One of the top questions going into Oklahoma’s fall camp surrounded the cornerback position and who would replace Zack Sanchez opposite Jordan Thomas. Returning to the secondary with Parker are 2015 starters Steven Parker and Ahmad Thomas at the safety position, along with Will Johnson at nickelback. The only hole was that corner position and the list of candidates was plenty.
That question appears to have been answered as senior Dakota Austin seems to have locked up the job. Mike Stoops went to Austin twice last year to fill in for the injured Sanchez and the Lancaster, Texas native appeared in nine other contests as well. In all it was the best contest of Austin’s Oklahoma career as he finished with 25 total tackles (one for loss), three pass breakups, and two interceptions.
A guy who is able to play more physical than his 5-10/170 frame, Austin will be a key factor as offenses will undoubtedly look to pick on him first as opposed to Jordan Thomas. They’ll run right at him as much as they’ll try to throw over top of him.
Thomas proved he’s not afraid to lower his pads last season when he recorded a career-high eleven tackles against Texas Tech when making his second start. He’ll have to prove it all over again in 2016 but if he’s able to hold serve the Oklahoma fans may be looking at one of the top defensive secondaries in the nation on Saturdays.