Oklahoma’s defensive line has been in a rebuilding mode the last two seasons. Each of those years, injuries or youth limited depth and experience.

In 2005, the defensive end spots were razor thin. Last season it was a group of defensive tackles adjusting to being under the gun for the first time.

As the eighth-ranked Sooners prepare for Saturday’s season opener against North Texas, none of those problems exist. The line features no weak links — just a strong chain.

“We feel they can all play winning football for us, and some of them have played winning football for us,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said.

The defensive tackle positions were viewed as trouble spots last season. Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman were entering their first years as regular starters and their lack of experience showed. The same could be said for DeMarcus Granger, who rotated in with them.

The Sooners gave up a lot of rushing yards early in the season, and most of those runs were right up the middle. By the end of the year, those problems had been whipped. All three had solid seasons.

But there’s one addition at defensive tackle that should boost things considerably.

Gerald McCoy, the 2005 USA Today Defensive Player of the Year, spent last season in redshirt. But the year away from the spotlight has been beneficial.

He has the potential to be a dominant defensive tackle in the same class as former Sooners Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek.

“I think you can sit and watch Gerald McCoy from the stands and he is going to stand out to you when you see him do certain things,” defensive tackles coach Jackie Shipp said.

McCoy had a great spring, but a nagging shoulder injury kept him out of both preseason scrimmages. McCoy doesn’t expect anything to hold him back this season.

He’s ready to play college football.

“I have advanced to a higher level where things move faster, but I have made it here and have developed my speed,” he said. “So everything is just like normal out on the field for me now.”

Adrian Taylor, another highly-touted redshirt freshman, will also be in the mix. Walk-on Tommy Taggart has also worked himself into the rotation.

The biggest issue for the defensive tackles could be playing time. The Sooners typically rotate four during the game.