NORMAN, Okla. -- One play summarized Charles Tapper's sophomore season.
The Oklahoma defensive end chased down star Alabama receiver Amari Cooper from behind in the 2014 Cotton Bowl, creating a buzz on social media about the unique speed of the 6-foot-4, 283-pound first-team All-Big 12 defensive lineman.
Everything appeared set up for an All-America junior season. Instead, Tapper took a clear step backward during the 2014 season. His sacks dropped from 5.5 to 1, his tackles for loss dropped from nine to five, and his total tackles dropped from 48 to 35 during a disappointing third season in Norman.