Rondell Bothroyd calls Oklahoma's defensive line depth crazy

After a shaky first season, coach Brent Venables sought to improve his team’s defensive line depth with some additions via the NCAA transfer portal.

So far it looks like a job well done.

“I mean our depth, our depth is crazy,” Wake Forest transfer Rondell Bothroyd said. “I think we have depth probably top in the country.”

Bothroyd is one of a handful of transfers into the program this offseason on the defensive line. While he’s expected to play a starring role, others might simply bolster the depth for the Sooners.

While at Wake Forest in 2022, Bothroyd chipped in 30 tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. That kind of production should immediately translate in the Big 12.

Others, like Tennessee‘s Da’Jon Terry, Texas State‘s Davon Sears and Oklahoma State‘s Trace Ford, could play varying roles.

Terry was the most productive in that group, recording 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and three pass breakups for the Volunteers. Sears had similar production, at 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and two pass breakups.

Ford played more sparingly, partly due to injury, recording eight tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, a sack and six pass breakups.

Those players should help make up a veteran newcomer core that provides quality defensive line depth for Oklahoma State. And the entire group seems to be adjusting well in fall camp, from what Bothroyd has seen.

“Just the way we pay attention to details, coach (Miguel) Chavis, coach (Todd) Bates they demand the best out of us every day regardless how you feel, regardless what’s going on,” Bothroyd said. “So I think we’re relentless, and our depth is probably the one thing I would say.”

The improved defensive line depth for Oklahoma could help the team in a few key areas.

First, the team ranked only 58th nationally in sacks last season, producing 2.15 per game. Second, the team wasn’t very good against the run at all, ranking just 106th nationally and surrendering 187.5 yards per game.

That will have to improve if Oklahoma hopes to do better than the 6-7 record it posted last fall.