Oklahoma Sooners have long-term solution emerge on offensive line against South Carolina
Much has been said about Oklahoma's offensive line this season, and most of it is reasonable criticism. Despite the fact that we knew the offensive line would be problematic, I don't believe anyone would have expected the bottom to fall out like it has so far this season. Part of that has been the poor […]
Much has been said about Oklahoma's offensive line this season, and most of it is reasonable criticism. Despite the fact that we knew the offensive line would be problematic, I don't believe anyone would have expected the bottom to fall out like it has so far this season.
Part of that has been the poor scheme, courtesy of Seth Littrell, part of that has been injuries and quarterback play in the pocket, and the remainder of it is entirely on the talent (or lack thereof) on the offensive line.
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However, part of Oklahoma's solution on the offensive line may have emerged on Saturday against South Carolina. While the Sooners certainly fell apart offensively (nine sacks allowed), one player stood out on film as a potential building block for Oklahoma's offensive line moving forward.
Center Troy Everett played all 85 snaps against South Carolina and was by far the Sooners' best pass protector on the day. While that might not be the highest bar to clear, we're looking for solutions here.
He allowed just two pressures on the day despite working against two talented defensive tackles in TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway.
Everett handled the different protection calls well up front for the Sooners, which is to be expected given his experience and familiarity in the offense and with Jackson Arnold. He's been a leader for the team this season while rehabbing back from injury.
This would be Everett's second season with the Sooners. Last season, Everett played over 400 snaps for the Sooners, mainly at left guard, before assuming the starting center job in the bowl game. He allowed just five pressures in that timespan, with two against two top-40 picks in the Texas game that season.
He would have entered the season as the presumptive starter at center, letting Oklahoma have some sort of continuity up front, were it not for an injury occurring in the spring. This injury prompted the Sooners to pursue Branson Hickman in the transfer portal to give them an experienced starter to balance their losses along the offensive line.
Oklahoma has tried plenty of different offensive line combinations this season, playing two left tackles, two left guards, and three right tackles last week against South Carolina. However, Troy Everett has earned the right to start at center and stay locked in there for the rest of the season.
Fortunately for the Sooners, Everett has another season of eligibility left. It would be a major boon for the offense if Everett could continue his strong level of play as he continues to put his injury behind him and be part of their solution on the offensive line next season.
