Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 3: Tanner Antle

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

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:30 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 3: Tanner Antle

Originally Published: Feb 17, 2010 4:33 PM CDT

Also on Oklahoma Sports:
-OU Player to Watch, Day 3: Sam Proctor
-OSU Player to Watch, Day 3: Jeremy Smith

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

LB Tanner Antle

Background:

Antle has lettered three seasons and started the previous two. He was an 8-man star at Foyil High School and successfully made the transition to D-I football.

Why He’s on the List:

Tulsa lost the leadership of seniors Mike Bryan and George Clinckscale. Antle is the only returning full-time starting linebacker for the Golden Hurricane. Bryan was not only the leader on defense but was one of the heads of the whole team. Antle will be one of the players expected to step up and fill that void.

Best Case Scenario:

Antle does not have to be a Mike Bryan clone, but as a senior, he fills the hole left by graduations. He has the experience and play-making ability to be a real force on the defensive side of the ball. He is the most battled-tested linebacker on the TU defense should serve as a mentor to the younger players at his position.

Worst Case Scenario:

He has never been a one-man wrecking crew, but that is because he has never needed to be with Bryan. Despite playing for three years, Antle has never intercepted a pass. Even though he plays linebacker, it is a pretty amazing statistic to not have a pick in the pass happy Conference USA. Antle might step-up to the leadership role, or if he does, he might not be effective.

My Take:

There is no reason to think Antle is not ready willing and able to take on the challenge of being a leader but the question remains; how effective will he be? Antle has the right credentials and saw what effect Bryan had on the team. Antle has been on successfully Hurricane teams and knows what it will take to get TU back into the postseason. It will be hard to replace Bryan, but if anyone is capable it is Antle.