Tag: Woodi Washington

Sooners have the best back seven in the SEC per Phil Steele

College football expert Phil Steele thinks OU’s back seven can match up with anybody in the SEC.

Defense was long a strength for the Oklahoma Sooners. The [autotag]Bennie Owen[/autotag], [autotag]Bud Wilkinson[/autotag], [autotag]Chuck Fairbanks[/autotag] and [autotag]Barry Switzer[/autotag] days produced hard-nosed, hard-hitting defensive units that, along with explosive offenses, helped the Sooners win six national championships. Wilkinson and Switzer each took home three titles in the 20th century.

After the dreadful 1990s, [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag]’ arrival meant OU was back to being a contender on the national stage. “Big Game Bob” added Oklahoma’s seventh national title in 2000 and kept the Sooners in the title picture quite often in his time as the head coach.

Defense was Stoops’ calling card. He was the defensive coordinator for coaching legends Bill Snyder and Steve Spurrier. Oklahoma enjoyed stifling defenses for most of Stoops’ tenure as the head coach.

But, in the mid-to-late 2010’s, OU’s defense slipped below the standard in Norman. Stoops’ final season and the [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag] era at Oklahoma saw the offense being required to carry too much of the load to keep the Sooners in the title hunt. [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag] were able to do so, but as the decade changed, the Sooners had fallen out of the [autotag]College Football Playoff[/autotag].

After Riley’s departure to Southern California, [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] was hired to bring back the defensive standard. It has taken a couple of years, but Venables may finally have the pieces in the right place to do the things he wants to do on defense.

In 2022, Venables’ first season, the Sooners were horrid defensively, leading to a 6-7 season. They allowed 30 points per game, finishing 99th in the nation in scoring defense. Last season, however, Oklahoma went 10-3 and the defense took a major step forward, improving its scoring defense 50 spots to 23.5 points per game.

Now, going into Year 3 under Venables, one college football analyst thinks OU has two of the best position units in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

Phil Steele released his position rankings for every SEC team heading into the 2024 season. Oklahoma had two units ranked No. 1 in the conference.

OU’s linebackers are the SEC’s best, according to Steele. [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] leads the way on the inside, but [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag], [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag] join him to make the Sooners at least two deep at both spots. [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] will also see more snaps in 2024 as well.

At the cheetah position, [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] and [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag] will see the majority of the snaps, but [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Boganowski[/autotag] are younger options who will be on the field quite a bit as well.

Steele also thinks OU’s secondary is the best in the conference. [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] headlines the safety position, with [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] and [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] in line for more playing time after graduation, NFL and portal losses.

At cornerback, veteran [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] returns for his fifth season, but he will be playing a little bit of everything this year. [autotag]Gentry Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Kani Walker[/autotag] and [autotag]Dez Malone[/autotag] will all be experienced options on the outside, but there’s youth at corner as well. [autotag]Jacobe Johnson[/autotag] and [autotag]Makari Vickers[/autotag] both saw time last year due to injuries.

More: 5 Sooners who could see an increased workload in 2024

Of course, Oklahoma needs to keep improving to get back to the way things are supposed to be for the Sooners.

Competing for and winning championships are the expectations. Quarterback, offensive line and defensive line all ranked outside of the SEC’s top five in Steele’s estimation. While the QB ranking is due to [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]’s inexperience, the Sooners have to get better in the trenches to be where they want to be.

However, it’s been a long time since the defense has been as loaded in Norman as it is right now. Combine that with an offense that certainly isn’t lacking in talent, and the Brent Venables vision is starting to become clearer for the Sooners. Venables has the makings of a complementary, holistic program from top to bottom.

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Arnold says Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman returning huge for Sooners

Speaking at the Manning Passing Academy, Jackson Arnold shared with Chris Gordy of Locked On SEC about how important it was for OU to get Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman back.

For the first time in a while, most of the questions about the Oklahoma Sooners center on the offensive side of the ball.

