Tag: Brandon Hall

Marcus Wimberly raves about the Oklahoma culture after committing to the Sooners

4-Star safety Marcus Wimberly recently committed to the Oklahoma Sooners and he talks about why Oklahoma made the most sense.

The Oklahoma Sooners got a surprise commitment this past weekend from 4-Star safety [autotag]Marcus Wimberly[/autotag]. Wimberly hadn’t previously made a commitment date announcement or even really hinted one was coming but he ultimately decided Oklahoma was the place to be and announced his commitment on April 6, 2024.

Wimberly made it 11 commits for Oklahoma. It’s also a huge win for safeties coach [autotag]Brandon Hall[/autotag] once again. Wimberly is 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds. He’s also ranked as the No. 9 safety in the class according to Rivals. He was up this past weekend on an unofficial visit and that’s when he decided to commit to the Sooners.

The Sooners ultimately beat out the Michigan Wolverines and the Arkansas Razorbacks whom he was once committed. Wimberly did an exclusive interview with OUInsider’s Brandon Drumm and Parker Thune about his recruitment journey and how he ended up committing to Oklahoma.

“It kind of goes to a phrase that I live by, ‘don’t talk the talk but walk the walk,'” Wimberly said. “Coach Hall would tell me all of these great things about Oklahoma and the team and this great culture that they have there and the family feeling. A lot of universities will say all of these things, but really, when you get there, it’s the polar opposite. So, when I got there, he meant what he said, and it showed.”

Wimberly went on to say he got that feeling after watching the team practice. He mentioned how [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] was helping coach the other guys, but everyone was holding each other accountable. He then ate with some of the players and got their take on the culture.

“They were like, ‘Dude it’s awesome, you have a brotherly bond with everybody that you wouldn’t think you’d have in college,'” Wimberly said. “That’s what really stuck out to me and the [autotag]SOUL Mission[/autotag] stuff. I’m super strong in my faith, and I want to use my platform to reach as many souls for God that I can. And with the SOUL Mission stuff, I think it’s great, and they do a great job at doing outreaches.”

Since Brent Venables took over at Oklahoma, one constant review of the program from families and prospects is just how great the culture is. It’s a big reason why prospects commit and sign with Oklahoma.

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Oklahoma Sooners get prediction for 2025 4-star safety from Arkansas

Sooners continue their hot start on the recruiting trail as they land a prediction for a talented 2025 safety.

The Oklahoma Sooners have another top-10 recruiting class according to 247Sports. The [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] is No. 2 in the SEC after the commitment of four-star running back Tory Blaylock.

They Sooners hope to add to that class next week with decisions being made by [autotag]Trent Wilson[/autotag] and [autotag]Maliek Hawkins[/autotag]. However, it remains early in the recruiting process and much work needs to be done.

The best place to start is getting predictions for the guys you are pursuing. That’s what the Sooners have been doing all week. They landed another one, this time from OUInsider’s Parker Thune, who issued a Rivals futurecast favoring the Sooners for [autotag]Marcus Wimberly[/autotag].

Wimberly is a four-star safety from Arkansas who ranks ninth at his position. According to On3, the Sooners have a slight advantage over Michigan to land Wimberly, according to the On3 recruiting prediction machine.

This pursuit will not be an easy one for Oklahoma to win. It has to fend off the defending champs as well as the home state Arkansas Razorbacks. That’s never an easy battle, depending on whether the kid wants to leave home.

They also have a numbers battle on their hands. I’m not saying the Sooners wouldn’t take him because they are pushing for his commitment. But [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] has already said this will not be a big class. He said this will be the smallest class he’s had so far. Oklahoma’s in a good spot to land the commitment of five-star safety [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag]. How many safeties will Oklahoma take in this cycle?

But Wimberly can play and the Sooners now have to close.

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‘I’m trying to add more value’: Woodi Washington trying to add versatility to the secondary

Woodi Washington looking to add more value to the Sooners defense with his versatility in 2024.

Early in the offseason, the Oklahoma Sooners received good news after good news. Several players decided to return on the defensive side of the ball. One of those was Woodi Washington.

Washington has been a key fixture at the outside cornerback position for the Sooners for the last several seasons. But he decided to return to Norman in hopes of upgrading his value. And as the Sooners work through spring ball, he may not only be working to improve his draft stock, but adding value to the defense in a variety of roles.

He talked about that after practice last week. “I’m trying to add more value,” Washington said. “Just play as many positions as I can as far as the next level goes.”

