The Sooners will make a run for a national championship in 2021 and if they get to the grand stage, it will be because of the defense. The offense has consistently been collegiate football royalty under wizard, Lincoln Riley.  Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s defense has been the team’s Achilles’ heel, although since the arrival of Alex Grinch, the unit has evolved.

The defense has improved drastically during he last few years. The squad went from a rush defensive ranking of 32nd in 2019 to 9th in 2020; seven interceptions in 2019 (100th) to 16 in 2020 (3rd); and an average of 2.6 sacks-per-game in 2019 (34th) to an average of 3.4 sacks-per-game in 2020 (7th). Those are telling statistics.

Many cornerstone players are returning in 2021, including Perrion Winfrey, Nik Bonitto and Woodi Washington. Spring football is fast approaching and roster battles will commence between the hash marks.

Here is a preliminary take at what the Oklahoma Sooners depth chart could look like when the 2021 season kicks off. No doubt, Grinch will put the most physical and competitive players on the gridiron to don Crimson and Cream.

Defensive End

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1st: Isaiah Thomas

2nd: Marcus Stripling

3rd: Reggie Grimes

Nose Tackle

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1st: Perrion Winfrey

2nd: LaRon Stokes

3rd: Jordan Kelley

Defensive Tackle

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1st: Jalen Redmond

2nd: Joshua Ellison

3rd: Kori Roberson

Mike (Middle) Linebacker

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1st: David Ugwoegbu

2nd: DaShaun White

3rd: Shane Whitter

Will (Weak side) Linebacker

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1st: Brian Asamoah

2nd: Bryan Mead

3rd: Brynden Walker

Rush (Stand-Up) Linebacker

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1st: Nik Bonitto

2nd: Brynden Walker

3rd: Clayton Smith

Left Cornerback

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1st: D.J. Graham

2nd: Jaden Davis

3rd: Joshua Eaton

Right Cornerback

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1st: Woodi Washington

2nd: Jaden Davis

3rd: Latrell McCutchin

Nickel Back

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1st: Brendan Radley-Hiles

2nd: Jeremiah Criddell

Strong Safety

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1st: Delarrin Turner-Yell

2nd: Keshawn Lawrence

Free Safety

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1st: Pat Fields

2nd: Bryson Washington