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Five Oklahoma football players who could break out in 2016, including a former juco standout

The likes of Sterling Shepard, Eric Striker and Zack Sanchez won't be on Oklahoma's roster in 2016.

Replacing Shepard's production at receiver will be a challenge. And finding new leaders on defense will be equally as difficult.

OU returns much of its core from its Big 12 championship team, but Oklahoma will rely on a few less-experienced players to step in to bigger roles.

Here are five Sooners who could break out next season:

Dakota Austin, senior cornerback

Career stats: 21 games played, two starts, 33 tackles, two interceptions

In 2015, Austin recorded two interceptions in a three-week span as a temporary starter, while the then-junior Sanchez recovered from an injury.