Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Five Sooners to keep a watchful eye on in 2021

By Chip Rouse

Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey (8) rushes Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) in the fourth quarter at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey (8) rushes Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) in the fourth quarter at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Mario Williams (4) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback D.J. Graham (9) defends during the spring game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Mario Williams (4) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback D.J. Graham (9) defends during the spring game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

DB D.J. Graham

As a former four-star recruit and true freshman last season, D.J. Graham played in Oklahoma’s last eight games and earned his only start in the Sooners’ Cotton Bowl win over Florida.

Redshirt sophomore Woodi Washington is slotted at one of the cornerback positions coming into the 2021 season, but it wouldn’t be that surprising to see Graham win out at the spot opened up by the departure of Tre Brown. Graham isn’t quite 6-feet tall, but he possesses the length that defensive coordinator Alex Grinch likes on the outside in the secondary and he has been highly effective in pass coverage, which has been a Sooner weakness in recent seasons.

Graham will compete with redshirt sophomores Jeremiah Criddell and Jaden Davis for playing time, but he should see plenty of action in the 2021 season.

Nearly 70 percent of Graham’s 240 snaps last season (162) were in pass coverage, and that was when he was at his best. Pro Football Focus gave him a passer rating of 37.3, which is a strong rating for a defender. Graham was targeted 22 times and allowed just 10 completions, according to PFF, a 45.5 completion percentage against.

If he can sustain, or even improve upon, that performance this season, he can be assured of seeing plenty of action.

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