Summary of latest OU Breakdown with Lehman and Ikard:
True or redshirt freshmen that will play a significant
role this season:
- Reiterating that Fasusi might start at LT, and "that's why we paid him all that money". Quick, smart, tough. Has improved a lot since the Spring. Mention Kelvin Banks's success as freshman.
- RB Tory Blaylock doesn't look like a freshman and is ready to play. Been running with the 2s. Not bad in pass pro. Fast, quick, explosive. Put on 20 pounds in the offseason. The excitement is off the charts with this guy. Even with healthy Ott, they expect Blaylock to get lots of touches.
- OL Ryan Fodje - he is everything OU staff was hoping he would be. He will play "a lot" in opener vs. Illinois State. Gigantic bruiser at RG.
- WR Elijah Thomas - too explosive and too dynamic not to play significant snaps. Future superstar per Lehman. They expect big moments from him this year but needs to improve in technical aspects.
- EDGE Danny Okoye - Gabe and Teddy getting hard talking about his frame. "NFL ready body type". Ability off the charts, still raw. Has made tremendous strides in one year. Should be rushing the passer on 3rd and long. Will be in the 4 guy rotation at DE.
- DB Courtland Guillory - they will be shocked if he's not playing significant snaps this year. Ikard thinks he could be best cover corner on roster. Lehman is more cautious and wants to see how he responds to adversity in a real game, but still says he's been "shockingly great". Been practicing with the 1s.
- DB Jeremiah Newcombe - can play multiple positions, reminds Lehman of Bowman. Physical, shifty. He will play, but they're not sure where.