Entering Year 1 in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] with a new starting quarterback and a completely new offensive line will do that. However, it’s not just any quarterback leading the way for the Sooners. It’s a former five-star prospect, Jackson Arnold.

In limited time last season, Arnold showed many of the tools that helped him win Gatorade National Player of the Year and Elite 11 MVP coming out of high school. He had numerous really good moments in extended runs against BYU and in his lone start against Arizona. There were also moments that revealed further development needed to happen. But many, including Arnold’s head coach, are confident he’ll take the steps necessary to help the Sooners be a contender in 2024.

But the best news, is that the success of the team doesn’t fall completely on his and the offense’s shoulders. Entering Year 3 of the Brent Venables era, the Sooners have a defense that should be able to hold up their end of the bargain and help Oklahoma win a number of games this season. Is it a perfect unit? No. But it is far better situated than a few years ago, and it should be good enough to afford Arnold and the offensive line some growing pains, if there are any this year.

It’s a blue-chip, star-studded defense from front to back as Venables has made splashes on the high school recruiting scene and in the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. But with all the talent for [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag] to work with on defense, two guys lead the way for the Sooners: [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag].

“I mean, it was huge having guys like Billy and Danny come back,” Arnold told Chris Gordy of Locked On SEC at the Manning Passing Academy. “You know, those are two leaders on our team, and you know those are the guys that are gonna get our guys into battle man. To have your starting Mike linebacker, and your starting strong safety just come back. I mean, it’s really impressive. I think Billy had six picks last year. It’s just incredible. You know, having those guys back it’s gonna be huge for our defense for their confidence and for the performance on the field.”

The experience and the talent Oklahoma boasts on defense is a big reason there’s so much optimism. Stutsman and Bowman, along with [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag], [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] and [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag] provide important leadership and experience as Oklahoma makes its way into the SEC.

Venables has done significant work over the last three offseasons to retool a defensive depth chart that was lacking just that, depth. Oklahoma improved defensively from 99th in scoring defense to 49th between the first and second seasons. By improving nearly a touchdown a game, Oklahoma’s defense made life much easier for the offense.

The hope is further defensive improvement will take place and take the pressure off of an incredibly talented, if inexperienced, offense.

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How did EA Sports rate Oklahoma’s defense in ‘College Football 25?’

When “College Football 25” drops, the Oklahoma Sooners will open with one of the best defenses in the country.

EA Sports is releasing “College Football 25” on July 19, and fans are excited for the return of the college football video game series.

On Thursday, EA released its defensive ratings for the 25 best defenses in the game, and Oklahoma is just outside the top 10.

“College Football 25” has OU as the No. 12 defense ahead of the launch of the highly anticipated video game. It’s the No. 4 best defense in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. This comes following the mutual parting of ways between the program and former defensive coordinator [autotag]Ted Roof[/autotag] and the hiring of his replacement, [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag].

On the field, the Sooners have plenty of experienced talent returning on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary is led by [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] at safety and [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] at cornerback, but features plenty of young talent as well.

[autotag]Gentry Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kani Walker[/autotag] will battle for the spot opposite of Washington. [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] and [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] will see an increase in snaps this year with the departures of [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag] and [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag].

The defensive line sees some change but still has [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] leading the way up front. [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag] and [autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag] are veterans who will aid in the development of younger players like [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag], [autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag], [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag], [autotag]Adepoju Adebawroe[/autotag] and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag]. The defensive line is in a solid place moving forward even after losing [autotag]Jordan Kelley[/autotag], [autotag]Isaiah Coe[/autotag], [autotag]Jonah Laulu[/autotag] and [autotag]Rondell Bothroyd[/autotag]. The Sooners also saw [autotag]Jermayne Lole[/autotag] flip his commitment from OU to Texas in the spring portal window.

