The Oklahoma Sooners are set to stage the next phase of their offseason preparation for the 2022 season; spring practice.
With the team putting in winter workouts with returning strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt, Oklahoma starts fresh with a new coaching staff, which has brought it in a new culture, hoping to return Oklahoma to national prominence.
Most of the coaching staff was retained on the offensive side of the ball for new coordinator Jeff Lebby. Lebby brings a new approach to offensive football, looking to return Oklahoma to a fast-paced, balanced, and efficient offensive identity. The only change came at wide receiver, where Dennis Simmons moved on to USC, and Cale Gundy took over as the Sooners wide receivers coach.
Despite the losses, excitement has followed the Oklahoma Sooners in the locker room and the fan base for the start of the Brent Venables era. On defense, it’s a whole new crew, with a new defensive scheme and a new energy. Heading into 2022, more than half of the defensive starters will be new for the Sooners.
With spring practice set to kick off, let’s look at five key position battles this offseason.