Crimson Countdown: No. 9 Gentry Williams, as we are now nine days away from the season opener vs. Illinois State.
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.
Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.
Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 9 Gentry Williams
2024 stats: Two games, no stats, season-ending shoulder injury
2025 outlook:
If anybody deserves a healthy season, it’s Williams. But, as we know, college football doesn’t work like that. The script doesn’t always happen that way.
The good news? Williams has been as healthy as you can ask throughout preseason camp. Maybe OU has been cautious with him, but you can live with that. When Williams has been on the field, he has proven to be a difference maker.
You’re allowed to wonder what’s left with that shoulder and whether it can withstand what’s about to come his way for a full season. He’s shown the mental toughness to keep battling back, you know how badly he wants it.
Williams will be an anchor at the position. And he’s understood the assignment of mentoring some of the younger cornerbacks. He is the leader, and everybody is hoping he gets that season to remind everyone of just how special he actually is.
2025 cornerback outlook
Stay healthy, period. OK, that’s simplifying things too much, but it has been an issue. Whether it’s something known like what has gone with Gentry Williams. Or just the lingering issue with Eli Bowen ever since spring. OU didn’t get aggressive in the transfer portal to land an experienced cornerback. So that puts a lot of pressure on some younger guys to grow up quickly. There are a lot of options for guys to come in and make their mark. A big season as well for cornerbacks coach Jay Valai to show he can get his guys playing at an elite level.
Category: General Sports
