Athlon Sports previews the top five storylines for Oklahoma football

A look at Athlon Sports’ five storylines to observe during spring football.

Build on Last Year’s Defensive Effort

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

What Athlon Sports Says…

With seven starters returning, Grinch has an opportunity to elevate the defensive performance even higher in ’21. Replacing standout end Ronnie Perkins will be a challenge, but Isaiah Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, Marcus Stripling, LaRon Stokes, and Jalen Redmond make up a formidable front, with Nik Bonitto poised to push for double-digit sacks off the edge. Caleb Kelly returns from injury to join Brian Asamoah, David Ugwoegbu and DaShaun White as key contributors at linebacker, while there’s plenty of experience and options to reload in the secondary.

What Sooners Wire Says…

Grinch created a formidable front four bringing pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and a secondary that fights for the football. The eye discipline issues and lack of trust between teammates that resulted in offenses exploiting OU’s defense with easy touchdowns began to diminish.

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Finally, a look at the secondary.