There’s no secret: In [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ defense, the linebacker is the heart and soul of it.
It’s the position he coached and spent the most time with during his career. It will be essential for the unit to take another step if this defense is to improve in 2023.
The Sooners return [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], who led the Big 12 in tackles with 126 last season. Part of the reason is he never came off the field. Only two players played more snaps in 2022 than Danny Stutsman. He was really good in the first half, but in the second half, like the Sooners’ defense, he struggled. This year, the depth is better but unproven. Stutsman will likely be this team’s starting weak side linebacker
Next to him will be either [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag] or [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag]. They replacing [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], who was fourth in the Big 12 in tackles but transferred to the Houston Cougars to play his more natural position of defensive end.
While neither McKinzie nor Kanak bring the experience Ugwoegbu had, they bring the athleticism Ugwoegbu lacked.
Both should be key for the Sooners’ defense this year. Kanak brings incredible athleticism and can fly around the field, while McKinzie brings the power. If you could combine those two, they’d be the perfect linebacker.
After that, there are question marks. [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] flashes every time you watch him, but he has to add weight. He was incredibly productive in the spring game, leading the Sooners with 11 tackles.
[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag] has been around for a while. He got hurt last year but at least brings experience. He’s a really good rotation linebacker that could play a key role in keeping Stutsman fresh throughout games.
Can any of the freshmen make an impact? There’s a great deal of hype around [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag], [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] and [autotag]Phil Picciotti[/autotag]. But as we saw last year with Kanak and McKinzie, it’s hard to get on the field as a freshman.
One thing is for certain. The coaches have to find ways to spell Stutsman and get him off of the field for a series or two during a game. If they do that, he could be primed for a breakout season that could garner postseason honors.
Overall as a unit, they have to be better.
Too often last year, they looked confused and out of place. They looked hesitant and weren’t trusting what they were seeing. That can’t happen this season if they want to achieve their goals as a defense.
But if there’s one person I’d never question when it comes to linebacker play, it’s Venables.
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