colton sulley, the oklahoman
·4 min read
NORMAN — During his midweek media availability Tuesday following OU football's 10th practice of preseason camp, Brent Venables spoke at length about the Sooners' cornerbacks.
One player he mentioned who's stood out more than most? Kani Walker.
Every spring and preseason camp since Walker arrived on campus ahead of the 2022 season after transferring from Louisville, his athleticism and work ethic has wowed coaches and players. A breakout contender last preseason camp, Walker played in 10 games and started three, and finished with 24 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble.
According to Venables, Walker appears to be putting all the pieces together.
"He might be our most consistent so far at corner," Venables said. "(Woodi Washington) can play in lots of spots. But Kani has really picked up where he left off late in the year last year, he’s playing really well, had a great spring. He’s had his best eight months since he’s been here."
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There was a lot of speculation entering camp about where Washington, who has started every game during Venables' tenure, would fit in OU's defense. Venables has spoken in the past about Washington's ability to play anywhere on the field, but said earlier this month he's maintained most of his work during camp at cornerback.
But if Walker becomes a player who needs to be on the field more consistently, what would it take to move Washington to safety or cheetah?
"His versatility," Venables said. "Nothing would have to happen. Just his versatility. Guys can’t go out there and play 95% of the reps. Somebody’s not doing something well, or they need to have a quick come-to-Jesus meeting, you’ve got really good players that you can put in different spots."
As it stands, Washington and junior Gentry Williams are the projected starters at corner with Walker competing for a spot. The Sooners also added more depth this offseason, bringing in San Diego State transfer Dez Malone.
Malone had a productive spring camp at OU and is starting to feel more comfortable in Venables' system. In 2023, Malone started all 12 games at cornerback for the Aztecs, totaling 47 tackles, one sack seven pass breakups and an interception.
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“The transition’s been real smooth," Malone said. "This team is like, the brotherhood is something I’ve never been a part of before. It’s second to none. I feel like the guys, they really brought me in since Day 1, before I even got here. I love it here. I love everything about it.”
“I feel way more comfortable compared to the spring. When I first got here, I didn’t know what to expect. I never transferred or anything like that before. It was different for me. I felt like a freshman all over again, but once I got the feel of it, now I feel way more comfortable inside the scheme.”
Sophom*ore Jacobe Johnson has created buzz throughout camp as well. Johnson appeared in all 13 games in 2023, primarily starring on special teams but also spending time at corner.
Venables also shouted out two talented freshmen corners who might have a chance to see the field in 2024, former three-star Eli Bowen and former four-star Jeremiah Newcombe, who Venables called a "dawg, aggressive, tough and super knowledgeable."
While questions persist about other position groups as camp treads on, the Sooners' cornerbacks room has proven to be one of the deepest on the roster.
"We have a great group," Malone said. "All of our guys can go. Real good solid group, have a lot of different flavors. We have speed, size, smarts. We have everything. I love our group."
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2024 OU cornerbacks depth chart
Name, Class, Ht. Wt., Hometown (Previous school)
The starters
Woodi Washington, R5th, 5-11, 195, Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Oakland HS)
Gentry Williams, Jr., 6-0, 187, Tulsa (Booker T. Washington)
The reserves
Kani Walker, RJr., 6-2, 205, Suwanee, Georgia (Louisville)
Dez Malone, Sr., 6-0, 204, Fresno, California (San Diego State)
Jacobe Johnson, So., 6-2, 200, Mustang
Eli Bowen, Fr., 5-9, 186, Corinth, Texas (Guyer HS)
Jeremiah Newcombe, Fr., 5-9, 182, Gilbert, Arizona (Casteel HS)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football CB Kani Walker has been 'most consistent' in 2024 camp
