The Sooners found success once again in the post-spring transfer portal period by securing TCU defensive tackle Damonic Williams on Thursday.
Williams, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 300 pounds, brings both productivity and size to Oklahoma’s interior line.
BREAKING: Former TCU Standout DL Damonic Williams has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells @on3sports
The 6’2 320 DL totaled 60 Tackles, 9.5 TFL, & 4.5 Sacks in his time at TCU
Was the Top Available DL in the Portal (per On3 Industry)https://t.co/Yq4pZNCDu3 pic.twitter.com/Ebe1zvSKX1
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 3, 2024
As a freshman in 2022, he amassed 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 quarterback sacks while playing for the Horned Frogs. The following year, he recorded 33 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He also earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition. Williams’ addition to OU’s defensive line, alongside Louisville transfer Jermayne Lole, enhances the team’s interior strength since the conclusion of spring football in Norman.
Where do I start this entire process has been a whirlwind. Sooner nation I want you to know at the end of the day I chose you because of relationships with Coach V & Coach Bates & the staff. They were genuine & I believe in their ability to develop me as a man & a player &… pic.twitter.com/gjiOCbwpRd
— Damonic Williams (@DamonicWilliams) May 3, 2024
Williams elaborated on his decision to choose Oklahoma in a Twitter or social media post, expressing that the entire recruitment process had been overwhelming. He highlighted his relationship with Coach Venables, Coach Bates, and the staff as pivotal factors in his decision, emphasizing their genuineness and their ability to develop him both as a player and as a person, preparing him for the next level. He expressed eagerness to work with his new teammates, promising to give his best effort and compete at the highest level. Williams emphasized his blue-collar mentality and ended his message with a blessing and a “Boomer Sooner!”
Coach Venables and defensive tackles coach Todd Bates openly addressed the Sooners’ lack of experience in the interior during OU’s spring game. With Jacob Lacey’s medical retirement, Da’Jon Terry became the sole returning defensive tackle with starting experience, a situation the team aimed to remedy as they transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The additions of Williams and Lole, both weighing over 300 pounds, bolstered the team’s interior line, while Terry already possessed the necessary weight to excel in the SEC. Additionally, Venables confirmed that highly rated freshmen David Stone and Jayden Jackson had reached 300 pounds by the end of spring. In addition to strengthening the defensive line, Oklahoma also reinforced its offensive line by securing the commitment of former SMU center Branson Hickman through the transfer portal.
