While the Oklahoma Sooners continue to prepare for the season opener in front of a home crowd, fans and media alike hoped to get a glimpse of the official depth chart. Replacing the two-deep with a pair of emoticon eyes, Lincoln Riley ultimately conveyed that several position battles are still under evaluation. Less than a week from taking the field, the biggest position battles are as follows:
The Offensive Line
There’s no doubt that Creed Humphrey holds down the starting center role. With a nasty streak, the redshirt sophomore will set the tone for the rest of the group. Joining the starting lineup, many expect to see R.J. Proctor. Entering the equation as a graduate transfer from Virginia, the redshirt senior possesses experience and talent at the FBS level that others lack. From there, it’s anyone’s guess as to who trots out as one of the starting five.
Nickleback
For the moment, the position appears to be Brendan Radley-Hiles. Earning playing time at the nickleback last year, the true freshman flashed signs of greatness but ultimately suffered an injury before falling off the map. Now, under the direction of Alex Grinch, the sophomore’s instincts remain an asset to be utilized on the defensive side of the ball. Yet, Radley-Hiles is on the smaller side in terms of stature. Assuming Grinch decides to opt for a bigger frame, Chanse Sylvie could easily claim the starting role.
Cornerback
On one side of the field, Tre Brown displayed the ability to cover receivers consistently. As the Sooners’ top option at the position, it’s assumed he’ll once again star in the role. However, the other side of the field remains a topic of discussion. Thriving during the offseason, Jordan Parker returned to form after claiming a starting role as a true freshman in 2016. Suffering a few setbacks, the experience player never looked the same until now. Vying for the same position, Parnell Motley has had some success over the course of his career. As the two experienced defensive backs continue to fight for the job, it’ll be interesting to see who starts.