The strength of the defense is the talent and depth at linebacker. At the inside spots, [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] returns as the heart and soul of the unit. [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag], [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag], [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] and [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] will all see plenty of snaps alongside Stutsman. The loss of [autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag] at the cheetah position stings, but [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag], [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag] and [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] provide Alley will plenty of options at that spot.

The Sooners open with an 88 overall defense in “College Football 25,” tied with Texas, Penn State, Utah, Florida State and Iowa.

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Linebackers and secondary are the Sooners’ strength in 2024 per PFF

According to Pro Football Focus, Oklahoma’s back seven will be its biggest strength in 2024.

It’s preview season in the world of college football, and the Oklahoma Sooners had the spotlight this past week from Pro Football Focus in their College Football Preview (subscription required).

PFF gave the Sooners just a 4% chance to win the SEC this year, but had OU 13th in the nation in their power rankings.

Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, who co-wrote the article, named Oklahoma’s back seven as its biggest strength heading into the new season.

Here’s what PFF had to say:

Oklahoma’s defense features a top-10 secondary and a linebacker unit that is headlined by [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], a third-team AP All-American last year.

OU is loaded at the linebacker positions with Stutsman as the clear leader. [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag], [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag] should see significant snaps inside as well. [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] will likely have a role in his second year with the Sooners as well.

At the cheetah spot, [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag] and [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] are intriguing options with experience, but don’t be surprised if [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] sees plenty of time.

The secondary has plenty of headliners, beginning with [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] at safety. Playing alongside him will likely be [autotag]Peyton Bowen [/autotag] and/or [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] to give OU a formidable trio to rotate at both safety spots.

Cornerback is lead by [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] on one side, Oklahoma’s defensive leader in snaps a season ago. While he’ll see time at corner, the Sooners plan to move him around the secondary, even giving him snaps at cheetah in 2024. [autotag]Gentry Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kani Walker[/autotag] will likely battle all season long on the other side of the field with [autotag]Dez Malone[/autotag] factoring in as well. [autotag]Jacobe Johnson[/autotag] is a local product from Mustang, and he and [autotag]Makari Vickers[/autotag] saw some fill-in action last season.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] has the makings of a high-level defense in 2024 as he enters his third season at the helm of the Sooners.

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Takeaways from Athlon Sports’ season preview for Oklahoma Sooners

Athlon Sports previewed Oklahoma’s 2024 season, focusing on reasons for optimism and concern.

The Oklahoma Sooners are still almost three months from beginning their first season in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. Year 3 under head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] will be a crucial one, as OU tries to build upon a 10-3 record in 2023.

With the dog days of summer and the college football calendar upon us, Athlon Sports is doing season previews for multiple teams, including the Sooners.

In its Oklahoma Sooners preview, Athlon notes the Sooners haven’t won a conference title since 2020 after previously owning the Big 12. They also note OU hasn’t produced a first-team All-American since 2019.

But it wasn’t all criticism. The reemergence of defense in Norman and the talented wide receiver unit were cited as reasons for optimism. [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]’s obvious talent is a big plus as well.

In fact, according to the article, “Oklahoma’s big-picture transition — leaving the relative comfort of the Big 12 for the snake pit of the SEC — revolves around a more micro transition: Jackson Arnold’s growth at quarterback.”

Arnold holds the present and future of the program squarely on his shoulders. If he grows and becomes the star OU fans believe he could be, the Sooners could be poised for a great deal of success. If he isn’t developed properly, it could set Oklahoma back for years.

Athlon Sports also highlighted the retooled offensive line, falling in line with just about everyone else predicting 2024 for Oklahoma. With the pieces at the skill positions on offense, led by the talented wide receiver corps and running back [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag], the offensive line will be a hinge point for the offense and the team overall.

While Athlon Sports had concerns about the offense, it was very complimentary of the defense. According to the article: “Eleven of the top 13 tacklers return, led by two first-team All-Big 12 performers in linebacker [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and safety [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag]. Stutsman led the unit with 104 tackles, while Bowman’s six interceptions tied him for third nationally.”

