If there’s a concern for the Oklahoma defense in 2021, it would have to be in the defensive backfield. Most importantly, at the cornerback position. If for no other reason, it would be from a depth perspective. It’s certainly not a weakness, but something that many fans will have eyes on in the spring. Finally, we’re at our final defensive positional group as we look at the secondary in our ninth Oklahoma Sooners spring positional preview.
Oklahoma Sooners Spring Preview: Secondary
Key Losses
The Sooners have experienced three losses in the secondary with Tre Brown, Tre Norwood, and Brendan Radley-Hiles. Brown and Norwood elected to enter the NFL draft. Radley-Hiles has entered the transfer portal but Lincoln Riley has seemed to make it clear that they are looking to try to convince him to return. The Sooners will look at some younger players and some newcomers to close that depth off.
Key Additions
First, at the cornerback position, the Sooners will look at true freshman Latrell McCutchin to provide some additional depth at the position. In terms of the safety spot, the Sooners went back to the transfer portal to secure a commitment from Key Lawrence, again from Tennessee. Lawrence was a four-star in the 2020 247 composite and the sixth-ranked safety in the country. Additionally, local product and true freshman Jordan Mukes has a chance to provide some depth. What Mukes lacks in experience could very well be made up with size at 6’4.
From a cornerback perspective, the Sooners return Woodi Washington, D.J. Graham, and Jaden Davis. Davis is a little undersized, but Graham and Washington will be Oklahoma’s top corners this spring. As previously mentioned McCutchin, Joshua Eaton, and Kendall Daniels will need to improve to provide quality depth. At the safety and nickel back position, the depth is a little more solidified. Pat Fields and Delarrin Turner-Yell return as established starters. But, Justin Harrington, Jeremiah Criddell, and Lawrence could all fight for that starting spot.
The Starters
Graham and Washington will most certainly start, but where that is remains to be seen. Davis will also be in the mix at cornerback or at the nickel. Harrington was the number one safety in the 2020 juco ranks but had a season-ending injury in fall camp. With his size, at 6’3 it will be almost impossible to keep him off the field at the free safety position. The strong safety position is where the best competition will be. Any one of Turner-Yell, Fields, or Lawrence could start.
Projected Depth Chart
Secondary
CB
- D.J. Graham
- Jaden Davis
- Joshua Eaton
CB
- Woodi Washington
- Latrell McCutchin
- Kendall Dennis
NB
- Jeremiah Criddell
- Jaden Davis
- Billy Bowman
FS
- Justin Harrington
- Delarrin Turner-Yell
- Bryson Washington
- Jordan Mukes
SS
- Delarrin Turner-Yell
- Pat Fields
- Key Lawrence
In case you missed it
We will be previewing each and every positional unit on defense over the coming weeks. If you missed anything, we will reference it here.
