Scott Wright: Free safety Nic Harris is the forgotten man in the OU secondary. Fans remember him getting burned for Oregon's winning touchdown last year, but he has been maybe the most consistent player on the defense since that day in Eugene.
Jake Trotter: There's a reason why Reggie Smith was the preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He's OU's top playmaker on defense, underscored by his 61-yard fumble return for a TD.
Wright: Don't forget Harris has a touchdown, too, on a 25-yard interception return that was far more difficult than Smith's uncontested fumble return. Harris also has 4.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack and two forced fumbles. He is OU's top returning tackler and had more interceptionslast yearthan Smith or anybody else on the team.
Trotter: Cornerbacks traditionally don't have big tackle stats because they're covering receivers, not assisting so much on the run. The Sooners have several safeties who can play, but having a lockdown corner is a luxury many teams find themselves without. Not only that, Smith is invaluable with his playmaking skills returning kicks.
Wright: Don't forget, Smith played the majority of last season at strong safety and still couldn't match Harris' statistical output. Harris has a free safety's skillsin a linebacker's body. Smith got the preseason player of the year honor, but when the season ends, Harris will be OU's defensive MVP.
Trotter:Harris has been terrific. But if either Harris or Smith were injured, whose absence would be more damaging to the defense. The answer is easy: Smith.
