Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 12: Curnelius Arnick

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

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 12: Curnelius Arnick

Originally Published: Feb 26, 2010 4:27 PM CDT

More on Oklahoma Sports:
-OSU Player to Watch, Day 12: Caleb Lavey
- OU Players to Watch, Day 12: Donald Stephenson

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

LB Curnelius Arnick

Background:

Arnick played in all 12 games for Tulsa in 2009 and recorded 53 tackles. He played in 14 games in 2008 and started the first two contests of the season.

Why He’s on the List:

The Golden Hurricane lost four linebackers due to graduation, including both of their right outside linebackers. Arnick will most likely become a full-time starter for the first time in 2010.

Best Case Scenario:

With his experience, Arnick has a chance to blossom on the right side should he make the switch, or if he stays on the weak side. He should be able to fill the leadership void left by the four senior linebackers. If he can boost his on-field production he will become a real force.

Worst Case Scenario:

Going from the weak side to the strong side is a big adjustment. Should he make that switch he might have a hard time with his new duties. There are several other young linebackers aiming at his spot if he stays on the weak side, so it will be interesting to see how he handles that pressure.

My Take:

There really is no reason to think that Arnick will not succeed even if he switches sides. He has the experience, size (6-1, 230), and speed to be a playmaker on defense.

Other Tulsa players to watch (click the names below to read the full stories)
Day 1: QB G.J. Kinne
Day 2: WR/KR Damaris Johnson
Day 3: LB Tanner Antle
Day 4: WR Trae Johnson
Day 5: OL Brandon Thomas
Day 6: Jake Alexander
Day 7: John Flanders
Day 8: Thomas Roberson
Day 9: Shavodrick Beaver
Day 10: Jameel Owens
Day 11: DeAundre Brown