Dominique Alexander has also decided to go pro

[Raysor]

I guess they'll be a lot of discussion on the merits of that here.

I always thought that he'd be a better outside linebacker than inside, and would be that he ends up outside in the NFL. Another surprise. Suddenly next year's defense seems a lot less experienced. The top three inside linebackers now only have one guy returning and he apparently has a torn pec, which isn't something one recovers from quickly.

 

[Raysor]

On the main board, lots of derision for his decision. But I think he might get drafted higher than they think.

 

[Blair Sanderson_rivals]

Before the semi final game, MS called his defense, "...a Veteran defense." I got the impression that he knew that this year was 'the' year to make noise. I think the Sooners are going to have a lot wholes to fill next year.

I agree w/ Plaino in that Dom would have most likely been an OLB in the SEC or Big10. But in Mike's scheme, Dom fits the ILB as Stoops wants a quicker, faster team. He gives up weight & strength to achieve it.

 

[Raysor]

I think that if he had a bigger guy who could move, Dom would have played outside. He played outside LB in his first three or four games, as a backup. After attrition at ILB was moved inside by necessity before the 2013 Texas game. And it showed. His build is much more like an OLB. He played a lot of safety in high school. Large step from HS safety to college inside linebacker.

I don't see any way he can play inside in the NFL. But I think he could be an excellent OLB or even a nickel/dime guy inside on passing downs. I'm surprised he's leaving. I just thought he looked to have great potential outside in the first few games, but once he moved, they left him there.

 

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

2016 is now without:
On defense....
Sanchez
Alexander
Tapper
Bond
Lindley
Striker
Shannon

On offense:
Shepard
Darlington
Neal
Kasitati
Farniok
St. Paul

I see 7 really important players leaving....Sanchez, Striker, Tapper and Alexander on defense, with Shepard, Darlington, and Kasitati on offense. Shepard, Tapper and Striker are the three biggest losses, which is not to say the others were not important contributors.
Many young players (underclassmen, redshirts and newcomers) must come into their own quickly....and the early schedule won't be easy with Houston away and Ohio State at home in September and a trip to TCU the Saturday before Texas. Through all of this, reliable depth at quarterback will be critical due to Mayfield's wide open style and it being his last year, plus Cody Thomas's uncertainty. Austin Kendall's arrival this month could play into this as well.

 

[coeSooner81]

Alexander isnt a big loss. I agree he would have been a much better OLB. He rarely got off blocks and left huge holes. He wasnt very good in coverage either. I think we have very good young backers a couple of true ILB's just hope Kish and Mike know how to use them.

 

[BUDDY G_rivals25215]

Paging Ricky DeBerry

 

[wsmonroe]

The comments on the pay board are sickening.

 

[jsmitty2.0]

I agree that Alexander isn't a huge loss. I know he has a lot of experience but he seemed to get easily blocked out of the play. Best of luck to him

 

[JB4AU]

Hard to tell how I feel about this move. But one thing for certain is I wish the best for the kid. Hope all OU players that just played their last game have successful careers and lives in whatever paths they choose in life.

 

[LongTimeSooner]

I am sad to see he's going. He was a fine player and helped set the tone against the run game.