Oklahoma Sooners: Best Remaining DL in Transfer Portal Makes Massive Decision

While Williams was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, On3 has him listed as a four-star transfer portal recruit in their 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.

The Oklahoma Sooners need Damonic Williams’ help

Despite hiring a defensive-minded coach like Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners defense has not been a top-tier defense. The Sooners are a middle-of-the-pack defense despite going up against Big 12 competition.

Now, the Sooners will need to step up their game as they will be moving to the SEC and being forced to take on some of the best competition college football has to offer. Being 80th in the nation in total offense allowed is not going to cut it if the Sooners want to compete for an SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

In 2023, The Sooners ranked 44th in the nation in rushing defense as they allowed 138.6 rushing yards per game. A big body like Williams should go a long way in ensuring their ability to stop the run.

Another potential improvement for the Sooners could come in the form of their new defensive coordinator. Venables and the Sooners moved on from former defensive coordinator Ted Roof. Former Jacksonville State defensive coordinator Zac Alley will now be the Sooners’ defensive coordinator.

Alley worked under Venables at Clemson and Venables said in an article from SoonerSports.com that he is excited to have Alley working in the position moving forward.

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Zac to our coaching family here at Oklahoma,” said Venables. “He’s going to fit in really well from a cultural, chemistry and philosophy standpoint. Obviously, there’s a familiarity and comfort based on our background together at Clemson. He’s exceptionally hard-working and tough, and has earned his way up the professional ladder by going out on his own and establishing himself. He’s incredibly bright, innovative and passionate.

“Our players are going to love him. He’s got great humility and confidence, and is always finding ways to get better. He’s coached linebackers and the defensive line, he’s been exposed to the secondary and he was an award-winning special teams coordinator at Boise State. Wherever he’s been he’s molded his units into better versions, and he’ll do the same here. He really fits in well with our staff.”

The Sooners have a lot of improving to do if they want to compete in the SEC. The addition of both Alley and Williams will go a long way in making sure that improvement takes place.