Tag: Jalen Redmond

Jalen Redmond opts out of Cheez-It Bowl, declares for NFL Draft

Beginning his preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Jalen Redmond is opting out of the Cheez-It Bowl.

After accepting a Senior Bowl invite earlier this month, defensive tackle Jalen Redmond announced via Twitter that he’ll forgo the Cheez-It Bowl to begin preparations for the 2023 NFL draft in April.

Redmond, who tied for the team lead in total pressures with 28 according to Pro Football Focus, became one of the more important defensive players for the Sooners because of his ability to create penetration from the interior defensive line.

In 2019, Redmond led the Sooners with 6.5 sacks before opting out of 2020 due to COVID concerns. During the 2021 season, he recorded eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also had the memorable fumble return for a touchdown against Iowa State that helped the Sooners take a 14-7 lead into halftime against the Cyclones.

 

As for Redmond’s NFL prospects, participating in  the Reese’s Senior Bowl should help him. He’s got an injury history that scouts and front-office executives will want to inquire about, but it will also give teams a head start on learning what Redmond is all about.

On the field, they’ll get a chance to see his burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to defeat blockers to provide an interior pass rush. A good week in Mobile could provide Redmond a bump in his draft value.

With Redmond opting out of the Cheez-It Bowl and Josh Ellison gone via the transfer portal, eyes will turn to Jeffery Johnson, Isaiah Coe, Jordan Kelley, Gracen Halton, and Kelvin Gilliam to provide an interior presence against a really good Florida State offense.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

5 positions the Oklahoma Sooners should target in the transfer portal

The Oklahoma Sooners have some roster reconfiguration to accomplish and will look at the transfer portal to complete it. From @thatmanbryant

Oklahoma’s season is down to one last game against the Florida State Seminoles in the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando, Florida. However, their preparation for Team 129 has already begun.

Numerous players have already entered the transfer portal or declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

Players like left tackle [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag], running back [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], defensive tackle [autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], and right tackle [autotag]Wanya Morris[/autotag] were starters on this year’s squad and have already declared their intention to go to the NFL. Oklahoma will have to fill those voids for next season. Their replacements may be on the team already, but there’s a real possibility they aren’t.

The losses have left a hefty amount of bodies missing from the program right now, and while the recruiting class will fill some of them, the Sooners would love to have immediate answers via the transfer portal by guys with collegiate experience.

As Oklahoma looks to retool its roster for 2023, here are a few positions they should look to add talent to via the transfer portal. 

What’s next for Oklahoma? 5 offseason storylines follow

Oklahoma may not play for almost a month but there are still plenty of things to monitor in the coming weeks. From @thatmanbryant

It’s been just over a year since Lincoln Riley’s defection to Southern California. The Oklahoma Sooners have just completed their first regular season under first-year head coach Brent Venables. It wasn’t pretty but the Sooners find themselves bowl-eligible after a 6-6 season.

The only thing consistent about this team was their inconsistency.

Week to week we never knew what we would get from them. With only the bowl game remaining, Oklahoma has the ability to showcase itself one more time and get over .500 with a win.

With that said, there are notable storylines to follow as we get closer to the offseason even while the Sooners prepare for the eventual bowl game to come. Take a look at the five storylines we’ll be looking at with the regular season behind us.

Highest Graded Oklahoma Sooners in 2022 according to Pro Football Focus

Who graded out as the best Oklahoma Sooners across several categories according to Pro Football Focus in 2022?

The 2022 season came to a screeching halt for the Oklahoma Sooners. After jumping out to a 17-0 lead and leading by 18 in the second quarter, the Sooners were unable to hold off the Red Raiders before halftime as Texas Tech brought the score to 24-23.

The 51-48 loss to Texas Tech was characteristic of much of the 2022 season. Oklahoma was good enough to win but was unable to make the plays necessary to win the game. Like the Baylor, West Virginia, and Kansas State games before them, when the Sooners needed a play, they weren’t able to make it.

