Five standout defensive players for the Oklahoma Sooners to watch heading into fall camp

It has been an offseason of change for the Oklahoma Sooners, with numerous transfers, new coaches, and a new general manager in town. However, a new season marks a fresh start for everyone involved, and a lot hinges on the success of the Sooners this season.

Several players have stood out so far throughout the spring and summer and are worth keeping an eye on in fall camp on locking down a major role this upcoming season.

I'll be writing about five players to watch on offense and defense heading into fall camp. This article will focus on the defense, and I will link the offense down below.

Offense

DE Marvin Jones Jr.

Pass rusher Marvin Jones Jr was one of Oklahoma's few defensive additions out of the transfer portal. While his Florida State tenure didn't exactly end on a high note, Oklahoma's staff was all aboard with Jones, and made him a priority right away. 

The former five-star has seemingly paid them back in kind with his effort in the weight room and at practice, and he is using his experience to step into a leadership role for some of the younger players across Oklahoma's defensive line. 

The starting defensive end spot opposite of R Mason Thomas is up for grabs, and Jones has put a strong foot forward in locking it up.

SAF Peyton Bowen

Speaking of former five-stars, let's keep it going with another one here. I wrote up Peyton Bowen earlier this week, as he's produced several strong periods of play throughout the offseason and seems set to lock down the starting spot opposite of Robert Spears-Jennings. 

Bowen has big shoes to fill replacing Billy Bowman, but he's an incredible talent in his own right. 

CB Courtland Guillory

I could put several of the young cornerbacks here, as I've heard some strong comments about most of them, but Guillory has been the most consistent performer so far.

Venables highlighted him at SEC Media Days, and it echoes what I've heard through the grapevine around the team. The 6'0 cornerback boasts terrific length and physicality, and his basketball background pops with his fluidity. He's made some strong plays throughout camp, and it wouldn't shock me if he's in the running for reps early on this season. 

DE Taylor Wein

When I spoke to former Oklahoma Sooner and current Jacksonville Jaguar Ethan Downs at the Shrine Bowl in January, he was quick to point out Taylor Wein as a player he thought was going to shine for the Sooners this season.

The defensive end spot is a tough, tough competition, but Wein has been a consistent name brought up, sometimes unprompted, throughout the offseason. 

LB Samuel Omosigho

I think Omosigho has the potential to be a real contender for one of the most impactful defenders the Sooners produce this season. After playing mostly outside linebacker, Omosigho has moved over to the middle and is competing with Kobie McKinzie for the starting job there. It feels like it's only a matter of time before that role is Omosigho's, in my mind.

His name has popped up numerous times this offseason, as his athleticism jumps off the field and he brings true sideline-to-sideline range. It's an adjustment to move inside, but he has all the talent in the world to be an impact player.