*** This is a new Tuesday piece I am trying out. Let me know if you all like it. It will vary each time. Most times with team notes, but in down times just some random talk of whatever team or recruiting thought I have that day/week.
1. Quarterback depth in 2023 should help OU score on Texas this year...
*** Too soon? But I got your attention, right? Good. Now, let's get some behind-the-scenes, sourced team info and thoughts to you all...
Starting with QB's:
Look, I know that freshman QB Jackson Arnold is who a lot of Sooners fans want to see out there starting, when it comes time for OU to open up the season vs Arkansas State, in September. However, the vibe I am getting, and I don't think it's a shock to most, is that senior QB Dillon Gabriel is the guy to at least start the year, and he has also made some strides, according to sources that have seen him a lot this summer.
In speaking to a few people around the program, one source said that last year you could see there was some trepidation, and what some could call a 'lack of a spark' when it came to Gabriel's day-to-day vibe in the 2022 off-season. The same source noted that wasn't the case in Gabriel's second off-season in Norman, saying, "DG doesn't just have [Davis] Beville or [General] Booty behind him right now. He has Jackson Arnold backing him up. That ought to light a fire and I think it has with DG. I say that because if Arnold grows off of what he is right now at this moment, you could see statue number eight out there with Arnold's name on it," the source said. "Jackson [Arnold] has been that good this off-season. I know he hasn't taken live reps in games, but you can see it like you could with another recent freshman that isn't hear anymore. Also, he hasn't gotten a lot of reps against the ones because he never goes with the ones unless DG is gone to something like the Big 12 media days. But talent is talent and Jackson has that in bunches."
That's some insanely high-praise for a player that has never stepped foot in a real college game yet, but Sooners fans know that also isn't just BS. I am a bit leery of talk like that, but OU fans have heard similar buzz before and most times it has panned out well, with guys like Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams garnering some off-season buzz from sources and reports, only to see their careers take off soon after. Could Arnold be the next Sooners QB to join that distinguished group? Only time will tell.
*** Even with the high-praise of Arnold, you can't overlook Dillon Gabriel and his understanding of the offense and more. The same source broke down why Gabriel has improved a ton as well and said, "With DG, though, he is so much more improved and you can see how comfortable he is with the offense now. Last year, he would get talked to a lot for taking check downs all the time in 7v7. That's not how he operated this off-season. He was taking shots down the field. He was letting it loose with no hesitation and you can see his confidence and comfort level rise with the offense and him as a leader. The team believes in him and trusts him. They also feel (OU) can win the conference with him back there and everyone knows he is the guy and will be the guy, unless something big was to take place."
Another source said something very similar to what was said above, but added, "I think Arnold is going to be special. Actually, I think Arnold is going to be very special and he isn't long for Norman when he becomes the guy. I think JA is (at OU) for three years at the most," the well-connected source said. "He has early draft entree type of talent, but the understanding of the offense is still very much in favor in of Gabriel. And DG has looked good this off-season. Almost like he is hitting his stride and there is little to no hesitation with his decision-making, either. I think OU fans will see a different guy this year, and I know OU coaches hope that is the case."
*** Everyone knows I like DG, but I am an Arnold guy in that I believe he could be the next great OU QB. That said, there is something to be said for not rushing Arnold into things when DG is more than capable of winning a lot of games for Oklahoma. Yes, the standard is conference titles, playoff berths and national championships. I can't confidently say I believe DG will/can win a natty in Norman for OU.
That said, if he has the playmakers (questions abound at WR) around him -- which is a bigger question than DG at QB, in my opinion -- then I do believe a conference title is very much a possibility, and from there you see where the cards fall.
But if you listen to sources, the one thing you can assert or surmise is that you won't have any QB issues if (heaven forbid) one of them goes down with an injury this year. There is a viable second option and that is more than you could say in 2022. Ultimately, outside of the putrid defense at times, that is what killed the Sooners, with by Jeff Lebby having to minimize the QB run game, and coincidentally, his calls were less aggressive knowing that if DG went down, there was nothing to behind him to help the Sooners last season. Just facts.Don't believe me? Ask Texas...
