Oklahoma’s Reggie Grimes Stepping Into Leadership Role With Starting Spot

Reggie Grimes has talked about a number of instances that he initially wished to play for Clemson throughout his recruitment. 

Now, heading into his junior season, Grimes has discovered his residence in Norman and is being coached by the majority of the Tigers’ defensive teaching workers.

Grimes was drawn to the thought of taking part in for the then-Clemson defensive coordinator and line of defense coach. The pairing was extensively thought to be among the best defensive duos in school soccer. Finally, all of it labored out in his favor, as he’s now studying from each.

“Coach Venables is the type of man that you’d like to play for,” Grimes mentioned. “It’s a privilege to play for somebody who’s been held in such a excessive regard defensively. The truth that he’s now my head coach, I adore it. He’s a defensive minded man, he is aware of the whole lot that goes on on the protection.”

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive finish is a prototypical subsequent degree defensive linemen that Todd Bates and Brent Venables have turn into recognized for. He has all of the bodily and athletic instruments with an opportunity to place it collectively on the sector quickly.

The teaching workers has been complimentary of Grimes’ offseason development. His work within the weight room and on the sector was on show Monday when the primary official depth chart was launched. Grimes was listed as a starter defensive finish alongside sophomore Ethan Downs.

Regardless of his youth, Grimes is able to take the subsequent step as a pacesetter for the Oklahoma protection. 

“Undoubtedly a number of modifications,” Grimes mentioned. “I went from being one of many youngest guys to one of many oldest like that. It’s now extra of a management function, and with management comes confidence. You need to be decisive as a pacesetter in an effort to lead the youthful guys.”

The Antioch, TN, product has proven flashes of greatness in restricted area time up up to now. Final season, Grimes had a productive sophomore marketing campaign, registering 18 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks.

Whereas Oklahoma is certain to make use of a rotation, Grimes was named the starter over different proficient, skilled members on the line of defense. He was capable of separate himself from the remainder of unit due to dedication within the spring and summer time.

The Sooners have had variety of latest defensive linemen graduate to the NFL, with Nik Bonitto being the most recent rusher off the sting. Grimes and Bonitto are totally different gamers on the sector, however the affect degree may doubtlessly be the identical. If Grimes can have main manufacturing on the sector in 2022, he appears in line to be one in all Oklahoma’s subsequent defensive ends chosen within the NFL Draft.

“So far as folks seeing me as ‘the subsequent’ protection finish, I relish it and I can’t wait,” Grimes mentioned. “It’s a chance that I’m blessed to have. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an Oklahoma Sooner.”

The gamers and coaches expect large issues out of the new-look protection, and could have an opportunity to showcase it quickly. Grimes and the Sooners will take the sector for the primary sport of the Venables period on Saturday towards UTEP.

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