Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Chris in Tahlequah, Okla., writes: Do you think we will have top 10 defenses under Mike Stoops again? Or has the offenses in the Big 12 changed too much for that to happen?
Jake Trotter: Difficult, but hardly impossible. OU had a top 10 defense just three seasons ago. Texas’ defense has ranked in the top 12 in each of the last three years. Big 12 offenses are tough to stop. But they are not invincible.
Josh in Norman writes: I've got a question about the linebackers for next year. I've seen lots of message board talk/rumors that Tom Wort will be moved to the outside and either Jaydan Bird or Kellen Jones will be taking over in the middle. How do you see the linebacker position playing out?
Trotter: I see OU’s two starting linebackers being Wort and Corey Nelson. I suppose that could change with the new defensive staff. But I’d be surprised if it did.
Jeff in Muldrow, Okla., writes: Is Dominique Whaley going to be back in time for the season opener?
Trotter: We really won’t have any idea until the summer. If Whaley is starting to move around by then, I would feel a lot better about his chances of being ready. But it’s way too soon to speculate.
Mike in Dallas writes: Is Mike Stoops going to be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny from the fans and media this season? Meaning do you get the feeling there may be unrealistic expectations regarding the defense? I think Stoops will do a good job, but turning the 2012 defense into that of the ’85 Bears may be extremely lofty expectations.
Trotter: Mike Stoops is a very good defensive coordinator, and should make an instant impact on the defense. But as I have said all along he’s not a savior. And to assume OU will automatically have the No. 1 defense in the country next season is unrealistic, especially with what the Sooners have returning up front.