But that is not the case in '23, so maybe we a whole different offense as well? At least from an aggressive standpoint.
2. Question Marks on Offense Are at WR...
*** The wide receiver room is talented, but there are a lot of questions heading into fall camp. For starters, who will be the other 'go-to' guy outside of junior WR Jalil Farooq? Sources seem to have been really high on sophomore wideout Gavin Freeman this off-season. A source this past week called Freeman 'trouble' for any DB trying to cover him or tackle him in space. The source also added that Freeman was "one of the hardest workers on the team" and said, "He has shown the ability to make big plays this off-season during team and 7v7," the source said the sophomore WR. "He's also a team favorite. Everyone loves [Gavin] Freeman, but a lot of that has to do with the fact he has that 'dawg' in him. He isn't the biggest, but you can throw a jump ball up and he will come down with it. He's just a gamer."
Sooners head man Brent Venables even raved about Freeman this summer at Big 12 Media Days, saying, "Again, Gavin Freeman's a guy that I love everything that he's about. He's a football player and he just makes plays," Venables said about Freeman. "He's always wide-open, and he's going to help this football team. He might've had as good a spring (and summer) as anybody."
All that said about Freeman, but most fans know the sophomore will be a player because they saw flashes last year when Freeman was given a chance to make a play. Still, with all the questions surrounding Emmett Jones' first group in Norman, you'll need more than two guys you can lean on in third down situations or when a big play is needed. So, who could be some other names to watch?
This summer there is a lot of buzz surrounding freshman speedster Jaquaize Pettaway. Sooners head coach Brent Venables even made note of Pettaway during Big 12 media days, and said, "Really excited about Jaquaize Pettaway. To me, there's nothing that he can't do," Venables said about the freshman WR. "I think he can play inside. He can play outside. A tremendous, explosive athlete that also has tremendous football instincts and football awareness that's going to help transition him quickly. But man, he's an over-deliverer; he's a guy that loves practice, loves to compete, loves to play. He'll help us in my expectations this year."
Another guy that can help the Sooners this year is RS junior WR LV Bunkley-Shelton. Bunkley-Shelton has really good speed, but it was his strength and consistency with his hands and the understanding (lack thereof) of the offense that kept him off the field last year, along with just needing to bulk up a bit as well. Obviously, he is still around the same weight (195lbs), but it was more in how it was distributed than adding weight, if that makes sense.
Another piece as to why Shelton has been making waves is his overall commitment and intensity in each and every workout and practice session, according to sources. One source told OUinsider, "He came in as a transfer last year and I am not sure he was bought all the way in to what it takes," the source noted on Bunkley-Shelton. "This winter and spring you saw a different player and that has carried over into the summer. And with his speed and ability to make plays in space, he can help (OU) a lot this year."
Again, Bunkley-Shelton was another WR that Venables harped on when asked about the WR unit, during the Big 12 Media Days. BV called Shelton a leader and praised his consistency, much like the source above.
*** Let's talk a bit more on the WR unit, as I do expect Michigan transfer WR Andrel Anthony, Nic Anderson, and obviously, Drake Stoops to be the other mainstays in the WR unit. I continue to hear nothing but rave reviews on Stoops. I know that is the most unsurprising thing in this batch of notes, but Stoops is always making plays and he is by far one of the biggest leaders on the team, so him being praised by his peers, coaches and players this summer is not a shock at all.
As for the others, a source said that Anthony has a bigger frame, but still has the speed to "knock the top off of a defense." The same source added, "He just has to continue building a better rapport with [Dillon] Gabriel and [Jackson] Arnold. I think him being nicked up here and there this spring is why there are some that still don't have him as high as he probably should be. Because Anthony has a lot of things that could really help Coach Lebby and the (OU) offense. He is physical and is really solid at high-pointing 50/50 balls and coming down with it."
