OU 2010 Players to Watch, Day 12: Donald Stephenson

Oklahoma Sports brings you the 12th day in a 15-part series on the players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

OU 2010 Players to Watch, Day 12: Donald Stephenson

Originally Published: Feb 26, 2010 4:52 PM CDT

More on Oklahoma Sports:
-OSU Player to Watch, Day 12: Caleb Lavey
-Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 12: Curnelius Arnick

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OL Donald Stephenson

Background:

Stephenson attended Blue Springs High School in Missouri and was rated the No. 34 tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. He redshirted in 2007 and played sparingly in seven games during 2008. He was supposed to see a significant increase in playing last year, but missed the entire season because of academic issues.

Why he’s on the list:

Bob Stoops said during a press conference last season that Stephenson’s absence was particularly damaging because he is one of the best blockers on the team. He is very athletic for a player of his size and is expected to step into the starting role at left tackle, replacing All-American Trent Williams. He has big shoes to fill, but Stoops seems very confident he has the ability to step in immediately.

Best-case scenario:

Stephenson becomes a dominant fixture at left tackle, the second-most important position on the offense. His blocking ability allows the Sooners to trust his protection of the quarterback’s blind side. OU’s talented running backs then won’t be forced to stay in the backfield to help block, which should allow DeMarco Murrayto become more involved in the passing game.

Worst-case scenario:

Stephenson cannot overcome his problems in the classroom and becomes a constant distraction. The Sooners cannot count on him keeping his grades up, which damages their ability to trust him. If Stoops becomes unsure of Stephenson’s ability to stay on the field, the team could turn to another player that is more reliable.

My take:

Bob Stoops does not give out praise casually, so calling Stephenson one of the best blockers on the team is no small compliment. His ability is unquestionable, but his off-the-field problems have to be a concern.

After missing all of last season, Stephenson should have gotten the message that he needs to get his grades in order. As long as he fixes his academics, he has the potential to become a dominant left tackle. He has the kind of talent that could turn him into a high-end pick in the NFL draft.

Other OU players to watch (click on the names below to read the full stories)
Day 1: WR Jaz Reynolds
Day 2: OL Stephen Good
Day 3: S Sam Proctor
Day 4: CB Jonathan Nelson
Day 5: OL Tyler Evans
Day 6: RB Jermie Calhoun
Day 7: QB Drew Allen
Day 8: DT Jamarkus McFarland
Day 9: OL Ben Habern
Day 10: LB Tom Wort
Day 11: WR Dejuan Miller