Bassey has started off and on the last four years and Onyenegecha played extensively last year.

The safety spots are where the experience is lacking. Lewis Baker, a converted linebacker, has moved to strong safety and is being pushed by highly-touted freshman Reggie Smith.

Darien Williams, a sophomore, has emerged at free safety. But junior Jason Carter, sophomore Tony Cade and freshman Nic Harris are all competing for playing time.

Wright, who has had concerns about his safety spots, believes his players are rounding into shape.

The best sign has been the aggressive play they’ve displayed in OU’s three preseason scrimmages. The Sooners only picked off nine passes last season, but they’ve been able to get their hands on pass after pass through preseason drills.

“Coach Wright always stresses going after the ball when it’s in the air,” Onyenegecha said. “There’s no rule that says only the receivers can get it.”

Turnovers could be the statistics that defines OU’s secondary. Since Stoops arrived in 1999, the ability to create turnovers has been a Sooner staple … until last season.

If this group can turn that around, it will have come a long way.

John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com