Offense puts fans in the seats, but defense wins championships. And, for Oklahoma, it just needs to be good enough. After a shootout in the Rose Bowl, that defense wasn’t quite good enough to win a championship. In 2018, the improvement on defense is key for Oklahoma Sooners success in 2018.
New Faces in New Places
Chip Viney
Courtney “Chip” Viney returns to the Sooner program after a stint at Nevada. Viney was hired to assume the recruiting coordinator position which was vacated by Eric Striker. First, he brings a youthful, exuberance to the program to head a recruiting effort that has flourished under head coach Lincoln Riley. Viney’s presence should provide a solid foundation to the defensive side of the ball as well. From 2013 to 2015, Viney served as a graduate assistant coaching the secondary. Now, being back in Norman, he will provide much-needed support to a maligned secondary on top of his recruiting efforts.
Bob Diaco
In a bit of a surprise, Lincoln Riley brought in Bob Diaco as a defensive analyst in the offseason. Similarly, Diaco will bring valued experience to the defensive staff. Despite a rough stint in Nebraska last season, Diaco is well respected in the coaching business. He was the recipient of the Broyles Award as the top assistant in 2012. In fact, his defense in Notre Dame held the Sooners to 13 points in a victory in Norman. The emergence of an established coordinator like Diaco should provide additional improvement to the defense.
Bennie Wylie
Granted, it wasn’t a high-profile hire. But, it might be the most important one. Bennie Wylie has already provided results through the spring and fall. Wylie has reportedly changed the culture in the Sooner weight room. Longtime strength and conditioning coach, Jerry Schmidt left the program in the offseason. Going back to his days at Texas Tech, Riley reached out a familiar face. With this in mind, Riley had a view on how he wanted his players trained. To emphasize the need to get stronger, key players like Marquise Overton and Neville Gallimore have gained significant weight in the offseason.
Talent Upgrade
On the heels of the 2017 Rose Bow loss, Riley knew that he had a decision to make. The Sooner contingent were anxious for a change at defensive coordinator. Instead, he chose to focus his attention on recruiting better players. That’s important to remember as we look at the defensive playmakers. Mike Stoops has already seen this in fall camp. There has been a culture of complacency defense over the last few years. That complacency could pave the way for many youngsters to get playing time. As a result, here are a few names to watch as early contributors:
Justin Broiles, as a redshirt freshman, is the leader in the clubhouse at free safety. The converted cornerback has shown flashes this fall. He is one of the biggest trash talkers on the team. Admittedly, this is a quality that Stoops and Riley look for in the secondary.
Addison Gumbs is going to be counted on to provide pressure from the edge in the Jack linebacker position. Up to 253 pounds, he looks primed to compete right away.
DaShaun White was one of the late commitments in the 2018 recruiting class. His athleticism and speed at the linebacker position have him poised to see the field as a true freshman.
Brendan (Bookie) Radley-Hiles garnered the most press as the most important 2018 recruit. He’s part of the reason the staff has considered more of a 4-2-5 defensive scheme. He’ll be in the starting defensive backfield in some capacity.
Delarrin Turner-Yell has been the surprise coming out of fall camp. According to Riley, he’s separated himself as a starter at the strong safety position. Now, it can be a little nervous for coaches and fans alike to see this many potential starters in the secondary. However, that youth may be what this team needs.
State of the Sooners Defense
Over the past few years, the Oklahoma defense had a crutch. That crutch is now playing for the Cleveland Browns in Baker Mayfield. Mayfield was able to pull wins out of the jaws of defeat. But, with the Sooners breaking in a new quarterback that is a luxury the Sooners just may not have.
The competitive nature of athletics is what separates the good players from the great players. Many established starters have been pushed to be their absolute best this fall. Players on all levels of the defense such as Neville Gallimore, Kenneth Murray, and Parnell Motley will need to show improvement this season to retain their starting roles.
In summary, this is a transition year for the Oklahoma program. Stoops knows the ice beneath his feet is, at best, showing cracks. Riley is fully aware of the history, tradition, and culture at Oklahoma which is championship or bust. Ultimately, with a seemingly reloaded offensive roster and with the improved talent the pressure is squarely on the shoulder of the defense. Game on!
