Oklahoma Linebacker Battles for Increased Role in 2023

Taylor Heim looks to build on special teams experience as Sooners replace key defensive starters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:52pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an Oklahoma football linebacker making a tackle, with the player's body and movement broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant shades of orange, crimson, and navy blue.Oklahoma's linebacker corps faces a rebuilding challenge this spring, with players like Taylor Heim competing for increased roles on defense.Norman Today

Oklahoma's defense faces depth challenges this spring, especially at linebacker where standout Kendal Daniels has graduated. Taylor Heim, who saw limited playing time on special teams last season, is among the players competing to fill the void left by Daniels and other departures. Heim is working to get stronger, improve his footwork, and learn the responsibilities of multiple linebacker positions as he seeks to earn a larger role in 2023.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's defense will have several new starters this season, so the development of players like Heim who have limited game experience will be crucial to the unit's success. The Sooners need to rebuild depth at linebacker to maintain their defensive intensity and productivity.

The details

Heim, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound linebacker from Bethany, Oklahoma, played sparingly on special teams in 2022 but is looking to take on a bigger role this spring. He is focused on getting physically stronger, improving his footwork, and learning the responsibilities of multiple linebacker positions, including the 'cheetah' role previously held by the departed Kendal Daniels. Heim believes he has the versatility to play anywhere in Oklahoma's defense, but faces competition from players like James Nesta and Marcus James for playing time behind projected starters Kip Lewis and Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan.

  • Heim earned a role on special teams last year, rotating into a handful of games in the later stages of blowouts.
  • Heim totaled 12 tackles, including 0.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry in 2022.
  • With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Heim said he's feeling the urgency this spring to take the next step in his development.

The players

Taylor Heim

A linebacker from Bethany, Oklahoma, who earned a role on special teams in 2022 and is looking to take on a bigger defensive role this spring.

Kendal Daniels

The standout outside linebacker who graduated after the 2022 season, leaving a void in Oklahoma's defense that players like Heim are competing to fill.

Kip Lewis

One of the Sooners' only two linebackers who have played significant snaps in college, along with Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan.

James Nesta

An imposing figure on the practice field who is looking to grow into a larger role on defense.

Marcus James

Another linebacker competing for playing time behind Lewis and Sullivan.

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What they’re saying

“Just feeling that game day environment, feeling the blood rush you get when you run out. I actually have a role to play. It's different.”

— Taylor Heim, Linebacker

“He was a big one, a big mentor, because he was kind of my frame, my stature. He definitely showed me the ropes and stuff and (I) just progressed as a player.”

— Taylor Heim, Linebacker

“Gaining weight, being more physical, footwork. Just trying to take that next step and always progress and never look back.”

— Taylor Heim, Linebacker

What’s next

Heim and the other Oklahoma linebackers will continue to compete throughout spring practice as they look to solidify their roles on the Sooners' defense for the 2023 season.

The takeaway

With several key defensive players departing, Oklahoma's linebacker corps faces significant depth challenges this spring. Players like Taylor Heim, who have limited game experience, will need to step up and seize larger roles if the Sooners' defense is to maintain its high level of play in 2023.