Player Position Transitions

[ShamWowed]

Greetings Ladies and Gents,

I have a position transition question for those more knowledgeable(which would be everyone). With our recent defensive woes I believe one of our biggest weaknesses has been on the defensive line. OU has a precedent of switching Defensive Tackles to O-linemen. Jammal Brown is the one I can remember but there may be others in the Bob Stoops era. We have either not had success recruiting super star defensive tackles or have not developed them to the degree needed to win championships. However, year in and year out we seem to recruit and develop outstanding O-line players. What are the challenges of switching a player from an O-Line position to a defensive tackle position? Obviously, replacing 4 O-Line starters, I am not advocating this next season, yet I can't help but wonder what might have been with more productive DLine play.

 

[Patriotgame_rivals]

Switzer would every so often move a OL to DL and it worked out well. can't think of a situation where Stoop's did that.

I have been concerned that we bring end countless DE but always seem to come up short on the 4 & 5 star DL.

Your question is a valid one to consider.

 

[Phaeded]

Some of the DEs just signed look like spin down to DTs to me.

 

[CTOkie]

Yes, the DL could be a problem.
There is:
Gallimore, a good and proven player.
Faamatua, a decent player.
Kelley (played in only two games so I assume he is a redshirt).
Thompson (redshirted due to injury).
Lott (listed as a DE, but at 6'2" 310 lbs, he may be better suited at DT).
Green (true freshman).
Beyond Gallimore and Faamatau, there's no proven talent. A lot is hanging on Kelley, Thompson, Lott and Green to become solid contributors. Hopefully the rebuilt defensive coaching staff can work magic.
Unless there is a recruiting add-on by National Signing Day on 2/06 for a good DT, the coaches may consider moving Tatum (6'5" 270 LBS) to DT and hope that someone deep on the depth chart (Like McGinnis, McKinney or James) can step up.

 

[bcsoonerfan]

Yes, the DL could be a problem.
There is:
Gallimore, a good and proven player.
Faamatua, a decent player.
Kelley (played in only two games so I assume he is a redshirt).
Thompson (redshirted due to injury).
Lott (listed as a DE, but at 6'2" 310 lbs, he may be better suited at DT).
Green (true freshman).
Beyond Gallimore and Faamatau, there's no proven talent. A lot is hanging on Kelley, Thompson, Lott and Green to become solid contributors. Hopefully the rebuilt defensive coaching staff can work magic.
Unless there is a recruiting add-on by National Signing Day on 2/06 for a good DT, the coaches may consider moving Tatum (6'5" 270 LBS) to DT and hope that someone deep on the depth chart (Like McGinnis, McKinney or James) can step up.

Overton played a lot in 2017. Was surprised at how little playing time he got in 18. He's back and provides depth.

 

[CTOkie]

Overton played a lot in 2017. Was surprised at how little playing time he got in 18. He's back and provides depth.

Good catch. I had forgotten he received a medical redshirt in 2016. Glad he's still around.

 

[jturpen]

I am wondering what will become of Troy James, K'Jakyre Daley, and Zacchaeus McKinney

 

[ohyoubaby]

Stoops first two years he moved a lot of players around. Woolfok and Fagan to name a few. They came in has DB and was switched to WR.