OU scrimmage players to watch

Published: March 29, 2008

The offense returns nine starters including quarterback Sam Bradford. But just how good the offense becomes could depend on Chaney's progression as a downfield threat. If he carries over the momentum from the Fiesta Bowl, this offense could be scary, with underneath threats like Jermaine Gresham and Juaquin Iglesias also requiring attention.

CBs Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson

OU will be breaking in two new cornerbacks in Franks and Jackson, who have big shoes to fill in place of three-year starters Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker. The pressure will be on them next season when the Sooners will face several prolific passing offenses.

DE Jeremy Beal

Auston English led the Big 12 in sacks last season, but Beal was OU's best pass rusher near the end of the season when English was recovering from a hairline fracture in his ankle. English is out this spring after shoulder surgery, which means it will be up to Beal to supply the defensive pressure. If Beal continues to progress, he and English could team up in the fall to provide one of the top defensive end tandems in the country, to go along with quality backups like John Williams, Frank Alexander, Alan Davis, Pryce Macon and incoming freshman R.J. Washington.

By Jake Trotter

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