Oklahoma DL Officially Opts Out of Bowl Game, Declares for NFL Draft

One among Oklahoma’s greatest defensive gamers makes it official.

After it was extensively anticipated and even referenced by head coach Brent Venables, redshirt junior defensive lineman Jalen Redmond formally introduced he can be opting out of the Cheez-It Bowl to arrange for the NFL Draft on Sunday.

“Sooner Nation, I want to thank God for all of the virtues that I’ve in my life,” Redmond wrote in an announcement posted to Twitter. “With out him, this may not be doable. To my mother and father, thanks for instilling the morals, values and ethics which might be obligatory to arrange me for all times’s journey. Life’s path is unpredictable, however along with your love and assist, I can definitely accomplish something whereas conquering the obstacles that will briefly impede my progress. I like you.

“To Sooner Nation, thanks for at all times embracing me unconditionally week in and week out. This expertise has been superb and one that can final a lifetime. To my teammates, thanks on your inspiration, your ardour and your loyalty. Thanks on your dedication to excellence which is unparalleled. The battles that we’ve got shared on Saturday afternoon will probably be ingrained in my coronary heart endlessly. I’ve skilled a brotherhood that can stay till the tip of time.

“To my coaches, I’ve the utmost quantity of appreciation for instructing me the definition of accountability and that no single particular person defines or makes a staff. Thanks for embracing unity, a necessity to be be productive not solely on the sector, however in life.

“It has at all times been a dream of mine to play NFL soccer. Thus, after taking vital time to soul search and pray about my choices, it’s now time to proceed my journey to satisfy a lifelong dream of taking part in within the NFL. Presently, I’ve determined to forgo the Cheez-It Bowl and being coaching for the largest take a look at of my life, the NFL Draft. From the underside of my coronary heart, thanks Sooner Nation!”

An area product from close by Midwest Metropolis, OK, Redmond served as one of many key items of the Oklahoma protection in 2022.

Taking part in in all 12 video games, Redmond totaled 23 tackles with ten tackles for loss and 4 sacks.

Whereas he’s solely now making the choice publicly official, Redmond was introduced as having accepted an invite to take part within the Reese’s Senior Bowl earlier this month on Dec. 1.

Rated as a 5-star prospect by 247Sports within the 2018 recruiting class, he showcased a disruptive potential on the sector all through his potential when he was capable of stay wholesome.

Fortunately for Redmond and the Sooners, he did simply that in 2022 not lacking any video games – albeit along with his snaps closely restricted in a Week 11 tilt in opposition to West Virginia.