Sooner fans have been fooled by heightened expectations for defenses quite a few times over the years, but OU might actually have the talent and coaching to make a return to high-level defense this year. Besides Stutsman and Bowman, [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag], [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] and [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] will be players to watch out for on that side of the ball.

Overall, a bit of a mixed bag from Athlon Sports in its season preview, but Oklahoma was ranked No. 16 nationally in the article. Only time will tell if the national media is undervaluing Venables and the DNA of the program, or if OU fans are a bit too glass-half-full entering football’s most unforgiving conference.

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Are the Oklahoma Sooners overvalued in the ESPN Football Power Index?

One ESPN analyst believes the Oklahoma Sooners are overvalued in the updated ESPN Football Power Index.

The Oklahoma Sooners are one of the more intriguing teams heading into the 2024 college football season. They have a talented roster, led by a defense that has a lot of experience coming back for Oklahoma’s first foray into the SEC.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag], [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], and [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] lead the way for a defense that made substantial improvement in year two under [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag].

Offensively, there’s a lot of talent too. But at arguably the most critical positions, quarterback and offensive line, the Sooners are facing turnover. [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] is as talented a quarterback as you’ll find in the country, but he has only one start under his belt.

Oklahoma generally has its offensive line together, so that typically isn’t a long-term concern, but they are replacing the five guys who started the most games for them in 2023. However, [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] did a fantastic job bringing in experience to supplement his young blue chippers along the offensive line. But they haven’t worked together in a game situation. So there’s reason to be skeptical.

Throw in a schedule that will give Oklahoma all it can handle in 2024 and it’s understandable why Adam Rittenberg of ESPN might be a bit skeptical of the Oklahoma Sooners No. 8 ranking in the updated ESPN Football Power Index for the 2024 season. Rittenberg believes the Sooners are one of the overvalued teams at this point in 2024.

Oklahoma at No. 8 wouldn’t concern me as much if the Sooners were staying in the Big 12, rather than moving to the SEC. The combination of a young quarterback ([autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]), two new primary coordinators (Seth Littrell and [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag]), a defense that hasn’t really found its way under coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and a schedule that features Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee and Missouri, in addition to rival Texas, sets off a few alarm bells. Oklahoma has done well in the portal and returns some star power on defense, but I don’t see a top-10 finish this year in Norman. – Rittenberg, ESPN

Turnover hit Oklahoma in a big way this offseason. But it’s the University of Oklahoma and the depth chart has improved drastically since Venables took over in Norman. They have a defense that is set up to help them win games in 2024 and an offense that will continue to score a ton of points.

The offensive line will come together and Oklahoma features arguably the best collection of wide receivers in the nation. Time will tell if Rittenberg is right, but there’s reason to be optimistic that the Sooners are one of the 10 best teams in the nation for 2024.

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Anonymous SEC coaches share thoughts on Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners

Anonymous SEC coaches share their thoughts on Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners ahead of 2024.

The SEC is holding their annual league meetings in Destin, Florida this week, creating a lot of conversation about where the league is heading in 2024. We’ve received a few kickoff times, including a 2:30 p.m. CT start for the Red River Rivalry game in 2024.

Additionally, coaches have met with the media on a number of topics. Over at Athlon Sports, they put together their annual piece on what coaches said anonymously about their colleagues.

Brent Venables Defense is coming together

They’re starting to round out on defense to a unit you’d expect Brent [Venables] to be coaching at Clemson. That’s the good news entering the SEC. The bad news is that they could be bad on the O-line if they can’t pull some guys together late in the portal. – Anonymous SEC Coach

This is the expectation. Brent Venables was brought to Oklahoma to restore defensive football in Norman. There have been some growing pains, but the growth is evident. The Sooners went from 99th in scoring defense in 2022 to 49th, improving by nearly a touchdown a game.

