Oklahoma's Defensive Line Dealt 'Devastating Blow' as the Sooners Prepare for Spring Practice
Oklahoma’s defensive line suffered a major loss this offseason.
In an interview on the Oklahoma Breakdown podcast, OU coach Brent Venables told hosts Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman that the Sooners will likely be without defensive tackle Jacob Lacey in 2024.
“He’s one of our best leaders we’ve got,” Venables said in the interview. “He unfortunately, he’s probably going to have to retire from football with blood clots. That’s a devastating blow for us.”
A transfer in from Notre Dame, Lacey went down with blood clots last summer.
He was able to recover and actually suit up for the Sooners in 2023, playing a key role at the heart of OU’s defensive front.
“Really counting on not only his leadership but man, he’s a really good player,” Venables said. “He does all the little things right… He could do all those little things fundamentally and consistently that you’ve got to do to win up front. And so that was a blow.”
In 13 games last year, Lacey ended the year with 17 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, a quarterback sack and a fumble recovery.
With the loss of Lacey, the leadership and production of Da’Jon Terry will be even more important in 2024, as well as the production from highly-touted true freshman David Stone.
Venables disclosed other injury tidbits as Oklahoma prepares to open up spring practice next month.
“Gentry Williams won’t participate in the spring,” Venables said. “He had a labrum surgery, just couldn’t keep that thing healthy during the season. So he won’t unfortunately be participating in spring ball.”
Opposite of Woodi Washington, Williams was one of the Sooners’ most productive corners when healthy a year ago.
He finished his sophomore season with three interceptions, 30 total tackles and a fumble recovery.
Venables also disclosed that Dasan McCullough underwent an offseason procedure as well.
“Dasan McCullough had a knee scope on just a meniscus thing that we had shaved up,” said Venables, “so he hasn’t been able to go in our winter conditioning.”
Oklahoma is still waiting on one more crucial decision to bolster the defense.
“Justin Harrington, we’re hopeful that we get the final word back (from the NCAA),” Venables said. “But we expect him to get that extra year of eligibility. And he’ll play both Cheetah and at safety as well.”
An injury cost Harrington his 2023 season before it really got underway, leaving McCullough and Kendel Dolby to fill the void in Venables’ defense.
One freshman OU fans didn’t get to see in action last year was linebacker Phil Piccioti. He suffered an injury that took his freshman season away, but Piccioti is nearing a return.
“Phil Piccoti is coming off an ACL,” Venables said. “He’s still rehabbing and we might get him a little bit in the spring.”
Spring practice hasn’t begun in full swing yet, but it will be a crucial period building into OU’s Spring Game on April 20 as the program prepares for its first year in the Southeastern Conference.
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