New Oklahoma Sooners DL Damonic Williams was the best remaining DL in On3’s transfer portal rankings
Williams was one of just three four-star defensive linemen left in the On3 transfer portal rankings. The other two, Simeon Barrow Jr. and Andrew Depaepe, are both former Michigan State Spartans.
According to On3, Barrow Jr. has a 53.3% chance of ending up on the Miami Hurricanes while Depaepe is completely undecided. The three four-stars are the only remaining defensive linemen with an On3 composite rating of over 91.
Both 247Sports and Rivals.com had Williams as a four-star defensive lineman in the transfer portal despite his three-star status as a high school recruit.
Damonic Williams helped the TCU Horned Frogs win a College Football Playoff game
At 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds, Damonic Williams is a force to be reckoned with on the inside. While his impact doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, he makes his presence known on the field. This was the case when he helped the Horned Frogs take on the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff as a freshman.
Throughout his two-year TCU career, Williams recorded 60 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Williams’ ability to use power and speed to fight through blocks and double teams will grant the Oklahoma Sooners massive help in their first year in the SEC.
Despite bringing in a defensive-focused coach like Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense hasn’t reached top-tier status. They’ve maintained a middle-of-the-road defense, despite facing Big 12 opponents. Now, with their move to the SEC, they’ll need to elevate their performance significantly. Ranking 80th in the nation for total defense won’t suffice if they aim for an SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
In 2023, their rushing defense ranked 44th nationally, allowing 138.6 rushing yards per game. Adding a player like Williams should bolster their ability to defend against the run.
Another potential improvement comes from their new defensive coordinator, Zac Alley, who replaced former coordinator Ted Roof. Alley, previously with Venables at Clemson, is welcomed enthusiastically by Venables for his work ethic, adaptability, and coaching prowess across different defensive areas.
Venables expressed excitement about Alley joining the coaching staff, noting his diverse experience and commitment to improvement. The Sooners have significant strides to make to compete in the SEC, and the additions of Alley and Williams are seen as crucial steps towards achieving that goal.
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