The source went on, saying, "Anderson just needs to stay healthy," they said. "If he can, he will play and play a lot. Not many guys on the team with his size and speed. Especially at WR. He just hasn't been able to stay on the field long enough to show anyone what he is capable of."
That last line says a lot and could be a token, general statement with the WR unit as a whole. Most of them haven't been on the field long enough to show anyone what they are capable of, which is the very reason why that position is labeled as a question mark. However, come September 2nd, I am betting we have a lot of answers. The next question will be if they are long term ones, but that is for a later discussion. As of now, Coach Jones and Coach Lebby are hoping to find some consistency in a position full of inconsistent play so far. Sooners fans have their fingers crossed they can fix that and be what's needed to make the big jump a lot expect in year two under this staff.
3. Year Two Means Sooners Fans Can Has Defensive Line Play? (wording on purpose):
*** I know there is a strong feeling that Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis have that unit moving in the right direction to make a HUGE jump in 2023. I have to say, I am on that bandwagon of belief myself, but I need them to show me before I go spewing how great things are becoming in Norman. Remember, 6-7 was just last year, and that DL play was one of the main culprits why the Sooners season went south.
So, let's breakdown why there is some potential for good things, but also why I have cautious optimism for the defensive front in 2023:
*** First, the move of Jonah La'ulu to defensive tackle and the addition of defensive tackle Da'Jon Terry to the interior of the defensive line has been something everyone has raved about this off-season.
I spoke to a source about that position specifically over the last few weeks, and that source was adamant that Terry would be a game-changer for the Sooners from the jump, and said, "That dude from Tennessee came in and was an instant force in the weight room," the source said of Vols transfer DL Da'Jon Terry, who is now at Oklahoma. "He won a lot of people over, including Jerry Schmidt, with how he works. Terry came in and was intense and brought a different mindset."
Another source spoke about that same mentality in the weight room, but they also said he is like that in the meeting rooms and walkthroughs, saying, "Terry is going to play a lot and might start for (OU) from the start this season," the source said. "He is focused and the guys have kind of started to look at him as a leader of sorts. I don't know that he all the way there, and that is earned on the field, but whatever he could do to set a tone this summer, he has done."
Venables spoke on Terry at Big 12 Media Days and echoed some of what several sources said above, but went a bit more in-depth, saying, "(Da'Jon Terry) brings size and power up the middle of the defense that you've got to have," the Sooners head coach said of Terry. "Got that natural strength. I love his humility and he's been a incredible, humble, and hard-working guy... He's been doing two-a-days on his own since he got here, too. He just has that sense of urgency about creating value for himself and an opportunity for himself. And you know, he's got some experience at the playing the game. And he's a heavy-handed guy that, again, I just like his attitude, his toughness and his humility."
Venables finished talking about senior defensive tackle, adding, "He has no expectation other than he's gonna show up every day and earn whatever it is he's given."
*** With La'ulu, you're talking about a guy that played at 260lbs in 2022, and is now at 293lbs heading into the 2023 season at defensive tackle. A source I spoke with directly about La'ulu told OUinsider, "His get-off. His mental capacity. His willingness to do whatever to make sure he's helping the team the best he can is going to be huge for (OU) and the defensive front," the source said. "You're talking about a guy that was too slow for what (OU) was asking of him, but he knew what is slow on the edge is fast on the interior, so he moved inside to help (OU) and (BV's defense) will be much better because of things like that this year."
The source went on a bit more about La'ulu and said, "Jonah [La'ulu] has also become a strong leader," the source said. "That move to DT really gave him a voice, and he has gone from a more quiet guy to one that will set the tone with actions and words, whereas he was just action last year and sometimes things need voiced and not shown. He has the confidence and belief from his teammates to speak up now."
