Gentry Williams ready to contribute for Oklahoma heading into second year
Gentry Williams is on a mission for Oklahoma in 2023.
That’s the way Oklahoma coach Brent Venables described the sophomore cornerback, who has high expectations heading into his second year in Norman. Williams, a Tulsa native, is expected to compete for a starting role opposite of fifth-year senior Woodi Washington during fall camp. And with camp officially starting Thursday, the former four-star prospect seems poised to make a big impact for the Sooners.
“He’s locked in and focused,” Venables said of Williams Tuesday at OU’s local media day. “It’s nothing he wasn’t as a freshman, but I think maybe it’s given him an appreciation of it. I haven’t visited with him, why have I noticed a different, maybe a more locked-in, zoomed-in, mature, driven, ambitious, mission-type of mindset, but that’s what I’ve seen. Incredible work ethic. Teammates love him.”
Since signing with Oklahoma out of Booker T. Washington High School, many have anticipated Williams is the future at corner. But after a scary episode in the spring, in which Williams passed out during a workout and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, he’s had to work his way back to compete this fall.
“It was kind of difficult at that time,” Williams said. “But having a great medical staff like I did here at Oklahoma and being able to go through what I went through and having them in my corner every step of the way has been really good. I had to go through some tests to get back right. But everything is good now.”
Williams missed most of spring practice as he recovered, but in the short time he did practice, he was impressive. And even this summer, Williams was a standout in the weight room and helped lead player-led practices, according to cornerbacks/nickelbacks coach Jay Valai.
Valai said that’s where he’s seen Williams grow the most, learning the game.
“The biggest thing with Gentry is mentally,” Valai said. “His growth and understanding of the position and becoming a leader on a daily basis is a big deal. His intensity, his passion doing anything. He’s an athlete. I think he was an athlete who played corner. Now, he’s a corner who’s an elite athlete. His mindset is what separates him. He’s busting his tail every single day and waiting to lead.”
Williams has always been a great athlete, which is why he was so highly-touted out of high school and why Oklahoma wanted him. And that’s why he saw the field as a true freshman, playing in 12 games, mostly on special teams and in a reserve role at corner. He had an interception in his first career game against UTEP, showcasing his potential.
But for Williams, he said Tuesday the biggest learning curve for him has come off the field. He’s spent his offseason not just in the weight room, but the film room.
“A year under coach V and his system, just having that knowledge and tools that Valai has taught has definitely helped me. I think that’s equipped me to be successful this fall,” Williams said. “I think any time you get experience, whether it’s special teams, any part of the game, you’re excited for what you can do next. I’m just ready to compete.
“I’m extremely excited to be out there again and do what I love. I grew up being an OU fan so being able to play for Oklahoma for another season, I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Obviously, Williams does have competition at corner, with JUCO transfer Kendel Dolby and true freshmen Jasiah Wagoner and Makari Vickers. Valai said the competition will be intense in fall camp, and that the “best guy is going to play. Gentry’s busting his tail on a daily basis, but so are the other guys.”
But Williams feels like the frontrunner for the job, especially if he’s grasping the defense as well as he says he is. And he’s clearly someone the coaching staff has high hopes for not only for this season but in the future.
“He’s got a great ceiling. His best football is in front of him,” Venables said. “He’s long. He’s athletic. And he’s tough as all get out. Really talented young player. Players really respect him. He’s kind of quiet by nature, but he’s got tremendous respect in the locker room.”
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