Tag: Dasan McCullough

All in the Family: Sooners land commitment from 4-star DB Maliek Hawkins

Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from four-star cornerback Maliek Hawkins.

The Oklahoma Sooners like to keep it in the family. Last year, the Sooners added the Dasan and Daeh McCullough. This year, the roster will feature Peyton and Eli Bowen. Next year, joining the Bowens, the Sooners will have the Hawkins brothers after Maliek Hawkins committed to the Sooners 2025 recruiting class.

The four-star cornerback, according to Rivals and On3’s Industry Rankings committed to Oklahoma on Wednesday.

Hawkins’ is the younger brother of Sooners freshman quarterback [autotag]Michael Hawkins[/autotag].

The younger Hawkins is a talented athlete who will earn his keep on defense. There, he can showcase his elite athleticism and versatility to play multiple spots in the secondary. He’s got great size for the position at 6-foot-1 and displays great change of direction ability, necessary when covering wide receivers in the open field. But he isn’t simply an athlete, Maliek Hawkins is aggressive at the point of attack, bringing a physicality on the outside.

 

From the moment the Sooners were interested in Michael, they became similarly interested in Maliek. From there, the rest took care of itself. It helps that their father, Mike, also played for the Sooners under Brent Venables and Bob Stoops.

In a nutshell, this recruitment was likely to end only one way.  Predictions had been flowing in for Oklahoma to land Maliek Hawkins since last March, which isn’t a coincidence. That’s when Michael committed to Oklahoma. Oklahoma earned Maliek’s commitment over the Texas Longhorns, Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

With Hawkins in the class, Oklahoma has its second commitment in the secondary, joining three-star safety [autotag]Marcus Wimberly[/autotag].  Hawkins gives Oklahoma its 12th commit of the 2025 class, currently ranked 6th in the country per 247Sports.

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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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Danny Stutsman discusses the balance Zac Alley provides the Sooners

“He’s good to go to because he knows exactly what we’re thinking.” Zac Alley’s arrival created a new dynamic on the Oklahoma Sooners defense.

The Oklahoma Sooners made some big changes to their coaching staff this offseason, replacing both coordinators. Seth Littrell took over as offensive coordinator, and Zac Alley as defensive coordinator.

Alley takes over a defense that made a big jump last year and a position group that is one of the deeper ones on the team.

Danny Stutsman shared with the media what he’s seen from Alley so far this offseason.

“Oh, it’s been amazing,” Stutsman said. “He’s a great coach. He really understands and relates to us. He’s a different balance than Coach Venables, which is really good. He understands some things, and he’s good to go to because he knows exactly what we’re thinking.”

Stutsman admits Alley has a lot of the same mannerisms as Venables at times, but he said he’s a lot calmer than the head coach.

Alley has a good problem on his hands as Stutsman, [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag], [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag], [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag], [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] and [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] are all guys who can play and play at a high level.

He also takes over a unit with a lot of experience as the first four guys played quite a bit in this system a season ago at linebacker. Carter played a lot on special teams.

After having success with Jacksonville State, it’ll be interesting to see what he does at the position and what differences he brings 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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Sooners Justin Harrington granted extra year, returning for 2024 season

Oklahoma Sooners get Justin Harrington back for the 2024 season.

The Oklahoma Sooners are getting set to kick off spring ball, and they’ve already received some great news for the 2024 season.

[autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag] was granted a medical redshirt for 2023 and will return for another season with the Sooners in 2024.

Harrington played just two games for the Oklahoma Sooners, primarily at Cheetah. And in that short stint, he was off to a strong start to the 2023 season with six total tackles and an interception.

Though he’ll sit out spring ball, as will wide receiver Andrel Anthony, who also suffered a knee injury, Harrington will be a factor for the Oklahoma Sooners defense.

“They’re coming along well,” Venables said of not only Harrington and Anthony. “It’s big. Justin is a highly invested guy. He’s talented and can do a lot of impressive things. … He understands what commitment is and how we do what we do.”

Harrington joins [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag], [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag], and [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], who all played significant snaps for the Sooners at Cheetah in 2023. Another veteran presence, the Sooners take an experienced defense into the SEC in 2024.

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20 highest-graded Oklahoma Sooners through Week 10 per Pro Football Focus

The 20 highest-graded Oklahoma Sooners through week 10 per Pro Football Focus.

Though the Oklahoma Sooners are on a two-game losing streak, they’ve already surpassed their win total from a year ago with three games to go and a bowl game.

They still have a shot at a Big 12 title game berth. And after 6-7, that’s all we can really ask for.

