Oklahoma football: Sooners bolster 2022 defensive line with Tulane transfer

Oct 30, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker DaShaun White (23) and defensive back Key Lawrence (12) tackle Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Donovan Smith (7) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker DaShaun White (23) and defensive back Key Lawrence (12) tackle Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Donovan Smith (7) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defensive line is one of the areas of need for Oklahoma football in the 2022 season, and the Sooners have added Tulane defensive tackle Jeffrey Johnson from the transfer portal.

The Sooners have had a first-hand look at the 6-foot, 3-inch, 312-pound Johnson’s defensive skill. He had six tackles and a tackle for loss in Oklahoma’s opening win over Tulane last season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson played 597 snaps last season for Tulane and was tied for fourth on the team in quarterback pressures. He will be a valuable add to the Sooners’ defensive front with the loss of Perrion Winfrey to the NFL Draft. Oklahoma won out for Johnson’s services over offers from Michigan, LSU and USC.

Over a four-year career and 42 games at Tulane, Johnson was credited with 135 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback sacks.

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Johnson will be joined with returnees Jalen Redmond and Reggie Grimes along with Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu. That group is beginning to look quite formidable. And the Sooners are still in the hunt for a couple more D-lineman: Tulsa transfer Jaxon Player and Missouri transfer Mehki Wingo.

The Sooners received some other good news late this week. Senior linebacker DaShaun White officially announced via social media that he was returning in 2022 for a fifth season. White had his best season this past one, recording a career-high 60 tackles in 12 games.

White said he had “unfinished business” to attend to.

White is part of an OU linebacker group that is one of the deepest positions on the team. The group includes returning players David Ugwoegbu, Shane Whittier and Danny Stutsman. The Sooners also will add Clemson transfer Jaren Kanak along with four-star prospects Kobie McKenzie and Kip Lewis, members of the Sooners 2022 recruiting class.