One of the Oklahoma Sooners’ newest recruits is already catching the attention of his head coach during the early stages of fall camp.
Damonic Williams, a defensive lineman, was a transfer portal gem for head coach Brent Venables during the spring window. Venables and defensive tackles coach Todd Bates beat out several other high-profile suitors for Williams’ services. Finally, Venables’ personality was one of the reasons Williams is currently living in Norman.
The head coach returned the compliment on Saturday, when questioned about the defensive tackle during the early weeks of fall training. Venables complimented Williams’ devotion and work ethic.
“He likes to work, likes to compete,” Venables said. “A lot of competition, iron sharpens iron. Dom’s done really nice, he’s fit in well. I think the number one reason he’s fit in well is because he’s had humility and respect for the work and respect for the guys around him. He’s come in great shape, he’s worked really hard all summer, so he’s not on a ventilator trying to learn what we want him to do, both scheme-wise and fundamentally.”
Venables spoke to the media for about 30 minutes after Saturday’s practice. He also remarked that both lines of scrimmage had been working hard and competed against one another.
“They like to work, they like to get after it,” Venables added.
#Sooners coach Brent Venables on DL Damonic Williams. pic.twitter.com/PW2QKw08wm
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) August 3, 2024
Williams was a huge win in the portal, especially as the Sooners prepare to enter the SEC, where line of scrimmage play may mean everything. It appears that Venables was impressed with both sides of the line of scrimmage early in camp, which is a good indication.
Williams will seek to lead the way on a defensive line that features Da’Jon Terry, Gracen Halton, Davon Sears, Ashton Sanders, and Markus Strong, as well as true freshman Jayden Jackson and David Stone.
The edges of the defensive line are led by the veteran Ethan Downs, but also include R Mason Thomas, Adepoju Adebawore, Trace Ford and the Miami (Ohio) transfer Caiden Woullard, who will all see plenty of time. Taylor Wein is in his second year and Oklahoma added four-star prospect Danny Okoye, Nigel Smith, and Wyatt Gilmore to improve the competitive depth.
Defensive line was quietly a strength for the Sooners in 2023, but the unit lost several key players in the offseason. Williams will be counted upon to help Oklahoma take the next step forward as a defense in 2024.