The offense has shown improvement on third down and in the red zone. Dillon Gabriel is having a career year. The defense has shown significant improvement this season. A year ago, they allowed 30 or more points seven times. This year that’s only happened once against Kansas. Texas scored 30, but seven of those can be attributed to special teams on the blocked punt.

Yes, they lost winnable games the last two weeks, playing uncharacteristically sloppy football. Otherwise, they’ve been a really good team this year.

As they get ready to close the season, here are the top 20 highest-graded players according to Pro Football Focus through week 10.

Minimum 25% snap count

Offense: 177.75

Defense: 167.75

Report Card: Offense’s dysfunction dooms Sooners chance to end Bedlam on top

Grading the Oklahoma Sooners by position group in their loss to Oklahoma State.

If Saturday was the last time Bedlam is played, the Oklahoma Sooners will always regret how things went in their final game against their in-state rivals. The Sooners will walk away from this game knowing they have dominated this series. There’s no debating that the Sooners have owned the Cowboys. But on Saturday, Oklahoma had the chance to put one final bow on this lopsided series, and they didn’t get it done.

Oklahoma State came out swinging, and the Sooners responded. But the most common theme was Oklahoma’s offense stalling on four different possessions once they got to the Oklahoma State side of the field. Most notably on the Sooners’ final drive of the game.

Defensively, Oklahoma played well enough to win. After getting bullied early, the defense found its footing and locked in the remainder of the contest.

In the end, the dysfunction and mistakes on offense put Oklahoma in a near-impossible spot. When it mattered most, they couldn’t rectify their own mistakes.

Oklahoma will move on and turn their attention to West Virginia. Before that, it’s time to pass out grades for Oklahoma’s performance against Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State Cowboys.

5 players that will be key to an Oklahoma Sooners win in Bedlam

For the Oklahoma Sooners to get a win on the road vs. Oklahoma State, these five players will be key.

The build-up to this final iteration of Bedlam has been an interesting one. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State seem to be trending in two different directions.

For Oklahoma, this game has big-time repercussions for the goals they want to accomplish in 2023. A win keeps them in the Big 12 title hunt. A loss creates a far more difficult path.

No one expected Oklahoma State to be a Big 12 contender. They were picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll. But the Cowboys have experienced a resurgence since their bye and have won four straight.

The onus falls upon Brent Venables and his staff to right the ship.

Venables knows he and his staff have to coach better, but the Sooners need improved discipline and execution on the field as well.

As Oklahoma looks to get back on the winning side of things, here are five Sooners that will play key roles on Saturday.

Report Card: Poor grades all around as Oklahoma loses to Kansas

Oklahoma struggles nearly across the board areas but how did each position group grade out in the loss to Kansas?

Oklahoma took their first loss of the season on Saturday, falling to the [autotag]Kansas Jayhawks[/autotag] on a rainy and disgusting day in Lawrence. From the first play from scrimmage, it appeared Oklahoma would be in for a fight. And sure enough, that’s precisely what happened.

Oklahoma fell victim to another slow start on both sides of the ball. The Sooners were never able to get their passing game going. Due to the weather conditions, they relied heavily on their offensive line and running backs to generate offense.

The sooners will try and figure things out as they get set to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in what will be the last Bedlam for quite some time.

OU played a rough game on all fronts. Some things were encouraging, but a lot of the performance put forth was not good enough. We broke it down by position group below.

Oklahoma Sooners name captains for Week 9 contest with Kansas Jayhawks

The Sooners named their captains for Week 9 vs. the Kansas Jayhawks.

The Oklahoma Sooners hit the road this week to take on the [autotag]Kansas Jayhawks[/autotag] in Lawrence. The Sooners are fresh off a hard-fought win over the [autotag]UCF Knights[/autotag].

On Monday, the Sooners announced who their captains would be for the conference showdown between two teams that have played 113 times.

This week’s captains are [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag], [autotag]Jonah Laulu[/autotag], [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag], [autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag] and [autotag]Walter Rouse[/autotag].

Kanak, a Kansas native, is second on the team with 40 tackles. He’s also added 4.0 tackles for loss and two sacks. He’s in his first year as a starter, and each week looks to be getting better as he gets more comfortable playing the linebacker position. Something he didn’t do in high school.

Laulu has also had a really solid season since moving inside to defensive tackle. He ranks fifth on the team with 3.0 tackles for loss.

McCullough was the big offseason addition via the transfer portal. After a slow start due to an injury has come along these last few weeks. He has 20 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Rouse and Raym both help anchor an offensive line that ranks No. 15 in the nation in sacks allowed, with only eight this season. That time in the pocket has helped [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] and the passing offense be one of the most prolific in the sport.

The Sooners take on the Jayhawks at 11:00 a.m. as part of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff game.

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