3 takeaways from Sooners' depth chart release

NORMAN — Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley officially released a depth chart Thursday ahead of Sunday's season opener against Houston ( 6: 30 p.m., ABC). While there was plenty that was expected on it, there were a few surprises. Here's three takeaways from the depth chart reveal: Who isn't there? There were two notable names missing completely from the depth chart, both on the defensive side.

Kenneth Mann started 13 games a season ago and was a captain but was nowhere on the two-deep.

Instead, the listed starters on the defensive front are Ronnie Perkins at end, Neville Gallimore in the middle and either Jalen Redmond or LaRon Stokes at what is listed as defensive tackle.

The other noticeable absence is Mark Jackson Jr. While Mann has been hurt a bit in camp and that can help explain his absence, there's been no indication that Jackson has been limited.

Perhaps no player's time was affected by last season's midseason coaching change on the defensive side as Jackson, who started the first six games at “jack” linebacker, made one more start and then sat the final four games.

Jackson doesn't appear to be an ideal fit in Grinch's defense and it could be tough for him to work his way back into the rotation.

Linebacker mix

Inside linebackers coach Brian Odom has raved about DaShaun White during preseason camp, which made White's listing as a co-starter along with redshirt sophomore Ryan Jones at weakside linebacker a bit of a surprise.

But that should speak more to Jones' improvement as anything.

Jones made three starts last year.

Also at the rush linebacker spot, redshirt freshman Nik Bonitto, who played three games last season, is listed as sharing the top spot with redshirt junior JonMichael Terry.

McIver finds a place

Perhaps the most surprising name up and down the two-deep was Ian McIver, a redshirt sophomore from Keller (Texas) Central.

McIver is listed as Creed Humphrey's backup at center and though Humphrey is as locked in as anyone with his starting role, McIver's presence as the backup speaks highly of him.

And the Sooners haven't had a shortage of walk-ons who've made their way onto the field at center over the last two decades with one-time walk-ons like Bubba Burcham and Erick Wren making a name for themselves there.