Those two aren't the only ones turning some heads this off-season. Almost everyone has been high on R Mason Thomas and Rondell Bothroyd at the defensive end spots. Last year, you had Ethan Downs and Reggie Grimes playing way too many snaps. In 2023, they may not even start and that is going to be okay because both of those guys will still be in the rotation. That said, between the two, I would venture to guess that Grimes would be getting less snaps than Downs, with him also competing with freshman five-star phenom, and early enrollee, PJ Adebawore.
The former five-star, Adebawore, needs to add more weight, at only 241 lbs right now, but his natural ability will be such a big deal in the long run and as the season progresses. As a matter for fact, don't be shocked to see PJ taking a lot of snaps come November, and when his understanding of what is being asked of him starts to really click mentally.
Another big-name on the edge is OKstate transfer Trace Ford. Unfortunately for Ford, he has had a long line of injury issues. Still, when healthy, there are few that possess Ford's pass rush abilities. Because of that, the Sooners took a chance on Ford. For Oklahoma and Miguel Chavis, it was more of a buy low and ride the wave if it goes high type of deal. And so far, things have been really good for Ford at OU. If that stays the case, don't be shocked if you see a resurgence from him this season.
*** When it comes to the interior DL, I will remain a believe it when I see it type. I know Todd Bates can develop. I know Coach Bates can evaluate and find talent. That said, even with some talented youngsters in Gracen Halton and Kelvin Gilliam coming up. And even with some improved seniors in Isaiah Coe and Jordan Kelley, I still need to see them produce before I drink any kool-aid at that position.
Now, do I feel it will be better in 2023? I ABSOLUTELY DO! However, anything is an improvement from what we all witnessed from the interior DL in 2022. So, when I say 'improvement' for that spot, I am talking 10 to 12 more sacks in a season. I am talking about less penalties in critical moments of games. I am talking about more QB hurries.
Also, I know some would say that tackles for losses needs improved upon, but the Sooners were fifth in TFL's in '22. How you have such low sack totals, such a bad overall defense and the lack of ability to get off the field on 4th down, when you have such high TFL totals is a stat I'll never understand. You'd think at least one or two would coincide with TFL's, but not with 2022 OU defense.
*** Look, I think Terry will be big for the Sooners at DT/NT. I also feel the additions that OU made at DE will completely change the fabric of the defense, if nothing more than to bump up QB hurries and sack numbers. Still, you have to be able to stop the run and get off the field on 4th and short. And last year the Sooners couldn't do either well at all, so teams ultimately went for it over and over -- with a lot of success, I might add. That can't happen this year, but that is up to Terry, La'ulu, Halton, Gilliam, Kelley, Sears and Coe play up to and sometimes above their abilities -- within BV's scheme.
If they don't make improvements that are needed on the interior DL, you might just see an improvement to the Sooners defense because the rest of the positions are THAT much better. I would akin it to 2017, where OU had some good edge rushers, and had some good safeties, but they just never could do what was needed to win and completely shutdown UGA in critical moments due to a lackluster interior DL. I could see something similar taking place if things don't improve at DT, but on a much worse level. It would be SMU scoring at will early on in the season, and not UGA to play for the natty like in '17. Which could/would be an awful confidence buster.
And the reality of the situation is that SMU is very capable of that on their own. They put up points. Why I mentioned them. They could be the Sooners first road block on defense and if things are improved, it could become something that lingers. Much like the 2017 Rose Bowl that rolled over into the 2018 season on defense.
In the end, I want the Sooners DL to make me a believer. I want to see the Sooners defense be respectable at the very least, when they head into the SEC in 2024. Talent is being added. Talent is being developed. Now it needs to show on the field and that all starts this week in fall camp as OU hopes to end 2023, and their final season in this mid-conference we call the Big 12, as champs.
*** Hope you enjoyed some of the insider and behind-the-scenes information here, along with my three thoughts on the team.
