Evaluating the 2021 roster, Sooners Wire profiles the current players with defensive lineman, Josh Ellison, up next.
Out of high school, Ellison went the junior college route and the No. 2 JUCO defensive tackle in the country per 247Sports committed to Oklahoma over Texas A&M in Dec. 2019. During his 2020 campaign in Norman, Ellison notched 16 total tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, 0.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries.
He started two games last season and served as rotational depth in the Sooners’ defensive front. OU’s pass rush significantly improved in 2020 in Alex Grinch’s penetration attack style defense. Players were able to just react in a one-gap approach and Ellison thrived in it while on the field.
Josh Ellison’s Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: College Station, TX
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 295
Class in 2020: Sophomore
247Sports Composite Ranking
Three stars // No. 2 DT // No. 4 in TX //
Pro Football Focus (Team Rankings)
| Grades | Defensive | Pass Rush | Pressures | Run Defense |
| Ellison | 59.5 (26th) | 59.8 (23rd) | 9 (8th) | 57.4 (24th) |
Depth Chart Overview
Ellison is projected to add depth at defensive tackle behind Jalen Redmond. However, throughout spring camp, the coaching staff has reiterated there is no set depth chart and competition will determine placement. Ellison is striving for an increased role his Junior year in Norman. The work put in during the offseason will manifest itself on the field come fall.