The Oklahoma Sooners defense has become the identity of the football team ahead of their first SEC battle this Saturday night. The Tennessee Volunteers pose the most significant offensive threat the Sooners defense has faced so far.
It’s set up to be a great game between a pair of top 15 teams with the eyes of the college football world upon them.
Oklahoma will need it’s stars to step up if they want to win this pivotal early-season matchup. The guys that you’d expect to step up have this season, but the Sooners have had a number of players earn more playing time. Through three games, they’ve stood out and made statements.
Can the make another one this weekend? Here’s a look at Pro Football Focus‘ 10 highest-graded Oklahoma Sooners through week three minimum 39 snaps.
10
Samuel Omosigho, Cheetah
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PFF Grade: 72
Snaps: 71
Samuel Omosigho filled in for Kendel Dolby last week and made a huge impact. His speed, athleticism, and physicality jumped off the screen. Despite playing just 71 snaps, he’s second on the team in Pro Football Focus’ “stops” metric. He’s earned more opportunities.
9
Danny Stutsman, LB
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
PFF Grade: 73.2
Snaps: 156
The leader of the Oklahoma Sooners defense is off to a great start to the season. He’s got the Sooners defense playing at a high level heading into SEC play.
8
Kendel Dolby, Cheetah
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PFF Grade: 73.4
Snaps: 79
Kendel Dolby just makes plays. He’s a dynamic player in coverage and shows his skills as a blitzer. He was missed last week, but if the Sooners get him back for Tennessee it makes the Sooners defense even better.
7
Jake Roberts, TE
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PFF Grade: 73.5
Snaps: 74
Oklahoma has received some solid production out of their tight end position and Jake Roberts has done a good job as both a blocker and a pass catcher. With limited options at wide receiver, the Sooners may have to rely more on two tight end sets.
6
Ethan Downs, DE
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PFF Grade: 75.2
Snaps: 128
Steady as he goes, Ethan Downs is as reliable a player as the Oklahoma Sooners have on defense. He’s been really good against the run and had four total pressures last week against Tulane.
5
R Mason Thomas, DE
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PFF Grade: 76.5
Snaps: 129
Three sacks in the final six minutes with a pass deflection, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery was a fantastic way to end the game for R Mason Thomas. It was a dominant performance.
4
Michael Tarquin, OT
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PFF Grade: 76.9
Snaps: 186
Michael Tarquin and his experience has been a stabilizing force along Oklahoma’s offensive line. His ability to play both tackle spots gives Bill Bedenbaugh options as they try to find their best five players.
3
Jackson Arnold, QB
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PFF Grade: 77.2
Snaps: 194
Jackson Arnold hasn’t been great throwing the ball, but he’s been efficient. His running ability has been the difference through three games as Arnold leads the team in rushing.
2
Gracen Halton, DL
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PFF Grade: 80.7
Snaps: 92
Gracen Halton was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after his tackle for loss that forced a safety and sealed Oklahoma’s win over Houston.
1
Robert Spears-Jennings, S
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
PFF Grade: 86.1
Snaps: 147
Robert Spears-Jennings has been dynamic in Oklahoma’s first three games. He’s the Sooners highest-graded defender and highest graded player in coverage.
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Publish date : 2024-09-18 12:12:00
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