Star Oklahoma Sooners linebacker declares for 2022 NFL draft

Another Oklahoma Sooners player will be departing the program, this time to take the step to 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.

Oklahoma will now head into the Alamo Bowl without one of their best defensive players. Interim head coach Bob Stoops will be able to plug in a couple of the younger guys on the roster, preparing the Sooners for next season under new head coach Brent Venables.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to QB Caleb Williams

Brent Venables is not wasting any time diving into learning his Oklahoma roster. The recently hired Sooners head coach was asked in his introductory press conference Monday about the status of freshman sensation Caleb Williams.

The quarterback stepped in for Spencer Rattler at the Red River Shootout and never lost the starting job. And with Rattler’s recent move to enter the portal, holding on to Williams is of utmost importance.

Venables confirmed in his press conference that he talked to Williams on the phone, along with his father, on Sunday.

“There’s nobody that’s more important to recruit than your players everyday,” Venables said.

Oklahoma has lost a number of quarterbacks to the portal recently, including Rattler. Current SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai is a former Sooners quarterback, too.

The new Oklahoma head coach is tasked with guiding the program into the SEC, and keeping one of the top quarterback talents in Norman is key.