Washington also said it was something he went to the coaching staff about before deciding to return for one more year. “I kind of went to them,” Washington said. “It was kind of around the time of the bowl game last year. When I first thought about coming back. Once they said that it was a go, I was all in for it.”

Right now, Oklahoma is tinkering with different spots to play him during spring practices. He’s reportedly been working at cheetah, safety, and cornerback this spring. Washington has spent time at safety due to injuries but has primarily been an outside cornerback in his time in Norman.

I’m sure a lot of where he ends up playing will have to do with if they have guys step up on the outside to take his place. The Sooners added [autotag]Dez Malone[/autotag] to a group that featured young and promising players like [autotag]Gentry Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Kani Walker[/autotag], [autotag]Makari Vickers[/autotag], [autotag]Jacobe Johnson[/autotag], and [autotag]Jasiah Wagoner[/autotag]. The depth chart looks good, but that group of players still has a lot to prove.

But for now, it’s always good to have that versatility in the secondary. Now, it’s up to the coaching staff to figure out what to do next.

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Dasan McCullough battled through injuries in 2023 but now close to 100%

Dasan McCullough says he’s nearly 100% after battling injuries late in the 2023 season.

Last season was a learning curve for [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag]. In addition to making the transition to the wide open pace of Big 12 football, he had to learn a new position.

At Indiana, McCullough was strictly used as an edge rusher but at Oklahoma, he played the cheetah position. In that position, he had to drop in pass coverage as well as play like a linebacker.

You could tell he was never completely comfortable in pass coverage. That is to be expected when you haven’t done it at the collegiate level. Justin Harrington’s loss hurt the Sooners cheetah depth and possibly overextended McCullough’s role. Harrington was probably going to be the one they relied upon on passing downs.

McCullough also dealt with injuries at the end of the year. He said he should be 100% by the end of spring practice.

“Both of my knees got injured against Oklahoma State while I was getting cut blocked a couple of different times during the game,” McCullough said. “So, they kind of messed both of them up during that game. So, I finished the rest of the season. I had meniscus surgery after the season on my left knee. Then I had quad tendonitis on my right, so rehabbing both of those. But we’re back feeling good though.”

McCullough said it was frustrating when that happened because it happened on back-to-back series. McCullough is undergoing another position switch, moving to WILL linebacker.

That’ll allow him to rush the passer more and cover tight ends more. He is still doing a lot of cheetah but has been doing more at the inside linebacker spot.

Just another piece of versatility for this defense to use.

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‘Understand it’s still a process’: Billy Bowman’s wisdom for Sooners young safety group

With a talented and deep group of safeties, Billy Bowman working to impart on the youngsters that development is a process.

One of the biggest things to happen for the Oklahoma Sooners this offseason was Billy Bowman announcing he’d be returning for one final season. That helps the Sooners have one of the more veteran defenses in the country.

Bowman said with coming back, he wanted to take a more vocal leadership role. He talked about that after practice on Monday. “I feel like I have progressed with that,” Bowman said. “Being an older guy, I have a lot of experience so I can get my words across and things like that. I feel like I have made progress with that, and I’m continuing to do so.”

One way Bowman highlighted how he’s become more of a leader is by taking some of the younger players under his wing during film study.

“We watch a little bit of everything,” Bowman said. “We’ll go back into the archives. One time I showed them some of my freshman practices when I got here as a freshman and what it was like. Then helping them understand that it’s not going to happen like a click. It’s a process. Some of them get down coming out here. It’s only the fourth practice. It’s good that they are hard on themselves but understand it’s still a process.”

Billy Bowman was a four-star prospect coming out of Denton Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. There were high expectations early for Bowman, joining a Sooners defense under then defensive coordinator Alex Grinch that struggled to gain much respect nationally.

Bowman played a lot as a freshman in a variety of roles due to injuries, but that experience has helped inform the player he is today. And like many on the Sooners defense, year two in Brent Venables scheme went better than year one for Bowman, who had a breakout season in 2023 with six interceptions and three interceptions returned for touchdowns.

If there’s a player that can impart to Oklahoma’s talented group of freshmen safeties to be patient with their development, it’s Bowman who’s gotten better each season he’s been in Norman.

Robert Spears-Jennings is the only other primary safety that’s been on the roster for more than one season, but the youth they have on the safety depth chart is very talented. Oklahoma has blue-chip prospects Michael Boganowski, Peyton Bowen, Jaydan Hardy, Reggie Powers, and Mykel Patterson-McDonald looking to earn snaps on the Sooners defense.

And while it’s a talented group, the developmental timeline may look different for each player.

