Since Brent Venables arrived in Norman, one of the top priorities has been growing up in the trenches. Especially on the defensive side of football. Making the transition from Alex Grinch‘Speed D’ for what it takes to compete in the SEC. To that end, the Oklahoma Sooners got one of the best defensive tackles in the country through the transfer portal, Damonic Williams.
Williams, who began his career at TCU, is the prototypical nose tackle. He has great size, strength and quickness to be a force in the middle of the defensive line. He played a lot in his two years of college football, starting every game the last two seasons for the Horned Frogs. He played more than 1,000 snaps and was a key piece in TCU’s run to the College Football Playoff national championship.
The Sooners earned Williams’ commitment after a portal recruiting battle with Texas, LSUand Missouri.
In a message on social media, Williams said: “Where do I start, this whole process has been a whirlwind. Early Nation, I want you to know at the end of the day that I chose you because of the relationship with Coach V, Coach Bates and the team. They were genuine and I believe in their ability to develop me as a man and a player and prepare me for the next level. I can’t wait to start working with my teammates!! You will get my best version and my best effort. I’m a worker and I love competing at the highest level. God Bless and Boomer Sooner!!
Where do I begin, this entire process has been a whirlwind. Early Nation, I want you to know at the end of the day that I chose you because of the relationship with Coach V, Coach Bates and the team. They were genuine and I believe in their ability to develop me as a man and a player and… pic.twitter.com/gjiOCbwpRd
-Damonic Williams (@DamonicWilliams) May 3, 2024
In two seasons with the Horned Frogs, Williams recorded 60 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He has improved in each of these statistical categories in 2023 despite playing two fewer games.
With the addition of Williams, the Sooners improve their defensive position as they prepare for their first season in the SEC. The Sooners now have a very good trio of players who can play nose tackle in Williams, veteran Da’Jon Terry and true freshman Jayden Jackson.
There’s a chance he comes in and starts right away for the Sooners, but even if he doesn’t, he’ll be a significant part of the rotation. Either way, the Sooners’ defensive interior got a lot better with the addition of Williams.
He still has two years of eligibility remaining, but he seems more likely to be headed to the NFL after the 2024 season with what he’s done at the college level thus far.
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