For years, the Oklahoma Sooners made do at inside linebacker with combinations of high-effort athletes, green youngsters and emergency fill-ins from junior colleges.
But last year, MIKE LB Kenneth Murray developed into the Big 12’s defensive player of the year and a first-round selection in the NFL draft. LBs coach Brian Odom paired Murray with DaShaun White and Caleb Kelly at WILL to solidify OU’s ILBs as one of the better all-around groups in the nation. Meanwhile, the Sooners found a productive rotation outside at the RUSH position.