Ted Roof describes CJ Coldon's growth while 'playing catch up'

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof has his eyes on one of the most underrated transfers to grace the Big 12 in former Wyoming defensive back C.J. Coldon.

As Coldon works his way into his new defensive coordinator’s favor, Roof described how the defensive back has been able to grow while learning a new system.

“If you look at it, whenever he got here in May or June, those other guys had four, five months in the system that he didn’t have,” stated Roof. “So catching up to the language, catching up to scheme. The way that — the requirements in the weight room under Coach Schmidtty (Oklahoma Strength and Conditioning Coach Jerry Schmidt.) How you have to perform there, the standards. But again, he’s come in with a great attitude and has worked hard.

“It is playing catch up a little bit, but I’m excited to see what he’s going to do once we start camp, because he’s an experienced player there, as well. He’s going to get what he earns. All of our guys are. There’s going to be nothing handed to anybody. There’s competition at those spots, too.”

Last season, Colden played in all 13 games for the Cowboys, recording 67 tackles. While he was not able to secure an interception, the cornerback had 10 pass breakups on the season. His season-high came in the opener against Montana State.

Coming out of high school, Colden was a three-star prospect according to the On3 Consensus. A native of Belleville, IL, he was the No. 52 ranked prospect coming out of the state.

Continuing, Roof explained why he believes Coldon can be a prime player for the Sooners.

“He has good tape. He’s been in situations in college stadiums against really good receivers. He has that level of experience, and that’s something that you can’t fabricate. You can’t fabricate experience,” stated Roof. “So to have that, and I think he’s confident. At the same time, I go back to hey, just like every guy on our team, he’s got to earn. He’s going to get what he earns. Just like we all are.

“So that’s the mantra in getting him caught up. The experience obviously is a factor that’s on his side.”

Nevertheless, Ted Roof believes C.J. Coldon can provide Oklahoma with some big plays in 2022, and the defensive back will be looking to do just that for the Sooners.