Thanks for being a member and have a blessed day.
1. Quarterback depth in 2023 should help OU score on Texas this year...
*** Too soon? But I got your attention, right? Good. Now, let's get some behind-the-scenes, sourced team info and thoughts to you all...
Starting with QB's:
Look, I know that freshman QB Jackson Arnold is who a lot of Sooners fans want to see out there starting, when it comes time for OU to open up the season vs Arkansas State, in September. However, the vibe I am getting, and I don't think it's a shock to most, is that senior QB Dillon Gabriel is the guy to at least start the year, and he has also made some strides, according to sources that have seen him a lot this summer.
In speaking to a few people around the program, one source said that last year you could see there was some trepidation, and what some could call a 'lack of a spark' when it came to Gabriel's day-to-day vibe in the 2022 off-season. The same source noted that wasn't the case in Gabriel's second off-season in Norman, saying, "DG doesn't just have [Davis] Beville or [General] Booty behind him right now. He has Jackson Arnold backing him up. That ought to light a fire and I think it has with DG. I say that because if Arnold grows off of what he is right now at this moment, you could see statue number eight out there with Arnold's name on it," the source said. "Jackson [Arnold] has been that good this off-season. I know he hasn't taken live reps in games, but you can see it like you could with another recent freshman that isn't hear anymore. Also, he hasn't gotten a lot of reps against the ones because he never goes with the ones unless DG is gone to something like the Big 12 media days. But talent is talent and Jackson has that in bunches."
That's some insanely high-praise for a player that has never stepped foot in a real college game yet, but Sooners fans know that also isn't just BS. I am a bit leery of talk like that, but OU fans have heard similar buzz before and most times it has panned out well, with guys like Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams garnering some off-season buzz from sources and reports, only to see their careers take off soon after. Could Arnold be the next Sooners QB to join that distinguished group? Only time will tell.
*** Even with the high-praise of Arnold, you can't overlook Dillon Gabriel and his understanding of the offense and more. The same source broke down why Gabriel has improved a ton as well and said, "With DG, though, he is so much more improved and you can see how comfortable he is with the offense now. Last year, he would get talked to a lot for taking check downs all the time in 7v7. That's not how he operated this off-season. He was taking shots down the field. He was letting it loose with no hesitation and you can see his confidence and comfort level rise with the offense and him as a leader. The team believes in him and trusts him. They also feel (OU) can win the conference with him back there and everyone knows he is the guy and will be the guy, unless something big was to take place."
Another source said something very similar to what was said above, but added, "I think Arnold is going to be special. Actually, I think Arnold is going to be very special and he isn't long for Norman when he becomes the guy. I think JA is (at OU) for three years at the most," the well-connected source said. "He has early draft entree type of talent, but the understanding of the offense is still very much in favor in of Gabriel. And DG has looked good this off-season. Almost like he is hitting his stride and there is little to no hesitation with his decision-making, either. I think OU fans will see a different guy this year, and I know OU coaches hope that is the case."
*** Everyone knows I like DG, but I am an Arnold guy in that I believe he could be the next great OU QB. That said, there is something to be said for not rushing Arnold into things when DG is more than capable of winning a lot of games for Oklahoma. Yes, the standard is conference titles, playoff berths and national championships. I can't confidently say I believe DG will/can win a natty in Norman for OU.
That said, if he has the playmakers (questions abound at WR) around him -- which is a bigger question than DG at QB, in my opinion -- then I do believe a conference title is very much a possibility, and from there you see where the cards fall.
But if you listen to sources, the one thing you can assert or surmise is that you won't have any QB issues if (heaven forbid) one of them goes down with an injury this year. There is a viable second option and that is more than you could say in 2022. Ultimately, outside of the putrid defense at times, that is what killed the Sooners, with by Jeff Lebby having to minimize the QB run game, and coincidentally, his calls were less aggressive knowing that if DG went down, there was nothing to behind him to help the Sooners last season. Just facts.Don't believe me? Ask Texas...
