Oklahoma 2023 Report Cards: Corners Showed Slight Improvement, But Still Inconsistent

Oklahoma's defense wasn't elite by any means, but there was significant improvement at all levels. Brent Venables knew it wasn't going to be a one-year fix, but building each season was going to be important.

The Sooners' secondary as a whole had its moments. It was a group that relied on turnovers but gave up far too many yards through the air. Ultimately,, there were positives.

Oklahoma ranked a ghastly 109th in the NCAA in passing yards allowed per game, often getting into second-half shootouts. However, it was partly equaled out by the secondary's ability to generate turnovers, ranking No. 2 in the country at 20 interceptions. Jay Valai's group also helped OU rank No. 17 in pass efficiency defense.

Things could've been better, sure, but over the last 10 seasons, Oklahoma has also seen worse.

2023 Oklahoma Report Cards

The group was led by experience at the top in Woodi Washington, who was the anchor on the outside. Washington's numbers were down from a season ago, but he was still a steady contributor for Oklahoma's defense. He totaled 48 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, no interceptions and seven pass deflections. He was given the toughest assignment every game and was still the Sooners' top-rated corner by Pro Football Focus.

Overall, Washington netted a 71.1 rating on defense and a 65.8 in coverage. He was at his best stopping the run, recording an 89.1 ranking. He was by far Oklahoma's leader in snaps at the corner position, on the field for 851 plays and in coverage for 489 of those.

The spot opposite Washington was a bit inconsistent for the Sooners. Gentry Williams was slotted in as the starter when he was healthy. But he missed a handful of snaps in multiple games down the stretch with lingering shoulder injuries. Williams played just 372 snaps, less than half of what Washington played, and didn't grade out quite as well.

His coverage was fine, as a 69.1 via PFF, but his run defense was a blemish at just 49.7. One thing was certain though — Williams was a ballhawk. In 10 games, he totaled 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, one pass deflection and three interceptions. He also recovered a fumble.

Outside of the two starters, Kani Walker and Kendel Dolby were the biggest contributors out of the cornerback group. Both players registered over 400 total snaps and played a crucial role in the rotation. Although Dolby played a bit of cheetah, he was effective as a corner too, recording 33 solo tackles, four passes deflected and two interceptions.

Walker stepped up in a big way throughout the season, especially when Williams went down with injuries. He finished the season with 24 tackles, four passes deflected and an interception. Out of all the Oklahoma corners that qualified for a PFF ranking, Walker was the highest rated pass defender at 69.7.

Outside of the top four, the Sooners rotated in freshmen depth. Makari Vickers, Jacobe Johnson and Jasiah Wagoner all found playing time in reserve roles. Johnson didn't play enough to qualify for a true PFF rating, but was actually Oklahoma's top-graded defensive cornerback in the limited amount of snaps he received.

The good news for Valai and the cornerback room is that every single impact player is returning for another season. This group has the chance to be the team's most improved unit with experience and depth in 2024.

AllSooners Corner Grades

Hoover: C
Chapman: C-
Sweet: C
Lovelace: B-

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