The Sooners lost their two leading tacklers from last season, linebackers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer.
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The returning leader may be a surprise — Nic Harris, who officially started four games, yet was a major factor at both safety spots and at nickel.
Harris finished with 68 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. His seven tackles for losses are the most among returning players.
•Secondary shifts: With free safety Darien Williams skipping spring to rehab from offseason knee surgery, several young players are getting an opportunity to make an impression.
Sophomore Quinton Carter gets first shot, with sophomore Brian Jackson and freshman Dominique Franks moving over from cornerback to provide depth.
With the corner spots two-deep with players who have started, co-defensive coordinator Bobby Jack Wrightsaid a move seemed logical.
"We're moving those guys to help them get on the field,” Wright said.
•O-lineup: Minus right guard Brandon Walker, out this spring after minor knee surgery, here's the early look at competition along the offensive line.
Left tackle: Phil Loadholt and Cory Brandon.
Left guard: Duke Robinson, Chase Beeler, Sherrone Mooreand Kody Cooke.
Center: Jon Cooper and Beeler.
Right guard: Brian Simmons, Beeler, Moore and Cooke.
Right tackle: Trent Williams, Branndon Braxton and Noah Hughey.
For offensive line coach James Patton, it's a far different scenario than when he arrived last winter to find not enough players for two complete lines.
"It's a great situation to have depth,” Patton said.
"We had seven, maybe eight guys last spring. Now there's 12 guys.”
By John Helsley
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