Lofton, The Kansas City Star’s defensive player of the year, possesses the numbers necessary for all of the honors coming his way. He ranks ninth nationally in tackles per game at 11, and his 133 for the season are the most in the Bob Stoops era, topping a list that includes All-Americans Rocky Calmus, Teddy Lehman and Rufus Alexander.
But tackles tell only part of Lofton’s story. His big plays have come to define the Sooners’ defense.
Saturday, Lofton completed a game-changing goal-line stand against Oklahoma State by forcing a fumble on fourth down. Instead of having their advantage sliced to 21-14, the inspired Sooners marched down the field and went ahead by three touchdowns.
A blitzing Lofton tipped a pass that resulted in an interception at Iowa State. The play prevented the Cyclones from tying the game in the fourth quarter.
Early in the third quarter against Texas, Longhorns running back Jamaal Charles looked as if he had a touchdown. But before he got to the end zone, Lofton knocked the ball loose and the Sooners recovered, keeping a game tied that Oklahoma won by a touchdown.
Against Missouri, Lofton recorded a season-high 18 tackles, and when miscommunication caused a fumbled exchange between Tigers quarterback Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin, Lofton scooped it up and carried it 12 yards for a touchdown that clinched the game.
“Look at the plays he’s made — it’s unbelievable,” Stoops said. “How many times has he had a game-changing turnover, whether he caused it or got it?”
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