Heading into the offseason, the Oklahoma Sooners had several needs. They did a good job addressing the offensive line with the additions of Febechi Nwaiwu, Michael Tarquin, Geirean Hatchett and Spencer Brown. But an injury to starting center Troy Everett created a need at center. The lack of experience on the defensive interior beyond Da’Jon Terry has created another need at defensive tackle.
And the Oklahoma Sooners were able to solve both problems with the addition of SMU transfer center Branson Hickman and TCU transfer defensive back Damonic Williams.
Jermayne Lole switched to Texas after committing to Williams, but Brent Venables and his team made impactful additions in the spring transfer window, earning ESPN’s No. 4 Spring Portal Class (ESPN+).
The Sooners are coming into the SEC with an upgraded defensive front. Getting a five-star defensive tackle David Pedra it was huge considering he is a young player with impact potential. OU also added experience through the portal. TCU Transfer Damonic Williams, the No. 4 prospect in the spring portal, was the most notable addition. The 320-pounder has a big body with good quickness and has performed well for the Horned Frogs after arriving as a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. He is a strong candidate to take over a starting role. Adding these two players helps Oklahoma offset the loss of several contributors.
The Sooners also added a solid, experienced interior offensive lineman in transfer from SMU Branson Hickman. He has over 30 career starts and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him step into a starting role this fall.
Both players will likely start for the Oklahoma Sooners and both bring a lot of experience to the roster. Williams started 26 games for TCU as a true freshman and sophomore, helping the Horned Frogs reach the national title game in 2022. Williams is a legitimate nose tackle who has strong production at a position that typically doesn’t fill the roster. Statistics. With improved talent around him and on the depth chart, he will have the opportunity to face fewer double teams, but even when he does, Williams has the power and quickness to beat the double. And just as important, Williams will keep Oklahoma’s group of athletic and quick linebackers clear to run freely and make plays on Brent Venables and Zac Alley’s downhill rushing defense.
Hickman has more than 2,400 snaps under his belt as a three-year starter with the Mustangs. That experience will be huge for first-year starter Jackson Arnold, especially as the Sooners work toward cohesion with five new starters along the offensive line. There is a lot of talent there, but building chemistry is critical for the offensive line to function at its highest capabilities. Hickman’s experience will help bring this together.
As Brent Venables and his coaching staff continue to recruit at a high level, as they have in the three years since arriving in Norman, they will rely less on the transfer portal. However, as they did this spring, the Sooners will continue to make noise when the opportunity arises.
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