Going into the summer, OU’s linebackers and defensive backs were listed as the team’s major weaknesses. But according to defensive coordinator Brent Venables, that is no longer the case.

“Where we may lack in experience, we make up for in attitude, toughness, athleticism and the ability to run, [the] ability to hit,” Venables said. “It’s just learning on the job and I feel good about where we’re at in understanding [the game].”

The returning cast includes junior linebackers Keenan Clayton and Ryan Reynolds, and senior defensive backs Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes.

“We just have to step up and get the job done,” Clayton said. “There can’t be any excuses.”

Clayton played on special teams extensively last year, and led the team in special teams tackles with 12.

Harris was recently named one of the defensive captains along with sophomore defensive end Gerald McCoy.

Harris, who has played a variety of positions over the course of his career, recorded 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions last year.

“They’re two great guys that really stand for what we’re about,” Venables said of the two defensive captains. “They have character, consistency, work ethic and a selfless attitude.”

Reynolds, now the starting middle linebacker, recorded 60 tackles for the year and had a 12-yard interceptions return for a touchdown against Tulsa. After being moved around from a roaming linebacker to a defensive end, Reynolds will have versatility on the defense to cover the entire field.

Lendy Holmes started at cornerback last year, racking up 73 tackles and three interceptions. Holmes has been moved to the free safety position this year because of his versatility and experience.

Head coach Bob Stoops said Holmes’ position in the defense will remain fluid because of what other players have shown during the summer camps.

“I feel good back there,” Holmes said. “When I was at corner, I feel good at either one. I just play either position, I play hard, I play physical and I play fast.”

With the departure of middle linebacker Curtis Lofton to the NFL, junior Mike Balogun will be stepping in to this week’s lineup to replace injured Austin Box.

Balogun is a junior college transfer from Lackawanna Community College in Pennsylvania, where he was tagged the Northeast Football Conference Player of the Year.

Similarly, junior Brian Jackson and sophomore Dominique Franks will be replacing Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker at cornerback. Jackson and Franks both played consistently on special teams last year, but saw limited time at cornerback.

Despite their lack of starting experience, both players looked good during spring practices and scrimmages. Franks recorded three interceptions during the team’s annual Red-White intrasquad scrimmage.

“We’re really excited to see these guys play,” Venables said. “They just need to get repetitions in — through practice and through game time. [It] will be a big test and a measuring stick at where we’re at.”

Holmes had a few words to say about Jackson and Franks playing the position he played last year.

“Yeah Brian and Dom are coming along real well,” Holmes said. “They had a good camp, they saw an improvement and I’ve seen them out there. They’re owning, they’re ready. I’m real comfortable with them out there, they’ve been making plays all camp.”

While Stoops has been pleased with the progress of all his young players, he was also quick to point out it doesn’t mean anything until it translates to performance on gameday.

“All of those guys have been good, but they need to play on Saturdays,” Stoops said. “And they need to make plays that we expect them to make.”