After retaining [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag], [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag], and [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag], bringing in big-time additions like [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag], and a top-flight defensive recruiting class, the Sooners look ready to make another jump despite the move to the SEC.

I don’t think they’ll be bad along the offensive line. Did they have a lot of turnover? Absolutely. But the Sooners boast one of the best offensive line coaches in the nation and [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] has proven to be able to reconstruct offensive lines via the portal in recent years. There’s a lot of talent for the Sooners to work with upfront.

Is Oklahoma Ready in the Trenches?

Oklahoma is a legit top program, but the secret to the SEC is the line play, and they won’t be able to do what they want on offense if they can’t protect against the average DL in this league. – Anonymous SEC Coach

The Sooners are one of the premiere programs in college football. Seven national titles and 50 conference championships speak to that reality. At the same time, they’re taking on a different animal when they enter the SEC. Every week, the Sooners are going to be challenged up front.

Oklahoma’s added Michael Tarquin, Febechi Nwaiwu, Branson Hickman, Spencer Brown, and Geirean Hatchett to the offensive line depth chart via the transfer portal. Tarquin, Nwaiwu and Hickman could be week one starters up front and provide a ton of experience and upside to the Sooners offensive line.

2022 signees Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor look ready to ascend into the starting lineup. Both guys had great offseasons and look the part of big-time offensive line prospects.

Hickman’s new to the group, arriving in the spring portal window. However, with more than 2,400 snaps under his belt and should get acclimated to the unit by week one.

This is a unit that feels less concerning now than it did when the offseason started and Bedenbaugh and the players will pull it together.

Seth Littrell brings the goods

If you’re looking for a new offense, it won’t be drastically different from [former offensive coordinator Jeff] Lebby, but they’ve got to run the ball more effectively than they did when he was there. Seth [Littrell] is a made-to-order kind of OC, a really experienced guy who is going to scheme to fit. – Anonymous SEC Coach

Oklahoma turned over both coordinator positions this offseason, but they went to an experienced guy in Seth Littrell. As important as his time spent as a playcaller is the time he spent as an offensive analyst with the Sooners in 2023. He’s familiar with the roster, with Jackson Arnold, and in turn, the players are familiar with Littrell.

With Littrell, the hope is a more physical offense with a more aggressive mindset. Jeff Lebby was good, but too often, Oklahoma struggled in short-yardage situations and Lebby often looked risk-averse. If Littrell can help the offense have a more physical mindset it will go along way in the SEC.

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‘We have a lot more cohesion now,’: Oklahoma Sooners’ star linebacker on Year 3 in Brent Venables’ defense

Year 3 in Brent Venables’ system is usually when you see the biggest jump and that shouldn’t be any different at Oklahoma.

Coming into the 2024 college football season, there might not be a more experienced group than the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense. Now, they have to take the step many think they can which has been common in year three under [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag].

Historically, year three is when his defenses have taken the biggest jumps. Getting guys like [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag], [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag], and [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag] to decide to come back for their final seasons was huge for Oklahoma to continue the growth they’ve made.

Stutsman spoke about what it’s been like for him now that he’s in his third year running the show. “We have a lot more cohesion now,” Stutsman said. “We’re not really trying to explain so much. Just trying to tweak everything out.”

That’s what we’ve seen from Venables’ defenses in the past. They eventually get to the point where the players are able to be coaches on the field. It helps the players learn it faster and limits a lot of the confusion with his already complex defense.

That’s a big reason why people think Oklahoma can have a top 20-30 unit in 2024. Knowing the defenses they’ve had in the past, that would be a major jump and improvement.

There isn’t much question the defense is the better unit at this point and is expected to lead the Sooners in 2024 this upcoming season. It’s been a long time since Oklahoma has relied on their defense to be the catalyst for their success. But with a first-year starter at quarterback and the turnover they’re facing on the offensive line, the Sooners defense will need to be a their best for Oklahoma to contend this season.

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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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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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