With the regular season over, let’s take a look at how the Oklahoma Sooners graded out across 11 categories with Pro Football Focus. Then take a look at how the Sooners graded out in their loss to the Red Raiders from contributor Bryant Crews.

Report Card: Sooners defense can’t hold up in finale vs. Texas Tech

Oklahoma’s defense was unable to get stops at the end as the Sooners fell 51-48 to Texas Tech. From @thatmanbryant

With an opportunity to solidify themselves above .500, Oklahoma traveled to Lubbock, Texas to take on the Texas Tech Raiders. Texas Tech took the first couple of punches from the Sooners on the chin before fighting their way back into the game. The game would eventually go to overtime, where a missed Zach Schmit field goal would lead to Texas Tech kicking the game-winner for a 51-48 victory to leave the Sooners at 6-6 for the regular season.

It was far from a horrible performance for the team as a whole, but it followed a similar script we’ve seen too many times this year. Oklahoma came out on fire before they eased up and let the other team back in the game.

The offense did a magnificent job from the opening snap, while the defense and special teams left a bit to be desired.

Here’s our report card from the Sooners’ loss to Texas Tech.

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Sooners need offensive rebound: Final thoughts on Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech

Taking one last look at the Oklahoma Sooners primetime matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in this week’s final thoughts. From @john9williams

The final game of the regular season is upon us, and the Oklahoma Sooners hope to finish the season strong as they take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday night in Lubbock.

It’s been a long and winding season for the Sooners in Brent Venables’ first year at the helm, but as Oklahoma closes out Big 12 play, Venables and his staff has the defense trending in the right direction.

Texas Tech’s been really good at home in 2022, going 5-1, while the Sooners are just 2-2 on the road. This won’t be an easy game for OU. Crazy things happen in Lubbock at night.

Oklahoma heads to Lubbock as two-point favorites, but what needs to happen for the Sooners to pick up a win? Let’s take a look at this week’s final thoughts.

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Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma at Texas Tech. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (6-5, 3-5 Big 12) will face Texas Tech (6-5, 4-4) on Saturday night in Lubbock, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Heading into last weekend, both the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech were still in search of the win to get them to bowl eligibility. For both teams, it’s been a roller coaster of a season with their first-year head coaches, though Oklahoma’s struggles have been more the surprise.

Joey McGuire has Texas Tech bowl eligible for the second-straight season. It’s the first time since 2012-2013 that the Red Raiders have gone to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons.

The big storyline facing the Red Raiders is the loss of Tyree Wilson for the season. Their star edge rusher was in the midst of a fantastic year with 61 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Texas Tech’s defense has had some issues in 2022, losing their best player creates a hole along the defensive front, particularly in the pass rush.

The Sooners are dealing with their own injury issues, as Andrew Raym will miss the remainder of the year after having surgery. Robert Congel has filled in admirably in his absence, but the interior offensive line will be something to watch.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
  • TV Channel: FS1
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
  • Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag], S: Out (Leg)

Daniel Parker Jr., TE: Out Indefinitely (Suspension)

Texas Tech

[autotag]Behren Morton[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Ankle)

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Bryce Ramirez[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Bryce Robinson[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Cole Spencer[/autotag], OL: Out for Season (Knee)

[autotag]Mason Tharp[/autotag], TE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Tyree Wilson[/autotag], LB: Out for Season (Foot)

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Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 62% for 2,476 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 39 carries, 336 yards, and 5 touchdowns.*

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 47 receptions for 844 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 28 receptions for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 29 receptions for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 12 kickoff returns for 275 yards at 22.9 yards per return.

[autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag], WR: 31 receptions for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 100 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 8933 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 76 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 33 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 20 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Texas Tech

[autotag]Tyler Shough[/autotag], QB: 58% for 632 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. 18 carries, 152 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns.*

[autotag]Myles Price[/autotag], WR: 42 receptions for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Xavier White[/autotag], WR: 41 receptions for 557 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jerand Bradley[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Tahj Brooks[/autotag], RB: 121575 carries for 575 yards, 7 touchdowns at 4.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Sa’Roderick Thompson[/autotag], RB: 111 carries for 584 yards, 4 touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry.

[autotag]Krishon Merriweather[/autotag], LB: 96 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]Kosi Eldridge[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception.

Marquis Waters, S: 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Oklahoma receives multiple crystal ball predictions for Notre Dame transfer DL Jacob Lacey

The Oklahoma Sooners projected to land former four-star defensive tackle and Notre Dame transfer Jacob Lacey. From @john9williams

It’s expected that the Oklahoma Sooners will be active in the transfer portal this offseason, and before the season’s even over, they look to be trending toward adding talent along the defensive line.

The Sooners look like the favorite to add Notre Dame defensive tackle Jacob Lacey via the transfer portal. Lacey, a former four-star player out of Kentucky, entered the portal back on October 6 after appearing in 25 games over four years for the Fighting Irish. Lacey was the No. 15 defensive tackle in the 2019 class according to 247Sports.

In four games in 2022, Lacey recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. Snaps had been difficult to come by for the senior defensive tackle, seeing just nine snaps against North Carolina.  Against Cal, Lacey recorded both sacks and both tackles for loss in Notre Dame’s win.

Lacey visited with the Oklahoma Sooners back on Nov. 4, and Oklahoma’s now received a pair of crystal ball predictions from OUInsider’s Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm.

The Sooners will need veteran defensive tackle help with the possibility of losing [autotag]Jeffery Johnson[/autotag], [autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], [autotag]Isaiah Coe[/autotag], and [autotag]Jordan Kelley[/autotag] to graduation or the NFL. Oklahoma has young guys like [autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag], [autotag]Kelvin Gilliam[/autotag], [autotag]Cedric Roberts[/autotag], and [autotag]Alton Tarber[/autotag] in their first or second year with the program. So, having a guy that’s played more than 600 snaps for Notre Dame will help mitigate the potential losses of experienced depth on the roster.

The transfer portal may not be as active for the Oklahoma Sooners as it was a year ago in the wake of [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag]’s departure to USC. However, [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his staff will look to add players that make sense as they continue to rebuild the roster.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Report Card: Oklahoma Sooners defense shines in Bedlam win on Senior Day

Oklahoma’s defense led the way in this week’s report card, while Oklahoma’s offense cooled off after a tremendous first quarter. From @thatmanbryant

In a game that didn’t have championship implications for the Sooners this year, a lot of other things were on the line for Oklahoma. Senior Day, over 20 prospects in the building, and the fact that in-state rival Oklahoma State was in the building. Oklahoma couldn’t take a loss, and they came out firing on all cylinders.

They won a 28-13 game that, for 15 minutes, looked like Oklahoma was going to put up 60 points on Oklahoma State. That wasn’t the case, but a win is a win, and Oklahoma handled its business.

With the win, they also became bowl eligible, an achievement considering how poorly Oklahoma has looked at times.

A Herculean effort from the Sooners’ defense is the biggest story of the day. Taking a big-picture approach, how did the rest of the team fare as we grade out the performance? Here’s a look at this week’s report card.

5 Sooners with tough decisions to make as the seasons nears its end

Oklahoma has multiple players facing tough decisions following the season’s end. Will they head to the NFL or return to improve their draft status? From @thatmanbryant

In a year where youth and a lack of experience has dominated storylines for Oklahoma, some of their more veteran players will be reaching a crossroads for their careers. Will guys like Marvin Mims, Anton Harrison, and Jalen Redmond opt to come back after a disappointing season for the team? Or was Saturday their last time playing in front of a sold-out crowd in Norman?

We decided to take a look at five guys that have some very tough decisions to make in the coming weeks.