The only question mark is at the strongside spot. Clint Ingram held down the position for the last two seasons and his departure left a gaping hole.

However, it could turn into a golden opportunity for Demarrio Pleasant. The junior has been waiting for two seasons to get on the field.

He battled Ryan Reynolds for the spot in the spring and impressed the coaching staff along the way. His solid play has continued this preseason.

“I think he’s more than capable of being an awfully good football player,” Venables said. “He has all the physical traits and he has great instincts and range.”

The Sooners put even more stock in Pleasant after Reynolds suffered a knee injury last May. Reynolds is expected to redshirt this season and his unavailability him has made depth an issue.

Curtis Lofton is battling Latimer for playing time in the middle and Lewis Baker can step in and play at either the weak or strong spot.

Venables admits losing Reynolds for the season hurts, but likes what he has at the linebacker spots.

“Depth is a question. We saw that take a hit when Ryan got hurt,” Venables said. “But Rufus is going to be one of the great players in the nation this year, so we don’t lack for playmakers there.”

John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com