Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey announces 2022 NFL Draft decision

Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey has announced he will declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether or not he will play for the Sooners in the Alamo Bowl against Oregon is unknown.

Winfrey said it’s been his “dream” to play in the NFL ever since he can remember. After a solid career in Norman, his dreams will come true, ranking as one of the top defensive linemen in the class.

Winfrey took to Twitter to make his announcement, mentioning his coaches, the fans, and his teammates. He even thanked now USC head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch before saying the future is bright for the Oklahoma program.

“I want to thank my coaching staff for not only pushing me in every way possible to be a great football player but also pushing me to be a great man,” Winfrey said in a statement on Tuesday. “Thank you to Coach Riley for taking a chance on me. Thank you Coach Grinch for all the lessons on how to deal with life’s everyday adversities. The whole staff believed in me from day one, and I know the future is bright for this prestigious university — I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store.”

Winfrey second Oklahoma defender to declare for draft

Winfrey is not the only Oklahoma player who will be leaving the program for the next level. Redshirt junior linebacker Nik Bonitto announced he will skip the Alamo Bowl against the Oregon Ducks and has declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

Bonitto released a statement via Twitter on Monday.

“Dear Sooner Nation,

The last 4 years in Norman have been some of the best times in my life. I have made unforgettable memories and made some long-time friends. I would to thank God, my family, my coaches, teammates, and most importantly you Sooner Nation.

Although this place is always my home, I’m excited for this next chapter of my life. With that being said I have decided to opt-out of the bowl game and declare for the 2022 NFL draft.

Although my time is done I will always have that Sooner DNA.”

Bonitto spent four years with the Oklahoma program, becoming a full-time starter during his redshirt freshman season. He has been one of the Sooners’ best pass rushers this season, sacking the quarterback seven times and getting 15 tackles for a loss. The linebacker has also forced a fumble and recovered three of them.