Over the next two weeks, we're analyzing the depth charts of every Big 12 team coming out of the spring. We continue with Oklahoma and a projected post-spring look at the Sooners' two-deep.
QB Baker Mayfield (Jr.) or Trevor Knight (Jr.) or Cody Thomas (So.) or Justice Hansen (RFr.)
None of the Sooners signal-callers separated themselves in the spring game, leaving things wide open heading into the summer. Mayfield has impressed during his season on the sidelines after transferring from Texas Tech but must take care of the ball. Knight struggled as a sophomore but remains a factor in the competition to start. Thomas has won Big 12 games and Hansen is the unknown in the competition. Mayfield is the odds on favorite to win the job but this is a competition that could linger deep into preseason camp.
HB Samaje Perine (Soph.), Joe Mixon (RFr.) or Alex Ross (Jr.)
The Sooners have one of the deepest running back groups in the Big 12. Perine will be chasing All-American honors as Lincoln Riley aims to make sure to get the ball in his hands this fall. His power running is a terrific complement to Riley's version of the Air Raid. Mixon will be a redshirt freshman to watch with his ability to do so many things -- as a runner and receiver -- giving him the chance to secure a role behind or even alongside Perine. Ross is a proven playmaker who has been overshadowed by Perine's greatness and the addition of Mixon to the mix. And Rodney Anderson and Daniel Brooks make this group even deeper.
FB Dimitri Flowers (Soph.)
Flowers has the ability to make an impact for the Sooners in the running game and the passing game with his intelligence, blocking and overall versatility. He could prove to be an asset as Riley aims to keep defenses off balance without having to substitute.
WR Sterling Shepard (Sr.), Jeffrey Mead (Soph.)
WR Durron Neal (Sr.), John Humphrey (Fr.)
WR DeDe Westbrook (Jr.), Michiah Quick (Soph.)
WR Mark Andrews (RFr.), Dallis Todd (RFr.)
It doesn't really matter what the first team looks like as Riley plans to use eight receivers in the fall. Shepard is the lone proven commodity as one of the nation's top receivers who should flourish in Riley's attack, particularly if other receiving options emerge to give him added one-on-one opportunities. Westbrook is a newcomer who had coaches and teammates buzzing during the spring with his speed and quickness. Andrews provides a big option as a tight end/receiver prospect in the mold of Jace Amaro. Keep an eye on Quick and Humphrey, both could excel in OU's high tempo attack.
C Ty Darlington, (Sr.), Alex Dalton (RFr.)
G Nila Kasitati (Sr.), Jonathan Alvarez (So.)
G Jamal Danley (Jr.), Dru Samia (Fr.)
T Josiah St. John (Sr.), Kenyon Frison (RFr.)
T Derek Farniok (Sr.), Christian Daimler (So.)
The Sooners had the Big 12's best offensive line in 2014 but will have to replace three starters heading into 2015. Darlington is the mainstay in the middle while Kasitiati sets the physical tone in the interior. The remaining spots should be hotly contested in the preseason with Danley, a junior college newcomer, and St. John bringing maturity to the table. The Sooners have enough young talent in the trenches to lessen the overall concern about this unit and give Bill Bedenbaugh options as he tries to get the best five linemen on the field.
DL Charles Tapper (Sr.), D.J. Ward (Soph.)
DL Matthew Romar (Soph.), Charles Walker (Soph.)
DL Jordan Wade (Jr.), Dwayne Orso (RFr.)
Versatility will be an asset along the defensive line with Mike Stoops plan to shift between three and four man fronts in the fall. Tapper is looking to rebound after a disappointing junior campaign while Romar, Wade and Walker could help fill the void left by Jordan Phillips in the middle. Orso could be a redshirt freshman to keep an eye on after a solid spring that might help him secure a spot in the rotation.
LB Dominique Alexander (Jr.), Tay Evans (RFr.)
LB Jordan Evans (Jr.), Curtis Bolton (RFr.)
LB Eric Striker (Sr.), Devante Bond (Sr.)
Striker is the best player on the team with his intensity, quickness and active nature setting the tone for the entire defense. And his pass rush skills are second to none. Alexander is a two-year starter who keeps getting better and Evans has put on extra weight in the offseason to handle the physical demands of playing linebacker in the Big 12. Bond could be the wildcard as another pass rushing demon who could force Stoops to find a spot for him on the field.
CB Zack Sanchez (Jr.), William Johnson (Jr.)
CB Jordan Thomas (Soph.), Marcus Green (RFr.)
S Steven Parker (Soph.), Prentice McKinney (Fr.)
S Amhad Thomas (Jr.), Will Sunderland (Fr.)
S Hatari Byrd (Jr.), Kahlil Haughton (Fr.)
This much-maligned group should be improved, even if only because it's a year older. Sanchez is the star as a riverboat gambler who makes plenty of plays but surrenders some as well. Thomas is the anchor in the backend who new secondary coach Kerry Cooks is counting on to organize things while Parker could end up being the best of the bunch long term thanks to his versatility. It will be critical for Parker and Thomas, who had ups and downs as freshman, to take their game to a different level as sophomores if the group as a whole hopes to improve.