2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Rarely ever has a team in college football history returned a Heisman winning quarterback. With Jason White being granted a sixth year of eligibility, the Sooners will field a true general, and winner, under center. White's individual statistics from 2003 humbled the nation. His 3,800 yards and 40 touchdown passes rewrote the OU record books, and he is almost automatically a consensus pre-season All-American (NC.net second-team, oops). Some areas of his game, however, do need improvement. Criticizing the defending Heisman winner seems ironic, but White can occasionally play careless and showed that he could be rattled if the elements of coverage and DL-pressure are right. Injuries are also a concern, but thankfully for the Sooners, junior Paul Thompson has played meaningful minutes and is capable.

Running Back
Two years ago, Kejuan Jones was OU's short yardage back. Last season, while sharing time with Renaldo Works, he evolved into a more typical role. Works' graduation leaves Jones, who has quietly rushed for 1,532 yards as either a reserve or part-time starter, as the Sooners' most seasoned back. He appears to be running a step faster despite adding more muscle weight this off-season. The only other running back on the roster that has seen game action is shifty Donta Hickson, a 205 pound bowling ball. He and redshirt freshman Tashard Choice emerged in a heated battle for the number two slot. Hickson is better from the shotgun than Choice, but Choice may have more upside overall. A pair of true freshmen present even more options. D.J. Wolfe, a highly-regarded prep player, graduated high school at semester and was in camp for spring practices. Adrian Peterson, who arrives in August, was thought by many to be the top high school back in the nation last season. Fullback J.D. Runnels is primarily a blocker, but also is a talented receiver. He will see limited action in the Sooners' primary one-back sets.

Wide Receiver
Jason White owes Mark Clayton dinner, commission, half of the Heisman, something. The senior, an NC.net first-team all-American wideout, can turn slip screens, quick slants and out routs into big plays, and will do so routinely. His 17.2-yard per catch average just does not do justice to his explosive ability. He is poised for a Heisman run of his own, and is now arguably the top receiver in college football. While Clayton is the headliner, and rightfully so, the supporting cast is what makes the unit special and allows the Sooners to run multi-wide formations. Brandon Jones has a knack for the endzone, and keeps defending safeties on their toes. He, Will Peoples and Travis Wilson possess NFL-size. Jejuan Rankings is a crafty jitterbug, and is used often on curl and drag routes. The team's top five receivers return, with each performer having recorded at least 20 catches in '03. No team in the nation can rival the Sooners' overall depth, talent and experience at this position.

Tight End
Skill position players receive the majority of the attention in the passing game, leaving the tight ends primarily as blockers. James Moses has good size, and is feisty along the line of scrimmage. He and Joe Jon Finely will be the primary options. Miami-native Willie Roberts could be a player to watch. He could find himself open by default during three- and four-receiver sets, and at 6'7'', he is a prominent target. Any good receiving corps is improved when the TE has to be covered, so throw this way, Jason, and you will be that much better as a team.

Offensive Line
You don't average 43 points per game without quality play in the trenches. Seniors Jammal Brown (first-team NC.net all-American), Vince Carter (third-team NC.net) and Wes Sims stand as pillars of authority, and boast a 36-5 record during the careers in Norman. They know how to win, and despite the confounding intricacies of their offense, they know how to perform to the needs of the system as well. While Brown and Carter do have imposing size, the three veterans rely on agility and fundamentals to overwhelm opponents. Kelvin Chaisson and Davin Joseph return at guard, and should continue to progress. The marginal nature of only forging a team average of 3.8 yards per carry and allowing 28 sacks means there is room for improvement(s), regardless of past success rates.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Simply put, this group has established unprecedented expectations. Nine starters return from a squad that finished third in the nation in scoring, and a 1,400-yard receiver, Heisman winning quarterback and intact offensive line are among the resuming incumbents. Works is the key to the group. Though he is often lost in the shuffle of All-Americans and senior leaders, he must accept the role of an every-down back. The offense proved in its two losses that unorthodox front-seven schemes can rattle White if the coverage can hold up for those marginal few seconds to start a given play. Defenses may get burned this way, but they are guaranteed to get burned if they don't. A strong running game keeps such inventive approaches in check, making Works the focus we suggest for making this unit unstoppable once again.

Defensive Line
The core of this group returns, and seniors Dan Cody (first-team NC.net all-American), Dusty Dvoracek (second-team NC.net all-American) and Jonathan Jackson form a trio as intimidating as any in the game. Jackson and Cody use speed and athleticism to create a fierce pass rush, and both will wreck havoc in the backfield once again. But the line's strong push and over-pursuit did allow teams to average 3.4 yards each time they ran, so staying home will be important. They key, however, is Dvoracek. He uses brute strength and unrelenting desire to collapse the interior of the line, takes on blockers for linebackers, creates space for awaiting safeties and opens lanes for the talented stunting defensive ends.

Linebacker
If this unit has a weakness, it is at linebacker. Roster turnover, position changes and depth concerns prompt some uncertainty. Lance Mitchell is the foundation. He missed almost all of last season, but is poised for a banner year. With him roaming the middle, versatile Gayron Allen can take advantage of his athleticism in the flat. Lewis Baker will be asked to play a big role, but the talent around him will allow him to ease into a starting position and comfortably mature into a complete player. Wayne Chambers is a credible reserve, who could start if needed. Last year's LBs were part of the Sooner's stellar pass-defense, taking away the underneath stuff that this unit will struggle with more. This should be the first area opposing offensive coordinators aim.

Defensive Back
Chijioke Onyenegecha was one of the most hyped JUCO prospects of '02. Scouts called him NFL-ready, pundits raved about his blistering speed, and every program in the nation sought his services. He will step into the corner position vacated by Derrick Straight, and much like his predecessor, will develop into an elite defender. His counterpart, senior Antonio Perkins, allows the safeties relative freedom and is a true shutdown corner. Rover Donte Nicholson acts as a fourth linebacker and is one of the team's most feared hitters, showing up wherever and whenever needed. Because of the talent at cornerback, he is allowed to roam near the line of scrimmage and aggressively react to what he sees. The situation is a perfect one for Nicholson, who will continue to flourish in this system. Brodney Pool led the team in interceptions with seven, and will be asked to guide freshman Tony Cade. This crew may not quite match 2003's numbers - ranked 2nd in pass-defense/3rd in pass-efficiency defense while allowing only 11 TDs and NCAA lows of 9.4 yards per pass and 4.9 yards per catch, and tied for 5th with 21 team-INTs - but should keep the play in front of them for optimum results.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The stars along the defensive front make this bunch special. The attention they demand and chaos they create will lighten the load on the greener linebackers and allow the defensive backs to take chances. Their talents magnify those of the players around them. Each individual unit compliments the other, and the talent-potential at each position seems downright unfair and scary. But unlike in recent years, depth is a potential worry, and many young players will be asked to grow up rather quickly. The LBs will be this unit's ticket back to reality, though, so watch their level of play to see where OU entire team will finish - exceptional LB-play will mean another shutdown D, while marginal LB-play would be the unit's unraveling.