Oklahoma football: Brent Venables names consistent defensive standouts through spring practice

Brent Venables has big plans for the Oklahoma defense, and it starts in spring practice. So far, the first-year Sooners head coach has been pleased with the effort and commitment from his group.

However, there was a time briefly after his arrival in December when he wondered whether that would be the case.

“When I was around the offices for prep time during the Oregon game, it was like a ghost town every day and I was a little worried trying to observe,” Venables said after a recent spring practice. “Like, ‘Where is everybody at? There’s no life.’ I worried about what the investment was just watching tape and trying to be detailed and excellent at their positions. Boy, the script has been flipped from my initial impression and they’ve been wonderful as far as the buy in.”

A defensive coordinator for the past 20-plus seasons, Venables is set to enter his first-ever head coaching job this fall in Norman. He still figures to play a main role in the Sooners defense this season, even after hiring Todd Bates and Ted Roof as co-defensive coordinators. So far this spring practice, many Oklahoma players have stood out to Venables, beginning with returning cornerback Woodi Washington, whom Venables sees leading the secondary.

“I’d start with Woodi Washington,” Venables said. “I think he’s been one of the most consistent guys on all three levels. I like our skill in the secondary. We’re still learning language and assignments and some of the things that we want them to do. Communication things — we’re trying to create as much stress as we can. But I really like that secondary group led by Woodi. Woodi’s been our most consistent guy. That’s probably not surprising. He’s healthy and I love the attitude of the group. They’re very hungry, very driven and we’ve got some good young players. We’re banged up a little at corner, but I like our guys there as well. From Kani (Walker) and Woodi to DJ Graham. I like Josh Eaton. Trey Morrison has been a little bit banged up, but he’s back out there today and has played inside and outside as well. That’s a really good, hungry group.”

The Sooners will also get safety Justin Broiles, who finished with 53 tackles and two interceptions in 2021, back next season. Although he has been dealing with injury issues this spring, he should be ready to go in the fall.

Venables was equally complimentary of his linebackers and defensive line groups. There the Sooners bring back DaShaun White, the leading returning tackler from a year ago with 60 takedowns. Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu also figures to make an impact on the defensive line in 2022.

“We’ve got length and speed at defensive end whether it’s (Reggie) Grimes and (Ethan) Downs or Jonah (Laulu) and Marcus (Stripling),” Venables said. “Then inside, I’m looking for our ability to execute now. The tackles, I don’t think anybody has stood out from other guys. They’ve been a consistent group for us. Jordan Kelly is probably the highest graded. Jeffery (Johnson) has done a great job. (Jalen Redmond) has flashed, (Isaiah) Coe has flashed, (Josh) Ellison has flashed.

“Then again at (linebacker), I like our group. We’re not real deep there. DaShaun (White) was banged up for a couple of days. We’ve got to see how he’s feeling. Shane (Whitter) has really come on and had a really good spring camp. (Danny) Stutsman, so far he might be the guy that was just a little bit ahead of everybody else making plays sideline to sideline. TD (Roof) has been a rock for us. David (Ugwoegbu) has really done a great job. He plays with a lot of energy. He’s physical and learning how to play quick and efficient in space. Then the young guys are trying to figure it out. You think it’s already hard the first semester on campus, then you throw in learning the new language and a very high-paced practice. But they’re all doing a great job. When they know what they’re doing they’re runners, hitters, physical and great teammates.”

The Sooners finished 11-2 this past season, dropping games to Baylor and rival Oklahoma State. They finished just sixth in the Big 12 in both scoring and total defense and will aim to move higher under the direction of Venables. Oklahoma will wrap up spring practice in the coming weeks with its annual spring game on April 23.