2013 Outlook 2 0 1 3 OUT LOOK
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The starting post across from Colvin will be wide open after the departure of Demontre Hurst and his back-up, Lamar Harris. All three players who manned the club’s nickel position return are back, and it’s within the realm of possibility that any of those three could work at left corner in the spring in addition to taking snaps at nickel.
Junior Julian Wilson also returns and was a versatile performer in the secondary a year ago, producing 31 tackles and five passes defensed. Senior Kass Everett played in 11 games last season after joining the club as a JUCO transfer. A host of other defensive backs will be looking to crack the lineup at either left corner, the nickel position or in one of the team’s sub-defenses. Cortez Johnson sat out the 2012 campaign after transferring from the University of Arizona, where Mike Stoops was his head coach. Johnson started a pair of games for the Wildcats as a true freshman in 2011.
At strong safety All-America Second Team pick Tony Jefferson declared for the NFL Draft with a year of eligiblity remaining. Jefferson led the squad with 119 tackles (85 solo) in 2012. Starting free safety Javon Harris has graduated, creating an opportunity at both positions in the back of the defense. Harris paced the Sooners with six INTs a year ago and was second on the squad with 86 tackles (58 solo). One area where the incoming freshman class could make an immediate impact is in the secondary. Safety Hatari Byrd and cornerback L.J.
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Kicker
Junior Michael Hunnicutt returns after hitting on 81.0 percent (17 of 21) of his field goal attempts last season. Hunnicutt has connected on 38 of 45 FGs (84.4%) and is 75.0% (6 of 8) from 40 yards or longer. Hunnicutt is also the top candidate to handle the kickoff chores with the graduation of Patrick O’Hara, who handled those duties for much of 2012.
Punter
Tress Way finished his OU career boasting the best career punting average of any player in Sooners history, making his consistent ways a tough act to follow. Oklahoma believes it may have found the man for the job in JUCO transfer Jed Barnett. Barnett originally enrolled at California before transferring to Laney College. Boasting a strong leg and exceptional hang time, Barnett will be challenged by Dylan Seibert and Jack Steed in the spring.
Return MEN
Running backs Brennan Clay and Roy Finch split the kickoff return chores in 2012 and both players return this spring. Finch broke loose for a 100-yard kickoff return TD vs. Kansas (10/20/12). While departed wide receiver Justin Brown handled the bulk of the punt return chores, wide receiver Jalen Saunders is back for another season. The explosive Saunders had an 81-yard punt return TD vs. Oklahoma State (11/24/12). Plenty of other capable performers will likely audition for both return roles.
SNAPPERS
UNIVERSITY
Sophomore Gary Simon, Redshirt freshman Zack Sanchez, senior Trey Franks and junior Quentin Hayes could all get a look there in the spring.
The Special Teams
SEASON R EVI EW
Senior Gabe Lynn started 10 games at nickel last season, registering 37 tackles (29 solo). The versatile Lynn owns 4.5 career tackles for loss and could potentially work at either safety spot or the nickel position in the spring.
Moore were both consensus four-star prospects after stellar prep careers in California and will be on campus for fall practice. Tulsa native Stanvon Taylor was also a consensus four-star selection at cornerback. Meanwhile, early enrollee, Ahmad Thomas, is already in Norman and should see plenty of time working at cornerback during spring ball.
THE SOONERS
All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin returns for his senior campaign and could be poised a big year after successfully making the transition from safety to right corner in 2012. Colvin has started 26 career games and tied for second in the conference with four INTs last season. He also added a team-high 11 passes defensed.
COACHING STAFF
MICHAEL HUNNICUTT
Senior Austin Woods has snapped for placements the last two seasons. and could get the opportunity to snap on both placekicks and punts. Incumbent punt snapper Daniel Franklin has graduated, opening that position for competition.
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11 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS