Redmond is ‘knocking rust off ’ after 2020 opt-out
NORMAN — After opting out last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, big things are expected of Sooners’ defensive lineman Jalen Redmond.
Redmond said he’s become much more comfortable over the last few weeks as OU ramps up in preparation for the Sept. 4 opener at Tulane.
“I went through the spring and knocked some rust off. I’m still knocking rust off now,” Redmond said. “I’m not the perfect player. I’m still working on it, still trying to get back into it. But I feel like it’s doing good. I’m feeling good.”
In 2019, Redmond played 13 games, with four starts, leading OU with 61⁄
2 sacks and finishing third on the team with 11 tackles for loss.
“He’s getting there,” Sooners defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux said. “He’s making every day count. … I think he’s really close. Every day he’s out there working his butt off. He’s adding value and we’re happy with where he is right now.”
Raym on slow starts: ‘I don't see that happening'
OU has had an issue with slow starts in recent years, including last season when the Sooners lost to Kansas State and Iowa State to open Big 12
play. Of course, that was before digging out of the hole to win eight consecutive games, winning the Big 12 Championship Game and the Cotton Bowl.
Part of the Sooners’ early season struggles last season was due to inconsistency on the offensive line, as the group took some time to come together before settling in as the season progressed.
Andrew Raym, OU’s likely starter at center, said he expects a difference this season.
“Yeah, I don’t see that happening with us this year,” Raym said. “We got a lot of guys on the line that are just absolute killers, you know what I’m saying? Like, not just get-your-hands-onand-wall-people-off, but get-yourhands-on-and-bury-people-in-theground (types). So we’re trying to get that hardcore culture back in the Oline room and I mean throughout this fall so far, we’ve got a lot of guys bought into it.”
Willis looks for change of pace
After wearing No. 81 his first three seasons in Norman, tight end/H-back Brayden Willis switched things up this season and will wear No. 9.
Willis made two starts last season but was limited to just five games due to injury, which he said played a factor in the change.
“I just needed a new slate,” Willis said. “I wanted to turn a new page and reinvent myself a little bit. I was a single-digit in high school. I just wanna, for my last year, have a really good year and have a new page and reinvent myself a little bit.”
In 32 games over the past three seasons, Willis has 21 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Last season he had nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Valero gives $1 million to OU athletics
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione announced Monday a $1 million gift to the Sooners’ athletics department from Valero.
The partnership includes naming rights to several premium seating areas in the south end zone — the Valero Champions Club, Valero Loge Boxes and Valero Stadium Suites.
Some of the money will be used to support future facility projects. Projects are planned for OU’s softball, gymnastics, baseball and tennis facilities.
Quotable
Redmond on rush LB Nik Bonitto: “He has the quickest get-off I’ve seen in college. He’s a hard worker. It’s like he does it effortlessly. He’s so good, man.”