College Football Experts say Sooners freshman DT has a chance to start

The Oklahoma Sooners worked overtime to reestablish a defensive culture over the last several years. In particular, Head coach Brent Venables, co-defensive coordinator and defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, and defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis have made improving the defensive line a top priority.

In their first two recruiting classes in the 2022 and 2023 cycle, they made splashes, adding four-star prospects Gracen Halton and R Mason Thomas (2022) and then signed five-star defensive end Adepoju Adebawore. But the big recruiting win came in the 2024 recruiting class when they added five blue-chip prospects: David Stone, Nigel Smith, Wyatt Gilmore, Danny Okoye, and Jayden Jackson.

There’s a lot of excitement about the defensive line that’s been put together, but it can be challenging to make the jump from high school football to playing in the SEC. But a pair of college football experts believe one of those true freshmen could start up front for the Venables and Zac Alley’s defense.

On a recent episode of The Oklahoma Breakdown with Sooners legends Teddy Lehman and Gabe Ikard, the duo was asked what they thought the starting offensive and defensive lines would look like for week one, and Lehman mentioned Jackson could start.

Lehman said, “Well I think defensive line, right now, I would say it’s probably going to be Damonic Williams. Then, between Jayden Jackson and Da'Jon Terry, I would probably say I slightly lean toward Jayden Jackson.”

Ikard said he considered Williams, Jackson, and Terry to all be “starters,” with Gracen Halton, David Stone, and Davon Sears working in rotational roles for the Sooners.

There have been reports that Jayden Jackson’s been having a great camp, continuing the upward trajectory in his development over the last few years. The former IMG Academy prospect had a number of offers out of high school. With his unique blend of size, strength, and quickness, Jackson has a chance to be a three-down defensive tackle, making an impact against the run and on passing downs. He plays with really good leverage, and his first step is special. He’s disruptive and does a great job holding his spot when double-teamed.

The Sooners upgraded their defensive tackle room significantly this offseason by adding transfer Damonic Williams. And while the hope was their 2024 signees would make an impact, the possibility of Jackson starting signals the potential that the class offers in 2024 and beyond.

Along with Williams and Jackson, both Ikard and Lehman agreed that Ethan Downs and R Mason Thomas would be the starting defensive ends for the Sooners week one against Temple.

Downs has been the foundation of the Sooners defensive line over the last few years. His consistent ability as a pass rusher and run defender makes him invaluable along the defensive line. Entering his fourth season, the veteran will lead the way for the Sooners.

Thomas has special athleticism. Injuries have kept him from making a consistent impact, but when he’s been on the field, he’s flashed immense potential. If he can stay healthy this season, he’ll flirt with eight sacks.

The Sooners defensive line is better than what it was a year ago when they improved in short-yardage situations and really across the board. Now it’s only a matter of seeing how much better the defense will be as a whole with an improved unit up front.

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