, but likes what he has at the linebacker spots.
“Depth is a question. We saw that take a hit when Ryan got hurt,” Venables said. “But Rufus is going to be one of the great players in the nation this year, so we don’t lack for playmakers there.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
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Discussion
Rufus will lead
But depth could be an issue for Sooner linebackers
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