OU depth chart takeaways: Gentry Williams wins CB battle
OU has officially released its first depth chart of the season. And there’s a lot to takeaway from the release.
There are 33 first or second-year players listed on the depth chart, showcasing OU’s young talent that is expected to contribute this season. And there are 16 “ORs” on the depth chart, meaning guys are either still competing for start roles or Oklahoma feels good about its depth at certain spots — especially on the defensive line.
Here are the top takeaways from the depth chart:
Offense
The biggest surprise is at running back where fifth-year senior Marcus Major and JUCO walk-on Tawee Walker are listed as the starters. Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk are the backups, which could come as a surprise as both had solid freshmen seasons in 2022. Still, it’s expected that OU will have a healthy rotation at running back. Walker, though, might be the story of the year if he can have a breakout season.
On the offensive line, Savion Byrd has officially won the battle at left guard with Nate Anderson backing him up. There were no other real surprises up front other than Jake Taylor backing up Tyler Guyton at right tackle.
At receiver, Jalil Farooq, Drake Stoops and Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony will start, with Nic Anderson, LV Bunkley-Shelton, Jayden Gibson and Gavin Freeman backing them up. Freshman Jaququaize Pettaway is listed as third string in the slot.
Tight end is no surprise with Austin Stogner starting and Texas A&M Blake Smith backing him up. It is of note that Jason Llewellyn is not listed on the depth chart at tight end after dealing with an injury this offseason.
And nothing new at quarterback for OU — Dillon Gabriel will start and freshman Jackson Arnold will back him up.
Defense
This most noteworthy news on defense for OU comes in the secondary. Gentry Williams has won the starting corner position. He won it over freshman Jasaiah Wagoner and JUCO transfer Kendel Dolby. At Cheetah, Justin Harrington beat out Dasan McCullough, who is still expected to play a serious role for the Sooners.
At safety, Texas Tech transfer Reggie Pearson and Key Lawrence are listed as starters at free safety next to Billy Bowman at strong safety. True freshman Peyton Bowen will back up Bowman.
Up front for OU, the only player listed as a true starter without an “OR” is Wake Forest defensive end Rondell Bothroyd. Ethan Downs and Trace Ford are listed as the other starters opposite of Bothroyd. Jonah Laulu, Jordan Kelley, Isaiah Coe, and Da’Jon Terry are listed as starters on the interior.
And at linebacker, it will be Danny Stutsman at WILL and Jaren Kanak at MIKE. Ferris State transfer Konnor Near will back up Kanak at the MIKE.
Special teams
Zach Schmit returns as the starting kicker for OU. While Josh Plaster, Luke Elzinga and Ashton Logan are all listed as starters at punter. Obviously, that competition will continue into the season.
And returning kicks for Oklahoma will Bowman, Bowen or Farooq. And returning punts will be Freeman or Bunkley-Shelton.
