Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables Explains Latest Transfer Portal Exits

NORMAN — The transfer portal has reopened, restarting the constant shifting of rosters across college football.

Though Oklahoma won’t take the field in its spring game until Saturday, the Sooners have already seen a pair of defensive players announce they will enter the portal.

Cornerback Jaden Davis and defensive lineman Kori Roberson both opted for a change of scenery this past week.

The decisions boiled down to one thing for OU coach Brent Venables — a chance to feature greatly on Saturdays.

“Looking for better opportunity,” Venables said after practice on Thursday. “I’m not one to speak for them but Jaden, obviously he played. Had more of a substantial role. Kori was just still a young guy coming up.

“Both of them two really good young guys that I think were just looking for more of an opportunity.”

Davis started each of the last three seasons at corner for the Sooners but couldn't hold the job all year. The former 4-star recruit played in 47 career games, totaling 104 tackles, 11 passes defended and one interception.

Roberson took the field in 26 games at Oklahoma, but he didn’t play last year.

Both position groups saw an influx in new faces this past offseason.

Oklahoma signed seven defensive backs out of the high school and junior college ranks, as well as bringing in safety Reggie Pearson.

OU also landed a pair of defensive tackles in the transfer portal in Jacob Lacey and Davon Sears, and Jonah Laulu was moved inside after playing defensive end for the Sooners last year.

Davis’ snaps fluctuated at various points throughout the last three years, as he had to battle throughout each year despite opening the season as a starter.

Last year, after Davis was banged up, Wyoming transfer C.J. Coldon emerged in the Cotton Bowl against Texas as Oklahoma’s other corner opposite of Woodi Washington, and Venables said Davis hoped to get a few looks inside this spring.

“Jaden really wants to play, have an opportunity to play more inside in the slot as a defensive back at the nickel,” Venables said. “… And if he was going to stay here, I needed him to be corner. I've got guys to play inside. So that's it.

“He has this one last window to continue to develop and maybe enhance his opportunities with better opportunity for himself. So we just appreciate those guys, all their hard work while they were here.”

The portal will remain open until April 30 for players to enter, and the Sooners can also make additions before summer workouts begin.

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