OU Releases Week 1 Depth Chart

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma – With the football season only five days away, the Oklahoma Sooners updated their Week 1 depth chart Monday.

The Sooners' deepest skill position remains running back, where they have six players they can use interchangeably. But somewhat surprisingly, the new depth chart lists "Brennan Clay or Dominique Whaley" as the starter.

Whaley was the least acclaimed recruit of the six-man group coming out of high school, but was impressive in the spring game and during summer practices. Roy Finch is listed as third on the depth chart after being dropped off it completely earlier in the summer because of ball security issues.

The backup quarterback position also remains up in the air, with "Drew Allen or Blake Bell" listed. It is one of seven backup positions still undecided, joined by tight end, both guard positions, middle linebacker, weak-side linebacker and strong safety.

Although there still has been no official word on whether hard-hitting Ronnell Lewis will be able to play, he is listed as the starter at defensive end.

Tony Jefferson will take over the starting strong-side linebacker position for the injured Travis Lewis, with Joseph Ibiloye listed as the backup. Both Jefferson and Ibiloye are converted safeties.

Jamell Fleming also has been bumped up to the starting cornerback position, despite having to leave OU for academic reasons and missing the entire spring. He will start beside fellow cornerback Demontre Hurst, and safeties Aaron Colvin and Javon Harris, all of whom will be new to the starting lineup.

On special teams, Jimmy Stevens remains the No. 1 kicker. Brennan Clay and receiver Trey Franks will return kicks, and Ryan Broyles will return punts. Franks also is listed as the Sooners' No. 3 receiver, ahead of senior Dejuan Miller.