The Sooners are definitely going to need Bowman’s leadership and elite play next season. Like the wide receiver room on the offensive side of the ball, the safety room is arguably the deepest on the defensive side of the ball. It’s going to be looked upon to have a big year next season.

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‘A lot of anxiousness’: Justin Harrington describes waiting for his waiver approval

One of the most athletic players on the team is back for 2024, but Justin Harrington and the Sooners had to wait on the decision of his injury waiver.

Since his arrival, Oklahoma Sooner fans have been waiting on a breakout season from uber athlete [autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag]. 2023 finally seemed like the year fulfill that potential, earning the opening week start at cheetah.

If you look at his physical gifts, Harrington is the perfect cheetah. He’s typically played defensive back, so he covers well, but he’s big enough to fit run plays well like a linebacker. But during the second game of the season, Harrington injured his knee and missed the rest of the season.

Harrington and the Oklahoma Sooners had to wait for a ruling from the NCAA on his injury waiver. He talked to reporters about what it was like waiting for that answer.

“I had to wait for a little bit,” Harrington said. “A lot of anxiousness, a lot of anxiety built up but just kept the main thing the main thing. Just kept praying, kept talking to my family and my coaches. Just staying ready, whether it be get ready for the league, get ready for next year’s combine, or get ready for next season. I was ready for (either).”

Harrington said he initially tried to play through the injury because he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get another season or not. But as long as he can stay healthy this season, his athleticism and versatility will provide a big boost to the defense.

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Oklahoma Sooners defensive backs in for a battle in spring ball

If the Oklahoma Sooners secondary can find more consistency, the defense will take another big step in 2024.

Last year, by and large, was a solid year for Oklahoma’s defensive backs. If there’s a knock against them, it was their inconsistency.

[autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] was a bright spot for the Sooner. He recorded 63 tackles, six interceptions, three pick-sixes, four pass breakups, and three tackles for loss last year and should have been an All-American.

Elsewhere, guys made plays but struggled to string together the caliber of performances that Bowman had.

There were moments when [autotag]Gentry Williams[/autotag] was excellent but never sustained his level of play due to a shoulder injury he dealt with for most of the year. His inability to stay on the field had a negative impact on the defense.

[autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] had moments, in particular at cheetah. So did [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag]. Former five-star freshman [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] also flashed at moments but lacked consistency.

So what have we learned? Talent won’t be an issue in 2024. Consistency is the name of the game. And as the Sooners get deeper into spring practice and summer preparations for the season, we’ll be on the lookout for more consistency.

According to reports, coaches have Washington working at cornerback, nickel corner, safety, and cheetah. San Diego State transfer [autotag]Dez Malone[/autotag] is working to acclimate himself, giving Oklahoma length and another veteran option out at corner. He tallied 90 tackles, three for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups from 2022-2023.

In-house, the Sooners need leaps from multiple guys. [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag] is gone, and [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag] transferred to Ole Miss. Pair that with the need for depth at all secondary spots, and things will get interesting. Billy Bowman and Peyton Bowen are likely your starting safeties but don’t be surprised if Robert Spears-Jennings gets significant playing time at safety as well.

Spears-Jennings is looking to take a big step forward in year three. He feels like a guy we could see much of when Oklahoma goes into three safety looks. After that, Oklahoma will depend on youth. Four-star freshmen Reggie Powers and Jaydan Hardy will likely have to contribute somehow.

Woodi figures to be a starter somewhere on this defense, and barring health issues, Williams is a starting corner, too.

At cornerback, [autotag]Makari Vickers[/autotag], [autotag]Jasiah Wagoner[/autotag], and [autotag]Jacobe Johnson[/autotag] offer a lot of talent and saw time on the field last year. If they come along, Oklahoma’s depth would be outstanding.

Who is the cheetah? [autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag] is recovering from the injury he suffered early season against SMU and isn’t participating in spring practices. [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag] is working full-time as a linebacker right now.

[autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] is an option, and sophomore now sees reps at the versatile spot too. Maybe four-star prospect [autotag]Michael Boganowski[/autotag] will join the mix as he finds a positional home.

Ultimately, there are a ton of question marks about Oklahoma’s secondary heading into the spring. There’s good potential, but a lack of experience on the depth chart. It’s a group that has to get more consistent for the Sooners to contend in the SEC.

Cornerbacks coach [autotag]Jay Valai[/autotag] and safety coach [autotag]Brandon Hall[/autotag] have their work cut out for them as the Sooners prepare for 2024.

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Oklahoma makes top seven for 4-star safety from Arkansas

The Sooners are one step closer from landing a talented safety in their 2025 recruiting class.

The Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff is in the midst of rounding out their [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag]. They currently have nine players pledged to join the Sooners next year.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] has already said this would be the smallest recruiting class he’s had at Oklahoma during his tenure. That is because they’ve reached the point of not having to process as many people out of the program as they did when they first arrived.

The Sooners received some good news on the recruiting trail on Wednesday as they found out they were in the top seven for four-star safety from Arkansas, Marcus Wimberly.

The Sooners join some stellar programs like the Oregon Ducks and the Michigan Wolverines. They’ll also have to contend with the home-state Arkansas Razorbacks. That is never an easy battle to win because some players don’t want to leave home. They’d much rather play in front of their friends and family.

Ole Miss, Wisconsin, and Memphis round out the top seven.

It would no doubt be a big win if Oklahoma is able to pull it off. Wimberly is ranked as the No. 9 safety in the country by Rivals.

The 6-foot-1 and 183-pound safety is currently an Oklahoma lean per On3’s recruiting predictor machine. Michigan is their biggest competition, according to the predictor.

There is still a long way to go before signing day but Oklahoma has put themselves in a really good spot to land his commitment.

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Oklahoma Sooners pick up prediction for 2025 4-Star safety

The Oklahoma Sooners got a prediction for a top 120 player in the 2025 class.

No matter what time of year it is, college football never stops. Teams have to constantly be recruiting and building those relationships.

That’s no different than at Oklahoma. The Sooners currently have a top-five class in the country in 2025. Now, it’s early so it’s hard to determine exactly where they will end up. [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] has said this will be his smallest class since becoming the head coach because he doesn’t expect as much turnover.

Still, some think this could be his best class and maybe the best in the history of the program. One thing that could help that out is adding top 120 recruits. That’s what they would get if their latest prediction for four-star safety [autotag]Omarion Robinson[/autotag] came true. The Sooners received a prediction from Oklahoma Recruiting Editor for On3 Josh McCuiston on Tuesday night.

Robinson is ranked as a top 15 safety in the country. He received his offer from Oklahoma back on Jan. 23, 2023. Since then, one of the better recruiters in the country, [autotag]Brandon Hall[/autotag], has been hard after him to get him in the Crimson and Cream.

Oklahoma currently has an 88.9% chance to land him according to On3’s recruiting prediction machine. But it won’t be easy as they’ll have to fight off several teams including his home state Arkansas Razorbacks. If they are able to do so, it’d be another huge win for Hall and the Sooners.

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Oklahoma Sooners safety group stacked heading into 2024 spring ball

With their success on the recruiting trail since Brandon Hall’s arrival, Oklahoma’s safety group boasts great depth ahead of spring ball.

In the first couple of years of Brent Venables tenure with the Oklahoma Sooners, the safety position was one of the areas of the defense that lacked depth.

After [autotag]Delarrin Turner-Yell[/autotag] left for the NFL and [autotag]Patrick Field[/autotag]s for Stanford after the 2021 season, the Sooners were left with just two guys, [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] and [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag], that had played significant snaps for the Sooners. Both guys served as utility pieces, playing some corner during that 2021 season.

In 2022, safety was ravaged by injury early in the season, most evident in their blowout loss to TCU.

In 2023, the position had more depth with the All-American season from [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag], the improved play from Key Lawrence, the emergence of [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag], and the additions of [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] and [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag].

The depth chart took a bit of a hit this offseason with the departures of Lawrence (Ole Miss) and Pearson (eligibility), but safety looks to be in great shape as the Sooners go through winter workouts.

Bowman is back for his fourth season, looking to build off of his incredible 2023. So are Bowen and Spears-Jennings, two guys who will vie for starter snaps in the secondary.

Oklahoma will get [autotag]Erik McCarty[/autotag] back after he took a redshirt year in 2023 after suffering an injury in the Oklahoma 4A state title game at the end of 2022.

The Sooners also welcomed a deep recruiting class at safety, welcoming [autotag]Reggie Powers[/autotag], Jaydan Hardy, [autotag]Michael Boganowski[/autotag], and [autotag]Mykel Patterson-McDonald[/autotag] to the program. It’s an incredibly fast and athletic group that adds more talent and playmaking ability to the roster as they head into the SEC.

By all accounts, the 2024 safety additions have been standouts of winter workouts with their athleticism and strength.

Those new additions will need to prove what they’re capable of this offseason, we’ve seen [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and [autotag]Brandon Hall[/autotag] utilize their young safeties.

Hall and Venables’ success on the recruiting trail has strengthened the safety group and it’s the deepest it has been in years.

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