Breaking down Oklahoma’s defensive linemen for this season,

Here’s a look at Oklahoma’s defensive line:

Starters

Amani Bledsoe (Jr., 6-5,

287)*

Neville Gallimore (RJr., 6-2, 330) OR Marquise Overton (Sr., 6-1, 315)

Kenneth Mann (RJr., 6-3, 264)

Key backups

Dillon Faamatau (RJr., 6-3,

319)

Isaiah Thomas (RFr., 6-5,

254)

Tyreece Lott (So., 6-2,

301)

Ronnie Perkins (Fr., 6-3,

254)

*Although Bledsoe is listed as a junior, he is in his final season of eligibility pending a lawsuit.

This season: The defensive line was a work in progress last season with Amani Bledsoe missing the first part of the season due to a suspension and Neville Gallimore’s uneven play. Bledsoe should finally be available for a full season, Gallimore has shown signs of improvement during camp.

Kenneth Mann is a player OU coaches expect to play a much bigger role this season after coming off the bench a year ago. He has some versatility but figures to spend most of his time on the outside.

Marquise Overton entered the starting lineup in replacement of Gallimore a year ago and has been solid there. Ronnie Perkins might be the player to watch in the group. Perkins, a freshman, has raised eyebrows through spring and preseason camp and figures to see his role increase as the season goes on. Dillon Faamatau and Tyreece Lott figure to add depth up front.

The future: The only seniors among the core group are Bledsoe and Overton. Lott played some early last season while Bledsoe served his suspension and figured to earn an increased role moving forward.

Ron Tatum, Troy James, Jordan Kelley, Zacchaeus McKinney and Michael Thompson aren’t likely to be big contributors this year but have a chance to earn a role as they mature. Beyond the current roster, the Sooners have three defensive linemen committed for 2019, including tackle Derek Green and defensive ends Joseph Wete and Kori Roberson.