But that is not the case in '23, so maybe we a whole different offense as well? At least from an aggressive standpoint.
2. Question Marks on Offense Are at WR...
*** The wide receiver room is talented, but there are a lot of questions heading into fall camp. For starters, who will be the other 'go-to' guy outside of junior WR Jalil Farooq? Sources seem to have been really high on sophomore wideout Gavin Freeman this off-season. A source this past week called Freeman 'trouble' for any DB trying to cover him or tackle him in space. The source also added that Freeman was "one of the hardest workers on the team" and said, "He has shown the ability to make big plays this off-season during team and 7v7," the source said the sophomore WR. "He's also a team favorite. Everyone loves [Gavin] Freeman, but a lot of that has to do with the fact he has that 'dawg' in him. He isn't the biggest, but you can throw a jump ball up and he will come down with it. He's just a gamer."
Sooners head man Brent Venables even raved about Freeman this summer at Big 12 Media Days, saying, "Again, Gavin Freeman's a guy that I love everything that he's about. He's a football player and he just makes plays," Venables said about Freeman. "He's always wide-open, and he's going to help this football team. He might've had as good a spring (and summer) as anybody."
All that said about Freeman, but most fans know the sophomore will be a player because they saw flashes last year when Freeman was given a chance to make a play. Still, with all the questions surrounding Emmett Jones' first group in Norman, you'll need more than two guys you can lean on in third down situations or when a big play is needed. So, who could be some other names to watch?
This summer there is a lot of buzz surrounding freshman speedster Jaquaize Pettaway. Sooners head coach Brent Venables even made note of Pettaway during Big 12 media days, and said, "Really excited about Jaquaize Pettaway. To me, there's nothing that he can't do," Venables said about the freshman WR. "I think he can play inside. He can play outside. A tremendous, explosive athlete that also has tremendous football instincts and football awareness that's going to help transition him quickly. But man, he's an over-deliverer; he's a guy that loves practice, loves to compete, loves to play. He'll help us in my expectations this year."
Another guy that can help the Sooners this year is RS junior WR LV Bunkley-Shelton. Bunkley-Shelton has really good speed, but it was his strength and consistency with his hands and the understanding (lack thereof) of the offense that kept him off the field last year, along with just needing to bulk up a bit as well. Obviously, he is still around the same weight (195lbs), but it was more in how it was distributed than adding weight, if that makes sense.
Another piece as to why Shelton has been making waves is his overall commitment and intensity in each and every workout and practice session, according to sources. One source told OUinsider, "He came in as a transfer last year and I am not sure he was bought all the way in to what it takes," the source noted on Bunkley-Shelton. "This winter and spring you saw a different player and that has carried over into the summer. And with his speed and ability to make plays in space, he can help (OU) a lot this year."
Again, Bunkley-Shelton was another WR that Venables harped on when asked about the WR unit, during the Big 12 Media Days. BV called Shelton a leader and praised his consistency, much like the source above.
*** Let's talk a bit more on the WR unit, as I do expect Michigan transfer WR Andrel Anthony, Nic Anderson, and obviously, Drake Stoops to be the other mainstays in the WR unit. I continue to hear nothing but rave reviews on Stoops. I know that is the most unsurprising thing in this batch of notes, but Stoops is always making plays and he is by far one of the biggest leaders on the team, so him being praised by his peers, coaches and players this summer is not a shock at all.
As for the others, a source said that Anthony has a bigger frame, but still has the speed to "knock the top off of a defense." The same source added, "He just has to continue building a better rapport with [Dillon] Gabriel and [Jackson] Arnold. I think him being nicked up here and there this spring is why there are some that still don't have him as high as he probably should be. Because Anthony has a lot of things that could really help Coach Lebby and the (OU) offense. He is physical and is really solid at high-pointing 50/50 balls and coming down with it."
