Oklahoma football: Sooners to move Mike Onuoha from defensive end to outside linebacker

Edmond Santa Fe coaches also dropped Onuoha back into pass coverage in some instances, which is why Manning believes his former player could handle some of the pass-coverage responsibilities he might he assigned at linebacker.

Onuoha saw some early season action as a true freshman at Oklahoma, but he didn't develop quickly enough to contribute late in the season. He's still listed at 235 pounds on Oklahoma's official roster, but Manning said he believes Onuoha is up to 255 or 260 pounds.

“The thing about Mike is, he doesn't bring a lot of baggage day to day,” Manning said. “He's got a smile on his face, and he knows how to work. You don't have to be a psychiatrist every day to get him motivated to practice.

“I think he's gonna end up being a player for them, and I think they expect that. They need him to be.”