NORMAN —Of all the juniors who are considering leaving Oklahoma early for the NFL Draft, Curtis Lofton is the player the Sooners could least afford to lose.
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On Monday, Lofton's surprise announcement that he's headed to the NFL created a gaping hole in the middle of the Sooner defense. The size of that hole is a testament to Lofton's big-play impact and OU's inexperience behind him.
Coach Bob Stoops will likely move outside linebacker Ryan Reynolds into Lofton's vacant middle linebacker position. At 6-foot-1, 237 pounds, Reynolds is a run-stopper and a more natural fit in the middle than he was as an outside linebacker who had to be taken off the field in some passing situations this year.
But Lofton's stellar play in all situations produced a season's worth of game-changing plays. Replacing those playmaking skills could be the single greatest offseason personnel challenge for Stoops, who on more than one occasion called Lofton the most productive linebacker he's coached at OU.
Mike Reed, a highly touted junior-college recruit who didn't play this year largely because of personal issues, could also be a candidate. Lamont Robinson and Brandon Crow are the only other linebackers on the roster with any playing experience.
"Curtis made a lot of big plays during his time here,” Stoops said. "We wish him all the best in the NFL.”
One month ago, Lofton surprised a small group of reporters by saying he was considering leaving Oklahoma for the NFL Draft. But only if he thought he could become a first-round pick.
That thinking probably led to Lofton's decision to forgo his senior season.
Lofton, considered initially as at best a mid-round pick by mock draft analysts, Sooner coaches and even Lofton himself, received a second-round grade on his personal draft evaluation, which he got after the Fiesta Bowl.
That grade put Lofton in the conversation of becoming a possible first-rounder and probably made him comfortable coming out a year early.
He joins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly as the two Sooners who have declared for the draft. Cornerback Reggie Smith and guard Duke Robinson also are considering leaving early, but have yet to reveal their decisions.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare is today, although players then have three days to withdraw their names.
This season, Lofton played like a future first-round pick.
He forced critical turnovers in wins over Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Missouri twice, which helped him earn Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors.
Lofton established a school record with nine double-digit tackle games and had a career-high 18 tackles in the first meeting with Missouri, which is one of two films Lofton submitted for his draft evaluation.
"It starts with great coaches and a system that from day one develops you as a person and player,” he said."Once you get the opportunity to play, you're ready. It's one of the best coaching staffs in the nation.”
Lofton's biggest challenge in rising into the first round will be the combine. Though he plays fast and hits hard, Lofton probably isn't as fast or as big as the majority of NFL middle linebackers.
Lofton could also be moved to outside linebacker in the NFL, but that would force him to improve on his two biggest weaknesses — blitzing and pass coverage.
Lofton runs a pedestrian 4.7 40-yard dash and is only 6 feet, 235 pounds.
He will have to hope his impressive performances on film will override his lack of speed and size to alleviate the concerns of NFL franchises that might consider him in the first round.
Lofton received good news after he made his decision. The consensus top linebacker prospect in the draft, James Laurinaitis, announced Monday night that he would not declare for the draft and stay at Ohio State for his senior year.
That will give Lofton the opportunity to replace Laurinaitis as the top inside linebacker available in the draft and make him a possible first-rounder for any team in need of a middle linebacker.
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Jess, I think the it be not a chance for a change. Stoops is too loyal to assistant coaches and players. Best of luck to those payers leaving and I hope we can get some quality players to replace them.
Boy, I sure didn't want Lofton to leave early either. He certainly didn't look slow making all those plays for OU. Best of luck to Lofton and Kelley.
On another note; the Buckeye fans are sounding a little like some of the spoiled OU fans with another loss in a BCS Championship game. I can hear the hand-wringing angst in their quivering voices.
I wish he and Kelly would reconsider. I know it's hard to be an amateur athlete these days. The year around workouts, class schedule NCAA rules and yes the fans loving you when you are winning and playing well but when you lose they are down on you. But if you wait bigger paydays are ahead. It's worth the wait. College life is the best time you will ever have.
His leaving will create a hole that is for sure, but life move on and "Monday turns into Friday". I wish Curtis the best of luck in the NFL, but one thing is for sure, you will never have the opportunity to have another senior year....OU will survive SOMEHOW!
Lofton, it is not too late to change your mind. Money isn't everything and your are about to miss the greatest year of your life. More money will be waiting for you next year.
Too small? Not really. He's about the same size as DeMeco Ryans and plays with the same intelligence and intensity. BTW, Ryans won Rookie of the year last year and is a first team pro-bowler this year. Lofton will do fine. Good luck Curtis. Now we need Mike Reed to step up. Boomer Sooner!
Booger....thanks for the kind sentiments, but you had better just stay down there in Texas and help the Longhorns next year if you able and physically able...obviously, the academic guidelines have been met...by the way, good luck Curtis!
OUCH...this hurts. Let's just hope OU doesn't have any injuries at LB next year. We are very thin. Maybe we can get some recruits to reconsider and commit to OU due to obvious playing time opportunity
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Life after Lofton
A look at the top candidates to replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker for OU next season:
1. Ryan Reynolds: The junior played outside instead this past season largely because of Lofton
2. Mike Reed: The senior could be a force, but didn't even practice with team during last part of the season.
3. Austin Box: The redshirt freshman from Enid impressed during preseason scrimmages.
By Jake Trotter
Related to this story
Articles
Replacing Lofton 01/15/2008 Replacing Lofton The top candidates to replace Curtis Lofton at OU next season: 1. Ryan Reynolds, junior Played outside instead this past season. 2....
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On another note; the Buckeye fans are sounding a little like some of the spoiled OU fans with another loss in a BCS Championship game. I can hear the hand-wringing angst in their quivering voices.