Oklahoma’s cornerback room struggled early on in 2022, however all through the season, the group ended up being one of many group’s most improved models.
Jay Valai’s group was headlined by a pair of skilled upperclassmen in Woodi Washington and Jaden Davis, however by the top of the season, Oklahoma had one other breakout participant burst onto the scene. C.J. Coldon’s switch in from Wyoming proved to be a vital offseason pickup for the Sooners as soon as his position was expanded.
2022 OU Report Cards:
- Wednesday, Jan. 4: Defensive Ends
- Thursday, Jan. 5: Offensive Line
- Friday, Jan. 6: Defensive Tackles
- Saturday, Jan. 7: Tight Ends
- Sunday, Jan. 8: Linebackers
- Monday, Jan. 9: Wide Receivers
- Tuesday, Jan. 10: Cornerbacks
- Wednesday, Jan. 11: Running Backs
- Thursday, Jan. 12: Safeties
- Friday, Jan. 13: Quarterbacks
- Saturday, Jan. 14: Special Teams
- Sunday, Jan. 15: Coaching Staff
In Oklahoma’s fifth sport of the season towards TCU, the secondary regarded misplaced. Coverage breakdowns appeared to be occurring all around the subject, and there have been main query marks concerning the unit. After the blowout loss to Texas, although, the cornerbacks particularly appeared to show over a brand new leaf. There had been misses right here and there, however for essentially the most half, they steadily improved down the stretch.
Washington, a junior, led the group in tackles with 67 whole takedowns, together with 42 solo. Despite a number of aggressive go interference calls, Washington was the chief of the corners and normally drew the opposing group’s finest wideout. He additionally performed security round midseason when Oklahoma was hit with accidents, additional showcasing his versatility and worth. In addition, he recorded six go breakups and an interception.
Both Davis and Coldon acquired a number of begins this fall and every had optimistic moments. Davis got here into the season as a starter for the third time in his profession, however this time he was additionally searching for endurance. He completed with a career-high 35 tackles, and added two go deflections within the course of.
Coldon’s affect was felt in a giant method down the stretch. His enchancment all through the season helped the cornerbacks general unit grade tremendously. The senior led the group in interceptions with 4 takeaways on the season. In addition to the pressured turnovers, Coldon added 40 tackles and 6 go breakups, capping off a profitable one-year run in Norman. He saved the Sooners on a number of events to finish the season.
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One freshman that stood out on the sector and earned enjoying time over the ultimate few video games was extremely touted native product Gentry Williams. Williams added seven tackles and an interception, choosing up helpful reps in significant video games.
Washington, Davis, Coldon and Williams appeared to be the primary rotation of corners throughout the course of the season. Both Kendall Dennis and Joshua Eaton performed sparingly, and have since left through the switch portal. D.J. Graham made the midseason transition from nook to huge receiver, and appears to be locked in as a go catcher heading into the offseason.
Grading the corners:
- Hoover: C
- Chapman: B-
- Callaway:
- Lovelace: C+
As Oklahoma’s protection undergoes a 12 months two overhaul below Brent Venables, the Sooners shall be in a stable spot at nook with the news of Washington returning for his senior season. Coldon was out of eligibility and has entered the draft, and Davis’ future bears watching, however the younger expertise within the secondary is plain. Williams will get a have a look at enjoying time reverse Washington, together with the Sooners’ gifted recruiting class in 2023.
Kendel Dolby, the No. 1 junior school nook within the nation, will even compete for snaps instantly.
Oklahoma’s cornerback group’s regular enchancment all through the season was a optimistic for the Sooners, and relying on the younger gamers’ development, it might be a power in 2023.
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