The source went on, saying, "Anderson just needs to stay healthy," they said. "If he can, he will play and play a lot. Not many guys on the team with his size and speed. Especially at WR. He just hasn't been able to stay on the field long enough to show anyone what he is capable of."
That last line says a lot and could be a token, general statement with the WR unit as a whole. Most of them haven't been on the field long enough to show anyone what they are capable of, which is the very reason why that position is labeled as a question mark. However, come September 2nd, I am betting we have a lot of answers. The next question will be if they are long term ones, but that is for a later discussion. As of now, Coach Jones and Coach Lebby are hoping to find some consistency in a position full of inconsistent play so far. Sooners fans have their fingers crossed they can fix that and be what's needed to make the big jump a lot expect in year two under this staff.
3. Year Two Means Sooners Fans Can Has Defensive Line Play? (wording on purpose):
*** I know there is a strong feeling that Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis have that unit moving in the right direction to make a HUGE jump in 2023. I have to say, I am on that bandwagon of belief myself, but I need them to show me before I go spewing how great things are becoming in Norman. Remember, 6-7 was just last year, and that DL play was one of the main culprits why the Sooners season went south.
So, let's breakdown why there is some potential for good things, but also why I have cautious optimism for the defensive front in 2023:
*** First, the move of Jonah La'ulu to defensive tackle and the addition of defensive tackle Da'Jon Terry to the interior of the defensive line has been something everyone has raved about this off-season.
I spoke to a source about that position specifically over the last few weeks, and that source was adamant that Terry would be a game-changer for the Sooners from the jump, and said, "That dude from Tennessee came in and was an instant force in the weight room," the source said of Vols transfer DL Da'Jon Terry, who is now at Oklahoma. "He won a lot of people over, including Jerry Schmidt, with how he works. Terry came in and was intense and brought a different mindset."
Another source spoke about that same mentality in the weight room, but they also said he is like that in the meeting rooms and walkthroughs, saying, "Terry is going to play a lot and might start for (OU) from the start this season," the source said. "He is focused and the guys have kind of started to look at him as a leader of sorts. I don't know that he all the way there, and that is earned on the field, but whatever he could do to set a tone this summer, he has done."
Venables spoke on Terry at Big 12 Media Days and echoed some of what several sources said above, but went a bit more in-depth, saying, "(Da'Jon Terry) brings size and power up the middle of the defense that you've got to have," the Sooners head coach said of Terry. "Got that natural strength. I love his humility and he's been a incredible, humble, and hard-working guy... He's been doing two-a-days on his own since he got here, too. He just has that sense of urgency about creating value for himself and an opportunity for himself. And you know, he's got some experience at the playing the game. And he's a heavy-handed guy that, again, I just like his attitude, his toughness and his humility."
Venables finished talking about senior defensive tackle, adding, "He has no expectation other than he's gonna show up every day and earn whatever it is he's given."
*** With La'ulu, you're talking about a guy that played at 260lbs in 2022, and is now at 293lbs heading into the 2023 season at defensive tackle. A source I spoke with directly about La'ulu told OUinsider, "His get-off. His mental capacity. His willingness to do whatever to make sure he's helping the team the best he can is going to be huge for (OU) and the defensive front," the source said. "You're talking about a guy that was too slow for what (OU) was asking of him, but he knew what is slow on the edge is fast on the interior, so he moved inside to help (OU) and (BV's defense) will be much better because of things like that this year."
The source went on a bit more about La'ulu and said, "Jonah [La'ulu] has also become a strong leader," the source said. "That move to DT really gave him a voice, and he has gone from a more quiet guy to one that will set the tone with actions and words, whereas he was just action last year and sometimes things need voiced and not shown. He has the confidence and belief from his teammates to speak up now."
