Linebacker Drew Sanders flashed potential at Alabama, so when he became available during the last transfer cycle, several schools made him a priority. At the end it came down to Arkansas and Oklahoma, with the Razorbacks winning out. While the team experienced their fair share of struggles during the 2022 season, Sanders still excelled with 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.
But what would have happened if he signed with Oklahoma instead of Arkansas?
As mentioned, while the Razorbacks’ defensive unit struggled throughout the season, Sanders still managed to finish second in the SEC in sacks, fourth in tackles for a loss and fifth in total tackles. However, despite his impressive production, Arkansas still gave up 30.6 points per game (13th in the SEC) and 465.2 yards per game (14th in the SEC).
At Oklahoma, where the Sooners finished 6-7 during coach Brent Venables first season in Norman, the defensive unit once again failed to make a significant impact on the field. That has become the trend in Norman and continued in 2022 with the team finishing ninth in the Big 12 in yards per game (461.0) and eight in points per game (30.0). While the defense struggled, the linebackers consistently produced, with the top three tacklers on the team playing the position: Danny Stutsman (125), David Ugwoegbu (109) and DaShaun White (90).
While one could argue that Sanders wasn’t necessarily needed in Norman last season considering the production of the linebackers, in reality his addition would have been vital since the Sooners desperately lacked depth at the position. The trio of Stutsman, Ugwoegbu and White all played admirably, but the argument can easily be made that they would have been even more productive if they weren’t needed to play the majority of every game this season. Sanders would’ve provided a better rotation option at the position, which as a result would’ve kept the players fresher and helped the overall unit.
