3 words to describe each unit of the Oklahoma Sooners Defense

Linebacker is an obvious strength for the team in 2024, with almost the entire group returning after a big improvement in 2023.

Zac Alley will have Danny Stutsman back to captain the defense after he turned down the NFL Draft for one more season in college. Stutsman remains the heart and soul of the defense for the Sooners.

Jaren Kanak and Kobie McKinzie play in the middle as well, with each being able to rotate to different spots on the field along with Stutsman. Kanak was a starter for most of last season before seeing his snap counts decrease. He still has a wealth of experience and athleticism to make an impact for the Sooners. McKinzie was one of the players that took some of those reps and is still just a redshirt sophomore who can grow into the position.

Kip Lewis figures to start at Will linebacker with Lewis Carter behind him. Both players are capable of playing multiple positions as well. Lewis emerged late last season, replacing Kanak in the starting lineup, while Carter is a sophomore who brings plenty of talent and depth to the position.

Three players will get the majority of the snaps at the Cheetah position, with Dasan McCullough playing a lot on run-downs as more of a third linebacker. McCullough enters his second season at Oklahoma, and could be a breakout candidate to watch.

Kendal Dolby will play more on passing downs, serving as a fifth defensive back of sorts. Dolby got plenty of reps at the position last year due to injuries in front of him and made some key plays in big moments.

Samuel Omosigho is a hybrid of the two, and the true sophomore might represent the future of the position. His path to playing time cleared up with Justin Harrington transferring to Washington.

Michael Boganowski is just a true freshman, but could push for playing time at Cheetah, and Peyton Bowen got some reps at the position last season due to Harrington’s season-ending injury.

The last time Oklahoma was this…