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When you can perform a concept or a skill in any walk of life, you’ve displayed a grasped knowledge of that concept. When you’re able to teach a skill or concept, you’ve mastered it. The veteran members of the Oklahoma Sooners defense have become masters of Alex Grinch’s Speed D.
Nik Bonitto, in his third year under Alex Grinch, has arguably been the biggest beneficiary of Grinch’s presence in Norman. He’s seen his production increase in every season under his defensive coordinator.
In two games as a freshman, Bonitto didn’t record a single tackle for loss or sack in 2018. In 2019 he had a modest breakout with 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and an interception. In 2020, he really burst onto the scene with nine sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.
Bonitto was so good last season he’s put himself on every award watch list imaginable heading into his fourth year with the Sooners. He’s arguably the best player on an ascending defense that has a chance to help the Oklahoma Sooners win the national championship in 2021.
Safe to say he’s mastered Alex Grinch’s defense.
The Sooners All-American understands, though, that his responsibility and impact go beyond simply what he does on the field. As a veteran of the defense, he understands that he and the other veteran leadership have a responsibility to pass on the knowledge they’ve acquired to help the younger guys pick up Grinch’s defense.
There’s a lot of guys who have been in the system for three years now since (Alex Grinch has) been through that door. And now it’s just a matter of okay, we know it, now we’ve got to help the young guys know it. Specifically, in my group a Clayton Smith or Brendan Walker, (Marcus) Stripling, he just moved to a rush linebacker, so he’s still trying to learn a couple things. As older guys we gotta take it upon ourselves to bring young guys along and make sure they know the defense as well as we do. – Nik Bonitto
Sharing his knowledge will not only pay dividends in 2021 but for years after Bonitto is gone. For as long as Alex Grinch is the defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners defense, Bonitto helping the guys in his position group have a better grasp of what’s going on will pay dividends down the road.
As Nik Bonitto is getting set for what could be an award-laden 2021 season, he’s kept a grounded mentality thanks to his father, who’s encouraged him “to stay with that same hunger” when Bonitto didn’t have all of the preseason accolades. Taking the time and energy to impart knowledge to his younger teammates shows leadership and a grounded mentality.
The Sooners defense will continue to take steps forward in 2021 and could end up being elite. Nik Bonitto’s performance between the hashes will be a big reason for their ascension. However, what he does outside the lines with his teammates will be vital to the defense staying elite for years to come.