Jalen Redmond, a guy that ‘finds the ball’
The return of defensive lineman Jalen Redmond is sparking excitement. He had a stellar campaign in 2019, leading the Sooners with 6.5 sacks but he faced many hindrances that derailed his career.
Redmond battled a significant health scare in 2018 that sidelined him for all but three games- blood clots. For the majority of that year, he did not know if he would ever play football again. With a powerful support system at home and tenacious mentality, Redmond fought his way back to an impressive season just a year later.
Then the global pandemic. Redmond opted out of the 2020 season due to health concerns with COVID. He once again had to sit out while his teammates produced on the field.
The coaching staff/teammates rallied around Redmond and now he has returned hungrier than ever. He is back in the mix and defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux confirmed Redmond will be a dominant presence in the team’s defensive front. With the departure of Ronnie Perkins to the NFL draft, he will have an increased role moving forward.
” Just excited because you know that Jalen [Redmond] can find the football. He’s a guy that has a knack for making plays. He was kind of slowed a little bit by some knick knack injuries. So, just getting off the field he made a couple plays today. He’s talented man. When we roll our best guys out there, I’m certain he is one of them. So, just expecting big things from him this year. “
Redmond has the versatility to play multiple positions within the D-Line that provides the coaches with flexibility on packages. Whether it be collapsing the pocket or chasing down a ball carrier at the second level- Redmond is effective. The Oklahoma native is ready to hunt. Not only will his skillset bolster Oklahoma’s front but elevate his coaches. He is cultivating a winning culture in Norman.
” Jalen, like I said, very talented young man and he is one of those guys that can find the ball. If you put him out there, he is going to find the ball….but to see him out there when that ball is snapped and he’s causing havoc, it makes you a better coach when you have a player as talented as him.” (Calvin Thibodeaux on Jalen Redmond)
