Tag: Zac Alley

More experience with the defensive coaches could be the biggest difference in Year 3

Brent Venables believes the experience of the Sooners defensive staff making a difference this spring.

It is crazy to think just three years ago, Brent Venables was gearing up for his first season as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. It feels like yesterday we were watching him get off a plane at Max Westheimer airport.

His first year showed his inexperience as a head coach. No, he didn’t have a great roster but his game management wasn’t what it needed to be. Year two showed a ton of growth as a head coach. His game management was much better, and his roster was better, too. They developed players well but also found gems in the portal and in high school recruiting.

So, what has Venables noticed about Year 3 so far?

He spoke about it with reporters after practice Tuesday. “I think there is more depth from an experience standpoint of myself, Zac (Alley) and our other defensive coaches than maybe what we had before. So, there is a different level of trust and understanding. Zac thinks more like me and does a good job no matter what it is. Whether it’s the fundamentals, if it’s areas of weakness, if it’s development drills, or if it’s scheme-wise and situationally. We work through a lot before we come out to practice.”

Combine the experience of the coaches with the experience of the defensive players, and you can see why so many are excited about how good the defense can be next season. They still have areas of weakness, like every team, that will need to be addressed. But if they turn their bring their weaknesses along, they could be a special group in 2024.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

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.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

‘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.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

‘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.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

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.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

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.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Oklahoma Sooners 2025 SEC opponents released

The Oklahoma Sooners found out who they would be playing during the 2025 season earlier on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma Sooners haven’t even started the 2024 football season but they already know who they will be playing in 2025. It won’t be any easier than what they will face in 2024.

In fact, the schedule will arguably be tougher in 2025 than it is in 2024. After rumors of Oklahoma and the Texas Longhorns flipping [autotag]SEC[/autotag] opponents in 2025, the Sooners will actually be playing the same conference teams but flipping the home field.

That means at home, Oklahoma will face Illinois State, the Michigan Wolverines, Kent State, [autotag]Missouri Tigers[/autotag], LSU Tigers, [autotag]Ole Miss Rebels[/autotag] and Auburn Tigers. On the road, they will face Temple Owls, Alabama Crimson Tide, [autotag]South Carolina Gamecocks[/autotag] and Tennessee Volunteers. Of course, the Texas game will still be a neutral site game.

The Michigan game in the nonconference makes this one that much harder than the 2024 season. Now, things can change with the rosters, so it’s too early to tell what the toughest games will be in 2025, but the Sooners knew the battle when they decided to go to the SEC.

None of the conference games have a date or time set, but with Kent State on Oct. 4, 2025, it’s safe to assume the Texas game will be on Oct. 11, 2025, that year.

One thing is for certain, get your popcorn ready because it’s going to be a fun ride in the SEC.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

NCAA issues a blanket waiver to increase the number of players on rosters for 2024

The Oklahoma Sooners and other FBS and FCS schools can now have 10 more players on their roster thanks to a new NCAA waiver.

More players could soon suit up for the Oklahoma Sooners and other Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision schools across the country.

There was a limit of 110 student-athletes who may engage in practice activities before the school’s first day of classes or before the fifth day before the school’s first game, whichever occurs earlier.

But that will change for the 2024 season.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, the NCAA is issuing a blanket waiver for FBS and FCS teams to increase the preseason practice/fall camp roster from 110 to 120 players. The temporary waiver will be in effect for this season, and the Football Oversight Committee and D1 Council will consider a permanent policy this summer.

In addition to that change, the NCAA said, the waiver will start the process of removing the rule that allows the replacement of a student-athlete. Spring practice is underway across the country as teams prepare for the 2024 season. There’s also a transfer portal window set to open in April, and the expectation is there will be plenty of movement when that time comes.

It’s unclear why this change was implemented now and if it means more scholarship players or 10 additional walk-ons. I would assume it’s more walk-ons but it isn’t clear if that is the case.

For Oklahoma, this could mean it gets very active in the transfer portal. If it can get guys to help on the field, that would be preferred, but I could see Oklahoma going after good veteran locker room guys. Maybe that’s a former captain or something of that nature.

It could also mean some guys you thought would hit the portal or that Oklahoma was going to push toward the portal due to a numbers crunch, no longer will. For now, we have to wait and see.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @JaronSpor.

Danny Okoye looking to develop ‘as much as possible’ during spring practice

Danny Okoye is one of the more intriguing prospects the Sooners have had in awhile and he’s ready to make an impact.

One of the bigger surprise signings of the 2024 recruiting class was four-star edge [autotag]Danny Okoye[/autotag]. Okoye finished in the top 80 nationally, and at one point had eliminated the Oklahoma Sooners from his recruitment.

But after reconsidering Oklahoma, he quickly went all in on the Sooners before committing and then signing. Now, he’s an early enrollee and already participated in winter workouts and spring ball.

Okoye is one of the more intriguing prospects. He didn’t face great competition in high school, but his physical tools are off the charts. Okoye came into Oklahoma at 233 pounds but is already up to 255 pounds. He ran a 4.56 40-yard dash.

Okoye talked about his expectations for the spring.

“Just develop as much as possible,” Okoye said. “This is the first spring ball that I’ve been a part of. I’m not expecting to be as advanced as some of these other guys, but if I can advance myself as much as I can in the time that I have given to me, I’ll be happy. I’m sure it’ll pay off when the season comes and I can fight for a starting spot.”

The hardest part for many freshmen is the mental aspect of the game and it’s even harder playing in a Brent Venables defense. But the physical attributes are there for Okoye. He also has the work ethic to go with it.

Having that combination could see him get early playing time and start terrorizing [autotag]SEC[/autotag] offenses next season.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @JaronSpor.

Oklahoma Sooners defender primed for a breakout season per ESPN

Former five-star prospect expected to have a breakout season according to ESPN.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense made positive strides in 2023, but they have work to do to turn [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag]’s unit into an elite squad.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his coaching staff have done a great job on the recruiting trail to stockpile talent over the last three recruiting cycles. In the last two years, the Sooners have added 17 four- and five-star players to their defensive ranks. Three were five-star prospects [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag], [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag].

Bowen earned opportunities early in 2023 and was a productive playmaker on both defense and special teams. His production in a rotation role has ESPN’s David Hale believing Bowen will be the Sooners’ breakout star in 2024.

A year ago, safety [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] arrived as a five-star recruit, ranked No. 14 nationally, hoping he could help be the future of OU’s defense after a disappointing 2022 season. He was able to carve out a role, playing in all 13 games with two starts, 36 tackles (including a season-high 5 against Texas), a sack, 5 passes broken up and a forced fumble. He also showed off his game-breaking ability with two blocked punts, most in the Big 12. He is poised to play an aggressive style under new defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who worked as an assistant under Sooners coach Brent Venables at Clemson when he was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. Last year, Allen’s defense at Jacksonville State allowed just 2.8 yards per carry (fourth nationally), and was in the top 10 in turnovers (25) and interceptions (16). — Dave Wilson, ESPN

Bowen played 363 snaps in 2023, fourth among safeties but first among true freshmen on the roster last year. And he proved to have a nose for the football, making plays in both the run and passing game.

With [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag] (Ole Miss transfer) and [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag] (eligibility) out the door, there’s an opportunity for Bowen to earn a starting role next to Billy Bowman. He’ll contend with [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] for snaps. Even if he doesn’t start for the Sooners in Year 2, we’ve seen Oklahoma rotate safeties, and he can help the Sooners at free safety, strong safety and nickel cheetah.

The breakout is coming for Peyton Bowen. He’s a big reason there’s optimism about Oklahoma’s defense improving yet again in 2024.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.