Sooners breakdown: What OU needs at key positions

Published: August 26, 2007

The job of the OU quarterback is simple: Don't screw up.

The Sooners need a facilitator who is consistent, avoids major mistakes and gets the ball into the hands of the weapons he's surrounded with.

If they don't get that from the QB, the Sooners could be looking at a three- or four-loss season.

OU hasn't seen this kind of depth in the backfield since Barry Switzer was running the wishbone. Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray might grab the most highlights with their respective styles, but coaches are adamant that Chris Brown is the most efficient runner of the group — meaning he rarely loses yardage and almost always gets what's available.

With so many options, the coaching staff will find ways to get multiple backs on the field at the same time.

Praise started rolling in early for the OU line — the best in the country? The best in OU history? And there's only one senior on the two-deep. Big left tackle Phil Loadholt, 6-foot-8, 350 pounds, is the only mystery among the starters. Six experienced players return at the other four positions.

Keeping the front five grounded with all the attention that's coming their way will be the toughest task.

Loaded with talent, light on experience. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables raves about the talent Ryan Reynolds has shown, but the redshirt sophomore has done little in games.

Junior-college transfer Mike Reed is still making the transition to Division I football, but Curtis Lofton is more than capable of starting at middle linebacker. Lewis Baker and Demarrio Pleasant offer flexibility at strongside linebacker.

Since holder Hays McEachern decided to come back, rather than quit football to concentrate on academics, the Sooners return all the vital pieces of their special teams units. Garrett Hartley's 95 percent field goal conversion rate led the nation last season.

Bob Stoops isn't afraid to use starters on special teams coverage, which usually makes those units above average.

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