Just mere minutes before Oklahoma takes on the Baylor Bears, it would appear as if the Sooners will be getting back one of their biggest defensive pieces in redshirt sophomore cornerback Woodi Washington.
Woodi Washington moving around really well during pregame. pic.twitter.com/ZmKaTIe9sK
— Eddie Radosevich (@Eddie_Rado) November 13, 2021
Washington was hurt in Oklahoma’s drubbing of FCS Western Carolina University and has been out since. The Sooners have struggled to really establish any sort of continuity and production at cornerback in his absence as a number of guys have taken their lumps playing out there.
In addition to Washington, the Sooners missed D.J. Graham for a little time as well while he dealt with a concussion. Graham played last time out against Texas Tech and looks ready to go this week as well.
The Sooners have gotten valuable experience for freshmen corner Latrell McCutchin though. He’s had some ups and downs but figures to only get better with more opportunities.
The main conundrum Washington’s return brings is what to do with sophomore Key Lawrence. After transferring from Tennessee, Lawrence has found his groove and looked like one of the best three defensive players on the team over the last two games.
He moonlighted as a cornerback against Texas Tech and finished the game with two pass breakups despite it not being his natural position.
His natural position is safety but both of the starters are back for Oklahoma there and their starting cornerbacks are now set to start as well. It’s a good problem to have and a problem defensive coordinator Alex Grinch won’t mind.
Washington thrives in man coverage and will have his hands full trying to contain R.J. Sneed, one of Baylor’s best receivers.
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