Oklahoma looks beyond next season

<br>(Norman-AP) -- Linebackers are one of Oklahoma's top priorities as recruiters begin putting together next year's football team. <br><br>Sure, all three of the Sooners' linebackers are returning

Sunday, January 19th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Linebackers are one of Oklahoma's top priorities as recruiters begin putting together next year's football team.

Sure, all three of the Sooners' linebackers are returning next season. But they're all seniors, meaning that their replacements must be identified and groomed.

Co-defensive coordinator Mike Stoops says Oklahoma's recruiters are looking a year or two ahead of next season.

So far, OU has non-binding, oral commitments from three highly rated linebackers. The Sooners appear to be on their way to filling other high-priority needs at receiver, safety and defensive and offensive lines.

National signing day for recruits is about two weeks away.

OU's coaches are optimistic that they're building a very good class.