The 2008 season was marked by all the hype and headlines surrounding OU’s explosive, record-setting offense.

However, with the departure of many key components—most notably those on the offensive line—many expect the Sooner offense to take a step back this year.

Even if that’s the case (which it probably isn’t), OU should be able to more than compensate for the perceived dropoff with the defense it plans to put out on the field this season.

This looks like the best defense coach Bob Stoops has had in his 10-year career in Norman.

There are nine returning starters from last year’s squad.

Six players on this year’s roster will most likely being playing in the NFL in a year or two. Three players are on the Preseason Watch List for the Bednarik Award, which goes to the best defensive player in the NCAA.

Of course, this is merely all preseason banter. We won’t know for sure until the games are actually played.

But until then, seeing as how the season opener against is still more than a week away, this is the best I can give you.

Player to watch

DT Gerald McCoy, Jr. Arguably OU’s most charismatic athlete, McCoy made sure Sooners fans took notice of his on-the-field talents last season.

The not-so-shy guy led all interior defensive lineman with 30 tackles.

He was also second on the team with over six sacks on his way to being named to the 2008 Associated Press All-America second team at year’s end.

Earlier this month, CollegeFootballNews.com ranked McCoy the fourth best player in the Big 12 this year, behind (in order) Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford and Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Who to keep an eye on

DB Quinton Carter, Jr. Carter steps into the role as a full-time starter at free safety this year, taking over for Lendy Holmes.

Carter started two games at safety last year when the defense shifted to five starting defensive backs. He recorded a career-high 10 tackles in his first career start against Kansas and notched eight more in his second start in the Big 12 Championship game.

Carter led the team last year with 14 solo special teams tackles. He’s an athletic guy capable of covering ground and making big hits.

Strongest position

Defensive End. The DE position for the Sooners is the most talented as well as the deepest position on OU’s defense.

Two-year starter Jeremy Beal teams up with Auston English, who missed part of last season due to injury, to give the Sooners one of the best one-two punches in the country coming off the edge. Beal, a member of the All-Big 12 first team, was the team leader with over eight sacks and the leading tackler on the defensive line.

English started the first nine games of the 2008 season but was forced to sit out the remaining three games due to a knee injury.

During those three games, redshirt sophomore Frank Alexander proved himself as more than capable of taking over in English’s absence. Alexander recorded 21 total tackles and was named All-Big 12 honorable mention by the AP. This year, he’ll be a strong No. 3 slot.

Weakest position

Middle Linebacker. This isn’t the weakest position so much as it is the position with the least depth, although many view the two terms as synonyms.

Senior Keenan Clayton and sophomore Travis Lewis return from last year as the two players on the outside.

Lewis, the AP’s Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season, burst onto the scene in 2008 as a redshirt freshman, tying former OU linebacker Brian Bosworth’s freshman season tackles record of 144. Senior Ryan Reynolds, the leader of the defense last year until he suffered a torn ACL against Texas, should be back and healthy at middle linebacker.

However, there may not be as much help behind him as previously thought given the circumstances of the two reserves. Mike Balogun is out, pending case with NCAA regarding eligibility, and Tom Wort is out for season with a torn ACL.

Reynolds, who suffered three knee injuries in his career at OU, needs at least one reliable backup.