Oklahoma Sooners are teasing that one of their craziest experiments with Jaren Kanak may be working out great.

The Oklahoma Sooners football program, under head coach Brent Venables, has made no secret of its ambition to return to the top of college football. Venables, a defensive mastermind, has already begun reshaping the team’s identity, moving away from the offensive-centric approach of previous years and building a stout defense capable of competing at the highest level, especially as the Sooners prepare for their impending move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). One of the most intriguing developments in this transformation has been the program’s experiment with Jaren Kanak, a player who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in the Oklahoma defense.

Kanak, a highly regarded linebacker coming out of high school, has shown glimpses of brilliance ever since stepping foot on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. However, what’s truly remarkable about Kanak’s story is the unconventional role he’s been thrust into under Venables’ coaching staff. Often referred to as one of the most unique experiments in recent Oklahoma football history, the decision to position Kanak in a hybrid defensive role has caught the attention of fans, analysts, and opponents alike. The Sooners are teasing that this gamble might just pay off, and as the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that this bold experiment could be one of the game-changers for Oklahoma football.

The Arrival of Jaren Kanak

Jaren Kanak arrived in Norman as a highly touted recruit in the class of 2023, and expectations for him were sky-high. He was a 4-star prospect, a multi-sport athlete, and one of the most sought-after linebackers in the country. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Kanak had the physical tools to become a dominant force at linebacker. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism immediately marked him as a player with the potential to make an impact at the collegiate level.

Kanak’s high school film showcased his ability to cover ground quickly, disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, and even drop back into pass coverage with ease. His versatility as a linebacker and his ability to play in different schemes made him a perfect fit for a defense looking to make a splash. The question was always going to be how Oklahoma would use him. Traditional linebacker roles weren’t necessarily going to maximize his skill set, and the Sooners were already considering creative ways to deploy his talents.

Venables’ Defensive Philosophy: A New Era for Oklahoma

Venables’ defensive philosophy, which he honed during his successful tenure at Clemson, is built around flexibility, speed, and creating chaos. He is known for his aggressive defensive schemes that feature multiple fronts, frequent blitzes, and players who are capable of moving around the formation. This approach demands versatile athletes who can perform a variety of roles within the system. When it came to Kanak, Venables and his coaching staff saw an opportunity to experiment in ways that might not have been possible under previous regimes.

Venables has always believed in developing players with the versatility to thrive in multiple roles. His defensive schemes are designed to confuse opposing offenses by creating mismatches, disguising coverages, and rotating players into different positions. The defensive philosophy requires players who are quick-thinking, can cover ground fast, and who have the ability to shift gears depending on the situation. This makes Kanak, with his blend of physical tools and football IQ, a perfect candidate for a hybrid role—a role that is not easily categorized as a traditional linebacker, safety, or defensive back.

The Experiment: Kanak in a Hybrid Role

The experiment with Jaren Kanak is one of the most fascinating storylines surrounding the Oklahoma defense as they prepare for the 2025 season. Rather than pigeonhole him into one position, Venables and his staff have chosen to move Kanak around the defense in a way that takes full advantage of his versatility. This approach has led to Kanak lining up in multiple positions throughout the defense—sometimes as an edge rusher, sometimes as a traditional linebacker, and other times in coverage roles, tasked with defending against the pass.

Kanak’s ability to play at different spots on the field creates a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. He can be lined up on the edge and used as a pass rusher, capitalizing on his speed and power to generate pressure on the quarterback. Alternatively, he can be used in coverage situations, where his agility and ability to track the ball make him a dangerous presence in the passing game. This flexibility makes him an ideal weapon in Venables’ defensive arsenal.

Furthermore, Kanak’s high football IQ has allowed him to adapt quickly to this unconventional role. He’s able to read offenses, anticipate plays, and adjust his positioning mid-play. This level of awareness makes him even more effective as a hybrid player, as he can contribute in a variety of situations. Whether he’s rushing the quarterback, dropping into coverage, or shutting down the run, Kanak’s ability to seamlessly transition between different responsibilities makes him a game-changing asset for Oklahoma.

The Early Returns: Positive Signs from Kanak’s Development

While it’s still early in Kanak’s career at Oklahoma, the early returns on his experiment have been overwhelmingly positive. In his freshman season, Kanak showed flashes of brilliance, making key tackles and being disruptive in the backfield. However, it was clear that he was still in the process of adjusting to his new hybrid role. The coaching staff was patient with his development, giving him time to grow into the role and refine his skills.

As the 2024 season unfolded, the benefits of the experiment became more evident. Kanak started to show more consistency in his performances, becoming a key contributor in both run defense and pass rush situations. His ability to read plays, anticipate ball carriers, and cover space quickly was a significant asset for the Sooners’ defense, especially as they looked to shore up their vulnerabilities from previous seasons.

Kanak’s impact was particularly evident during key moments in the season. Against high-powered offenses, he was able to disrupt plays in the backfield, creating negative yardage situations that derailed opponents’ drives. His ability to cover the field quickly and act as a versatile weapon in the defensive schemes helped Oklahoma regain control of games when they needed it most. His presence was felt in both the box score and by opposing offenses, who struggled to account for his unpredictability.

Why the Experiment Could Be a Game-Changer for Oklahoma

The hybrid role experiment with Kanak has the potential to be a major game-changer for the Sooners’ defense. As college football evolves, more and more teams are focusing on creating mismatches through versatile players, especially on defense. The ability to have a player like Kanak—someone who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and play sideline-to-sideline—is becoming increasingly valuable in a game that is becoming more fast-paced and dynamic.

For Oklahoma, this experiment could serve as a cornerstone for the defense as they transition into the SEC, where the level of competition and offensive talent will only intensify. The ability to throw a player like Kanak at opponents in a variety of different ways could disrupt offensive game plans and create chaos on the field. It could be the difference-maker in critical games, whether it’s stopping an SEC powerhouse’s passing attack or providing a spark in a big game with an unexpected blitz or coverage sack.

Moreover, Kanak’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in Venables’ larger defensive strategy. By moving him around the field and using him in multiple capacities, Oklahoma can keep offenses guessing, making it harder for them to game plan effectively. Teams will have to account for Kanak in every phase of the game, whether he’s rushing from the edge, playing in the middle of the field, or covering receivers downfield.

The Bigger Picture: Building Depth and Flexibility

The success of Kanak’s experiment has broader implications for the Oklahoma defense. As the Sooners prepare to join the SEC, where speed and physicality reign supreme, having players who can perform multiple roles will be critical to their success. Kanak’s growth into a hybrid weapon opens the door for more flexibility within the defense. It allows Venables to rotate players, keep fresh legs on the field, and disguise coverages in a way that makes it harder for offenses to exploit any weaknesses.

Additionally, Kanak’s ability to play multiple positions sets an example for younger players coming through the Oklahoma program. It reinforces Venables’ philosophy of versatility and adaptability, which will help the Sooners build a defense that is not only aggressive and tough but also smart and unpredictable. It is a new way of thinking about defensive personnel, one that could set the stage for sustained success in the coming years.