Oklahoma football: DBs Jaden Davis and Justin Harrington poised for bounce back

Oklahoma football is heading in a new direction in 2022 with new head coach Brent Venables, which has been eventful so far.

From dealing with some portal fall-out, recovering on the recruiting trail, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the resignation of long-time assistant Cale Gundy. Brent has passed each test with flying colors, making tough decisions and building up new directives from within the program to help the players on the team, from not only a football or fiscal direction but an emotional and spiritual way as well.

He is building young men from the ground up, which is reflected in the staff he has put together in the SOUL program and plenty of other examples. The Sooner head man decided to bring Justin Harrington back into the program after the senior defensive back entered the portal during the 2021 season and has given every player on the roster a fair opportunity to earn their way onto the field. Even CB Jaden Davis, who was highly criticized, had a tough 2021 season. This fresh start has led to what many may have considered an unlikely turn of events a few months ago.

Jaden Davis had a solid start to his Sooner career.

In 2019 Jaden Davis appeared to be the next great Oklahoma cornerback and was excelling early with new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt went as far as to declare, “OU fans … this is your best defensive back. I’m just going to tell you right now.” Davis started playing later in the season but was playing at an All-Conference level.

He was thought to be a huge part of what was to come alongside fellow youngsters like Nik Bonitto, Jalen Redmond, and more. 2020 came along, and Davis had another solid season. However, instead of being the established CB1, he rotated with Woodi Washington and DJ Graham. Ultimately, the Sooner who seemed destined to be a star was the first off the pine. Oklahoma had a talented cornerback room; that’s not a problem, Davis was making plays when he was in, and that’s all that mattered.

Jaden Davis faced adversity in a tough 2021 season but is rebounding nicely.

Oklahoma had national championship aspirations heading into 2021, but the season did not go as planned for the team. Jaden Davis, unfortunately, had his worst season in a Sooner uniform. He looked absolutely nothing like the player he had in the past. Perhaps there was an injury to Davis; maybe he had issues with confidence; either way, the play on the field was not the same.

However, that is all in the past now. When the new defensive staff came in, they made it clear everyone had an equal chance; last year did not matter. It was all about now. Venables liked Davis when he was recruiting him to come to Clemson, and he continues to today, but that has little to do with the work Davis has put in to give himself a chance.

Justin Harrington took notice,

"“He’s been very consistent and excited about everything he does when he steps on the field with him having been with OU and been through a lot of adversity he helps everyone see the best in every situation.”"

Davis has been turning heads in camp and has done all the little things he needs to do to position himself into a significant role, and having an actual CB coach in Jay Valai can not be understated in this transition. The Oklahoma defensive staff has certainly been upgraded, and the players have noticed.

Jaden revealed to me how he feels about the changes and how he has put himself in such a good position.

"“I believe that this coaching staff is the perfect fit I have learned a lot in the Past 8 months and I believe this is exactly what I needed. Everything happens for a reason and I believe that God always has had a plan for me. Fight Your Fight was the message from someone who has really helped me along the way and that has always kept me positive.”"

This is not luck or happen-sense. Jaden may have had a good fortune getting a new chance with Brent Venables and his staff, but he is the one who put in all the work and took advantage of the opportunity.

Oklahoma LB Dashaun White, one of the team’s leaders, had quite the compliment to pay Jaden.

"“Jaden Davis has taken huge steps all around and treats himself like a professional and it shows in his game. Looks easy for him at this point.”"

Justin Harrington is the most flexible player on the Sooner defense

Justin is so physically gifted as an athlete that I have heard for three offseasons now, how this young man has first-round NFL draft talent. This has been something noted by people close to both this and the last staff. He was expected to take on a big role in 2020 when he was unfortunately lost to an injury he had actually played through at the JUCO level. Then, coming into 2021 he was turning heads once again. We had heard he could possibly start, but would certainly be a major player either way. But for some reason or another things did not work out that way, and Harrington, frustrated by his lack of opportunity entered the transfer portal.

The rumblings were that Grinch refused to take his guys off the field, despite the better talent being on the bench at the safety position. If the previous staff had stayed, I believe many more players on both sides of the ball would have chosen to transfer out of the program.  Particularly safeties, and wide receivers. Justin Harrington was always a certified game-wrecker but was simply held in pocket the new staff plans to unleash him. Venables gave him a new opportunity and that is paying dividends.

Venables plans to give Harrington a look at several positions on defense, including the Cheetah role, as well as both safety spots.

"“I love his versatility. He’s big. He’s long. He’s athletic. Got good instincts, sudden, explosive, he’s rangy.”"

Harrington was extremely well respected by his teammates not only as a player but as a person they vouched for him to coach Venables which gave him another opportunity. Harrington is truly a unicorn, and Dashaun White is excited to see his teammate out there!

"“Big cat aka Harrington has come back to the game and picked up right where he left off. Big hitter plays fast and physical!”"

Big Cat, has certainly earned the respect of his team and the staff. After he makes plays on Saturdays in Norman, he will make plays on Sunday. All 6-foot 3-inches and 215 pounds of him!

"“Justin, he has gone through some trials and tribulations as well but he is a fighter. Every day constantly getting better and that is going to make him a great football player for us as a team this year.”-Jaden Davis"

What does this mean for Oklahoma and the culture?

Football and life have a lot in common, you know when something is on the up and up. Last year the staff in place did things that seemed shady at the time, and in retrospect have upset some players both current and former. Perrion Winfrey has been outspoken as have others. The thing is if you give everyone a fair shake, and a chance to earn the spot everyone takes note. There is a buy-in, there is accountability. If you do not perform you will not be the guy. Venables has created a culture such as this in a short time, and both Harrington and Davis have taken full advantage of their fresh start and will get to prove what they can do on the field.

Deshaun White notes

"“Both stories are a bit different but I think for the first time since they’ve both been here they have a team they can lean on for confidence and when things get hard. If they are anything like me, it helps me silence the past adversity I faced.”"

This staff appears to be getting the most out of the roster, something that has been a point of frustration in Sooner nation about the previous one. Justin Harrington and Jaden Davis are incredibly mentally tough and certainly have #OUDNA. Next stop? Showing it on Saturdays!