View: Oklahoma Defensive Back Michael Boganowski Spring Media Day

Ahead of the start of spring practice on March 11, we’re examining each position group at Oklahoma. This is the ninth installment of a 10-part series focusing on the safeties.

During Brent Venables’ inaugural season as head coach, Oklahoma’s defense faced challenges, but significant improvements were promised for Year 2. These improvements were evident in various areas, including the safety position, where the Sooners benefitted from having one of their top players leading the unit, contributing to the defense’s ascent to a top-20 ranking in passing efficiency.

The return of three key contributors from last season’s safety group, notably standout Billy Bowman Jr., bodes well for the Sooners and safeties coach Brandon Hall. Bowman’s presence alone brings promise not just to the safety position but also to the overall development of the Sooners’ defense under Venables’ leadership. While questions remain regarding other aspects of the secondary, the combination of Bowman, Roberts Spears-Jennings, Peyton Bowen, and others suggests that Oklahoma’s safety group is poised for success.