Brent Venables cites young defensive player on the rise as explanation for lack of transfer portal activity at key position
Leading up to the spring transfer portal window opening, I expected the Oklahoma Sooners to pursue at least one cornerback in the portal to help add some experience to a rather young secondary. While the Sooners pursued some names, it became quickly evident that it was a position they weren't going to seriously pursue or […]
Leading up to the spring transfer portal window opening, I expected the Oklahoma Sooners to pursue at least one cornerback in the portal to help add some experience to a rather young secondary.
While the Sooners pursued some names, it became quickly evident that it was a position they weren't going to seriously pursue or prioritize over other spots on the roster, something that surprised many, including me. In such a critical year, leaving the corner room with as much youth and inexperience as it has felt like an unforced error.
However, Brent Venables is excited about the potential of the youth at cornerback and the players they have returning. At SEC Media Days, he expressed his belief in the corner room, citing one young high-upside player as a player they could depend on this season.
"Use Jacobe Johnson as an example. A guy that was probably a little better high school offensive player with amazing and tremendous upside as a defensive player with length and speed and skill. He just didn’t know what he didn’t know. Played country Cover 3 most of the time, learning how to be a great man-to-man player, a great zone player and all of the things that go with that. He’s been one of our most productive, aggressive, disruptive special teams player. We’re seeing those little things transition as a full-time defensive player. Again, I think he’ll play his best year of defensive football this year because of all the reasons I just said."
I've written about Jacobe Johnson in the past as a player who repeatedly caught my eye last season with his athletic tools. After the Missouri game, I noted that if it weren't for an unfortunate slip at a crucial moment, we would be talking about Johnson's performance as an encouraging one.
Johnson taking that next step as a player, alongside returning Freshman All-American Eli Bowen and Gentry Williams, explains why the Sooners and Brent Venables elected not to send the house on any cornerbacks in the spring transfer portal window.
It's still a slightly risky gamble, but this staff has an eye for talent and I trust their track record of development, especially after last season.
