One of the bigger questions about the Oklahoma Sooners entering the 2023 season focused on the defensive side of the ball. Could that unit make the necessary improvements to help the Sooners become a contender?
Through seven games, Oklahoma is one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing just 16.1 points per game.
The biggest area of improvement has been the pass rush. Last season, the Sooners struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks consistently, especially in Big 12 play.
In 2023, it’s been noticeably better. [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] has already matched his sack total from 2022. Opposing quarterbacks have been under pressure more regularly and perhaps the Sooners haven’t even had their best defensive lineman fully available yet.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Brent Venables was asked about the defensive line and the play of R Mason Thomas. Thomas has been limited to just four games and hasn’t played more than 25 snaps in a game yet. Against UCF, Thomas played 19 snaps and had a season-high three pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. And perhaps, this is just the beginning.
“He was our best in fall camp until he got banged up,” Venables said. “But he’s starting to feel good. And I think the confidence piece, he’s actually banged up both ankles. And so it’s been really frustrating for him. And for us, he’s long, he’s got incredible speed and explosiveness, super twitchy. Plays with great power naturally. And he’s really coming into his own.
“So, hopefully, we can get him back on track. And it was good to see him have a little bit of success last week, and my expectation is to see that develop in a positive direction as we move forward.”
There isn’t a player on the Sooners defensive line who plays with the same speed and athleticism as R Mason Thomas. When fully healthy, he’ll add another dynamic edge rusher to the Sooners defensive end rotation that could help take their pass rush to another level.
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