The Sleeping Giant

Nik Bonitto. Kenneth Murray. Obo Okoronkwo. Eric Striker. These are just a few names that have dominated the linebacker position while wearing the crimson and cream. The next dominant linebacker to terrorize opposing quarterbacks could very easily have already arrived on campus. His name? Kobie McKinzie.

Kobie McKinzie is a 6'2" 245 lb linebacker from Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock, TX. He is a 4-star recruit, the #16 linebacker, and the #163 player overall, according to 247Sports. He was also named an Under Armour All American. McKinzie signed with the University of Oklahoma on December 15th, 2021, shortly after Oklahoma hired their former defensive coordinator Brent Venables as its 23rd.

One of McKinzie's main advantages over the defensive recruits that Oklahoma has brought in over the years is his size. Below is a picture of him next to former defensive monster Kenneth Murray (photo credit to Twitter user @mkman54). Given that Murray is a starting linebacker in the NFL, one can see why McKenzie's size has Sooner fans excited.

McKinzie's size isn't the only thing he brings to the defense. His strength and speed compose a force that will give offensive coordinators nightmares.

In his high school highlight reel, you can see him track down quarterbacks from a spy position in a way that makes no passer safe. His sideline to sideline speed makes his ability as a zone pass defender elite. He has the hitting power of a defensive tackle and the hands of a safety. Someone with his overall home run ability will make him the playmaker our defense needs.

Most exciting about Kobie McKinzie is the new energy he brings to the locker room.

Since his arrival, he has been an incredibly outspoken voice in the recruiting world. Reaching out across the country, McKinzie has done his best to make sure he is not the sole playmaker on our team. With recruits and transfer portal prospects alike, he has been working hard with Brent Venables to make this team special.

Kobie McKinzie is a sleeping giant waiting to awaken in the Palace on the Prairie. He is the player our defense needs to reach the level of defensive talent we had in 2000, the year of our last national championship. His energy, strength, ability, speed, size, and leadership are all part of the great revival of Oklahoma's defense. Will McKinzie be wearing a College Football Playoff Championship ring for Oklahoma before he makes his potential leap to the NFL?