Oklahoma football: Five Sooners who will have breakout 2023 seasons

DL Rondell Bothroyd

It’s no secret that Brent Venables has built his stellar defensive reputation on the premise that defensive excellence starts at the point of attack. Being able to stop the run and get pressure on and disrupt the quarterback is fundamental to the success of any defense at any level. And Venables knows that it all starts with the defensive line.

While at Clemson as defensive coordinator for a decade, Venables was blessed with some of the best defensive line talent in college football. And Clemson’s sustained championship run during that time was in large part due to an elite defense with NFL-caliber defensive linemen.

The Sooners made a huge push in the recruitment of highly touted defensive prospects in both its 2023 recruiting class and with its transfer additions. While it may take a little time for the freshman talent to see the field and make an impactful contribution, Venables believes several of the transfers can have an immediate impact. DL Rondell Bothroyd, a transfer from Wake Forest is one of those additions.

The Sooners weren’t the only ones who went hard after Bothroyd when he entered the portal. Notre Dame and Auburn also recruited him heavily. The Wake Forest transfer said it was the Oklahoma coaching staff that made the difference.

Their message was simple, Bothroyd said. Everything I did at Wake Forest, I can do in Norman.

It as also a big advantage that Bothroyd was familiar with what Venables likes to do defensively, having played against Clemson defenses every year he was at Wake Forest.

"“You could see Venables is a genius,” Bothroyd said during a media availability in February. “His scheme puts people in the right place to make plays. I think I have what it takes to make those plays.”"

This will be Bothroyd’s sixth collegiate season, but the Sooners are convinced that even one season with his services can make a big difference in an OU defense that finished 106th in the country in rush defense, 119th in pass defense and 122nd in total defense.

In 42 games at Wake Forest, Bothroyd registered 136 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Bothroyd’s preferred position is defensive end, but Oklahoma has incoming and returning answers there. Where he can make the most impact is moving inside on the defensive line. He also has been advised that the D-line is his best chance for getting to play at the next level. Before all of that comes about, however, he wants to make a big difference for OU and help with a defensive turnaround.