Alarmingly thin heading into the 2020 season at the linebacker position, the Oklahoma Sooners received more deflating news on Friday morning. Following two previous decisions to enter the transfer portal, Mark Jackson becomes the latest addition to the list.
After Ryan Jones, Levi Draper and Mark Jackson all entered the transfer portal, the #Sooners are — as of today — down to nine scholarship linebackers for 2020. Two (Shane Whittier and Brynden Walker) are 2020 signees. Whittier is an early enrollee; Walker arrives in the summer
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) January 17, 2020
Spelling out the situation in clear and concise terms, Jason Kersey of The Athletic keeps a running total of scholarship players on the roster. Down to nine linebackers for the upcoming season, two of those are members of the current signing class. Needless to say, the coaching staff must place a premium on prospects at the position to round out the 2020 class and beyond.
With news of Jackson’s name hitting the transfer portal, the Sooners could easily sign three more recruits on scholarship for the fall. At the moment, there are a total of 82 scholarships being used by the football program of the allotted 85.
There are two 2020 linebacker recruits that have a mutual interest in the program and hold offers from the University of Oklahoma:
- 3-star Brennon Scott
- 3-star Devin Dye
Could either of these names be the answer to the depleted depth at the position? Or will Alex Grinch turn toward the junior colleges in order find a plug-n-play type talent?