Bruce Kittle: Lane Johnson has pulled ahead of Tyrus Thompson for left tackle starting spot

NORMAN — Senior Lane Johnson has pulled back ahead of sophomore Tyrus Thompson in the battle to be Oklahoma’s starting left tackle, position coach Bruce Kittle said Monday.

Thompson started the spring game ahead of Johnson, who was the starting right tackle a year ago.

Regardless of who starts, though, Kittle said Johnson will be used at both tackle positions. When he plays on the right side to give Daryl Williams a break, Thompson will play on the left side.

The rotation at tackle will likely be a three-man one until redshirt freshman Derek Farniok, notable for his massive 6-foot-9, 319-pound frame, is ready to join it.

“Derek has done a great job,” Kittle said. “He’s not quite in that three-man rotation. We’re hoping for him to continue to improve.”

Here is a look at what I think the OU offensive line two-deep will look like when the season begins on Sept. 1:

LT; Lane Johnson; Sr.; 6-7; 303
Tyrus Thompson; So.; 6-5; 303
LG; 74; Adam Shead; So.; 6-4; 307
54; Nila Kasitati; RFr.; 6-4; 309
C; 64; Gabe Ikard; Jr.; 6-3; 288
56; Ty Darlington; Fr.; 6-3; 266
RG; 68; Bronson Irwin; Jr.; 6-5; 307
54; Nila Kasitati; RFr.; 6-4; 309
RT; 79; Daryl Williams; Jr.; 6-6; 299
Lane Johnson; Sr.; 6-7; 303