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Oklahoma Football: OU’s defense at 24 in top-25 future defensive power rankings

By Connor Pasby

NORMAN, OK - APRIL 23: Tight end Brayden Willis #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners comes down with a catch on top of defensive back Damond Harmon #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners during their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - APRIL 23: Tight end Brayden Willis #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners comes down with a catch on top of defensive back Damond Harmon #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners during their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Brent Venables looks to change the Oklahoma football defensive mindset, but will it take time for the Sooners to be consistently sound on defense?

Despite losing five defensive starters to the NFL, the Sooners put together a top-10 recruiting class that includes seven four-star players on the defensive side.

ESPN senior writer Adam Rittenberg put together a list of college football defenses in a ” Top 25 future defensive power rankings “. He has the Sooners at No. 24 on that list.

“I don’t love Oklahoma’s personnel on defense and thought the unit would be further along than it was at the end of last season. But the presence of new coach Brent Venables, who served as a defensive coordinator at OU from 1999 to 2011 before a highly successful defensive play-calling run at Clemson, keeps the Sooners in the top 25,” Rittenberg writes.

“Venables is more than capable of restoring Oklahoma’s reputation on defense, especially in a changing Big 12 and during the transition to the SEC.”

The OU defense needs to be more consistent in 2022, but Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof have talent to work with in Norman.

The Sooners have depth on the defensive line with junior Jalen Redmond, who broke out as a key pass rusher for the Sooners in 2021. The rest of the defensive line unit will consist of a competitive battle between Reggie Grimes, Josh Ellison, and Marcus Stripling. Also, the highly talented transfers, Jeffery Johnson (Tulane), and Jonah Laulu (Hawaii), look to make an immediate impact upfront.

The linebacker play had question marks all of last season, but Venables and Roof look to heal the wounds in 2022. Senior Deshaun White, who recorded 61 tackles in 11 starts in 2021, will be relied on heavily for Roof’s new-looked defense. Sophmore Danny Stutsman looks to improve on his freshmen season, others such as four-star recruit Jaren Kanak will see time early. Four-star prospect Kip Lewis also looks to provide physicality with his 6-foot, 2-inch frame at linebacker.

OU’s secondary will have a variety of options and interchangeable parts, all of whom can make plays in the back end. Among the guys vying for playing time in the defensive secondary are Woodi Washington, Key Lawrence, and DJ Graham, each of whom have had  their fair share of making plays.

The Sooners add experience in the back end with transfers Kani Walker (Louisville), Trey Morrison (North Carolina), and C.J Golden (Wyoming). Sophomore Billy Bowman will give a major boost in the secondary, as well as returning punts. The lonely returning senior starter, Justin Broiles, will continue to be a reliable leader in the secondary.

Although, Rittenberg had the Sooners ranked low in this list, there’s no reason to question the future of Oklahoma’s defense under Brent Venables. If there’s one thing that Venables has excelled at in his highly impressive coaching career, it’s the ability to recruit and develop an elite defensive unit.

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