Those two aren't the only ones turning some heads this off-season. Almost everyone has been high on R Mason Thomas and Rondell Bothroyd at the defensive end spots. Last year, you had Ethan Downs and Reggie Grimes playing way too many snaps. In 2023, they may not even start and that is going to be okay because both of those guys will still be in the rotation. That said, between the two, I would venture to guess that Grimes would be getting less snaps than Downs, with him also competing with freshman five-star phenom, and early enrollee, PJ Adebawore.
The former five-star, Adebawore, needs to add more weight, at only 241 lbs right now, but his natural ability will be such a big deal in the long run and as the season progresses. As a matter for fact, don't be shocked to see PJ taking a lot of snaps come November, and when his understanding of what is being asked of him starts to really click mentally.
Another big-name on the edge is OKstate transfer Trace Ford. Unfortunately for Ford, he has had a long line of injury issues. Still, when healthy, there are few that possess Ford's pass rush abilities. Because of that, the Sooners took a chance on Ford. For Oklahoma and Miguel Chavis, it was more of a buy low and ride the wave if it goes high type of deal. And so far, things have been really good for Ford at OU. If that stays the case, don't be shocked if you see a resurgence from him this season.
*** When it comes to the interior DL, I will remain a believe it when I see it type. I know Todd Bates can develop. I know Coach Bates can evaluate and find talent. That said, even with some talented youngsters in Gracen Halton and Kelvin Gilliam coming up. And even with some improved seniors in Isaiah Coe and Jordan Kelley, I still need to see them produce before I drink any kool-aid at that position.
Now, do I feel it will be better in 2023? I ABSOLUTELY DO! However, anything is an improvement from what we all witnessed from the interior DL in 2022. So, when I say 'improvement' for that spot, I am talking 10 to 12 more sacks in a season. I am talking about less penalties in critical moments of games. I am talking about more QB hurries.
Also, I know some would say that tackles for losses needs improved upon, but the Sooners were fifth in TFL's in '22. How you have such low sack totals, such a bad overall defense and the lack of ability to get off the field on 4th down, when you have such high TFL totals is a stat I'll never understand. You'd think at least one or two would coincide with TFL's, but not with 2022 OU defense.
*** Look, I think Terry will be big for the Sooners at DT/NT. I also feel the additions that OU made at DE will completely change the fabric of the defense, if nothing more than to bump up QB hurries and sack numbers. Still, you have to be able to stop the run and get off the field on 4th and short. And last year the Sooners couldn't do either well at all, so teams ultimately went for it over and over -- with a lot of success, I might add. That can't happen this year, but that is up to Terry, La'ulu, Halton, Gilliam, Kelley, Sears and Coe play up to and sometimes above their abilities -- within BV's scheme.
If they don't make improvements that are needed on the interior DL, you might just see an improvement to the Sooners defense because the rest of the positions are THAT much better. I would akin it to 2017, where OU had some good edge rushers, and had some good safeties, but they just never could do what was needed to win and completely shutdown UGA in critical moments due to a lackluster interior DL. I could see something similar taking place if things don't improve at DT, but on a much worse level. It would be SMU scoring at will early on in the season, and not UGA to play for the natty like in '17. Which could/would be an awful confidence buster.
And the reality of the situation is that SMU is very capable of that on their own. They put up points. Why I mentioned them. They could be the Sooners first road block on defense and if things are improved, it could become something that lingers. Much like the 2017 Rose Bowl that rolled over into the 2018 season on defense.
In the end, I want the Sooners DL to make me a believer. I want to see the Sooners defense be respectable at the very least, when they head into the SEC in 2024. Talent is being added. Talent is being developed. Now it needs to show on the field and that all starts this week in fall camp as OU hopes to end 2023, and their final season in this mid-conference we call the Big 12, as champs.
*** Hope you enjoyed some of the insider and behind-the-scenes information here, along with my three thoughts on the team.
Thanks for being a member and have a blessed day.
