Spring Preview: Oklahoma Looking for Consistency from DBs in Spring Practice
Even though Oklahoma’s defensive backs struggled in 2023, there is plenty of reason for the Sooners to feel optimistic about their secondary heading into spring practice.
With a handful of veteran contributors mixed with young talent that showed promise last season, OU could have a solid group heading into the SEC if some of the players Jay Valai and Brandon Hall are counting on have a good showing in spring workouts.
The back end of Oklahoma’s defense will be led by senior safety Billy Bowman this spring after the former 4-star recruit elected to return to school rather than heading to the NFL.
After recording 63 tackles, six interceptions, three pick sixes, four pass breakups, and three tackles for loss, Bowman had the chance to be selected in the first three rounds of the draft.
With the Dallas-area product back in Norman, however, he will play a huge role in helping the younger safeties learn how to play in Brent Venables’ defense this spring.
Coming out of winter workouts, senior defensive back Kendel Dolby will likely slot in behind Bowman after the former Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer played 475 defensive snaps during his first season at OU, according to Pro Football Focus.
In 2023, Dolby played all over the defensive backfield, earning snaps at cornerback, safety and the hybrid defensive back/linebacker "cheetah" position.
With Justin Harrington and Dasan McCullough both dealing with injuries last season, Dolby filled in nicely at cheetah spot and could return to that role this spring.
Still, with Harrington and McCullough set to return in 2024, Dolby could work into a different role to help the Sooners’ defense.
At the other safety position, OU has two young players who both showed impressive flashes last season, but lack the experience of Bowman and Dolby.
Peyton Bowen, a former 5-star recruit from Denton, TX, dealt with injuries in 2023, but still managed to put his playmaking ability and immense upside on display.
Peyton Bowen
SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
As a true freshman, Bowen tallied 36 tackles, five pass breakups, two punt blocks, one tackle for loss, one sack and one forced fumble in 363 defensive snaps.
If Bowen is able to stay healthy and build off of his impressive first campaign during spring practice, the promising defensive back should cement himself as one of OU’s starting safeties heading into fall camp.
With Broken Arrow, OK, product Robert Spears-Jennings also healthy, there will likely be a battle in spring practices to see who earns the Sooners’ starting safety spot next to Bowman.
While Spears-Jennings may not have been a 5-star recruit, he is older, taller and heavier than Bowen and has shown flashes throughout his Oklahoma career.
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As a sophomore in 2023, Spears-Jennings played 240 defensive snaps and tallied 38 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup.
If Spears-Jennings has a good offseason and is able to put on even more weight while keeping his speed, the former OKPreps standout will have the chance to usurp Bowen with a solid showing in spring practice.
At cornerback, Oklahoma will be without talented junior Gentry Williams during spring workouts due to a labrum surgery, Venables said on The Oklahoma Breakdown podcast.
As a sophomore in 2023, the athletic Tulsa native started and played in 10 games for the Sooners, but was unable to finish a handful with a nagging shoulder injury.
In Williams’ absence, Kani Walker will likely be OU’s starter in spring practice. As a redshirt sophomore in 2023, the 6-foot-2 corner played 428 defensive snaps, giving up 243 yards and one touchdown in coverage, according to PFF.
Kani Walker
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
With good size and athleticism, Walker should be able to impress the Sooners’ coaching staff in the spring if he becomes more consistent in pass coverage.
Behind Walker, a trio of rising sophomores will likely battle for the backup spot prior to fall camp.
Makari Vickers, Jacobe Johnson and Josiah Wagoner all saw a few snaps at corner as freshman and will have the chance to earn a spot on Oklahoma’s spring two-deep depth chart with Williams missing more time.
Johnson played the most out of the three aforementioned corners and received the highest grade from PFF. In a small sample size of just 79 defensive snaps, Johnson earned a 78.3 defensive grade and an 80.7 coverage grade in 2023.
If the 6-foot-2 defensive back from Mustang, OK, is able to add weight over the offseason and continue showcasing his athleticism, Johnson could see a huge uptick in playing time this spring.
Additionally, Johnson needs the spring to gain more experience and knowledge of Venables’ complex defense before the Sooners head to the SEC.
At the opposite cornerback spot, OU has two veteran options in Woodi Washington and Dez Malone.
Entering his fourth year as a starter, Washington likely just needs to stay healthy this offseason to serve as the team’s No. 1 corner during spring practice.
After playing a whopping 851 snaps last season, Washington has a wealth of knowledge and could also help Oklahoma’s younger players learn the team’s system over the spring.
With Malone also new to Norman and Venables’ defense, Washington will be instrumental in helping the San Diego State transfer get up to speed quickly.
Malone’s addition provides a solid, reliable veteran and gives OU much more depth at the cornerback spot. While the Fresno, CA, product will certainly need to learn the playbook and get acclimated to life in the SEC, Malone has the size and experience to make a difference for Valai and company.
Dez Malone
San Diego State Athletics
Listed at 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, Malone was a two-time All-Mountain West Honorable Mention selection with the Aztecs.
At 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, former Tulsa Union (OK) standout Jayden Rowe will also have a chance to make waves over the offseason if he is able to stay healthy after suffering a season-ending injury in 2023.
While many of the aforementioned players still have plenty to prove, there are a handful of young defensive backs who could insert themselves into the rotation this fall with a good showing in the spring session.
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