Talk about Transfers: What Oklahoma Will Get in LB Daniels, Kendal

Transfers: What Oklahoma Will Get in LB Kendal Daniels

The 2025 offseason has already been filled with numerous roster moves, one of which includes a major acquisition for the Oklahoma Sooners in the form of linebacker Kendal Daniels. A highly sought-after transfer, Daniels is expected to provide a significant boost to Oklahoma’s defense, and fans are eager to see how he will fit into Brent Venables’ system. This transfer could play a pivotal role in shaping Oklahoma’s future defensive prowess, and understanding what Daniels brings to the table is crucial to evaluating the Sooners’ potential in the coming seasons.

Background: Who is Kendal Daniels?

Kendal Daniels is a versatile and athletic linebacker who has proven himself to be an impact player throughout his college career. He spent his first few years at a program that emphasized defensive development, making a name for himself with his ability to play multiple roles. His experience and skill set make him a perfect fit for Oklahoma, a program that is looking to build on its defensive foundation under head coach Brent Venables.

Coming from a smaller program or one that didn’t have the national spotlight, Daniels’ reputation has grown steadily over time. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him one of the most highly sought-after players in the transfer portal. Now, with the move to Oklahoma, Daniels is poised to take his game to the next level and make an immediate impact for the Sooners.

What Daniels Brings to Oklahoma’s Defense

When looking at what Kendal Daniels will bring to Oklahoma, it’s important to break down his skill set and how it fits within the defensive framework that Venables has implemented at Oklahoma. There are several key aspects of Daniels’ game that make him a perfect addition to the Sooners’ defense.

1. Versatility and Athleticism

One of the most striking aspects of Kendal Daniels’ game is his versatility. He is a linebacker who can be deployed in multiple roles, whether as an inside linebacker, an edge rusher, or even in coverage. His athleticism allows him to move seamlessly between these different roles, making him a dynamic weapon for Oklahoma’s defense. This versatility will be particularly important for Venables, who is known for deploying multiple defensive fronts and schemes that confuse offenses and create mismatches.

Daniels has the size and speed to rush the passer but also possesses the coverage skills to drop into pass protection when necessary. This allows Oklahoma to use him in various ways, potentially bringing an added dimension to their defensive playbook. Whether he’s covering a running back out of the backfield, blitzing the quarterback, or holding his own in run defense, Daniels’ adaptability makes him a huge asset.

2. Tackling and Run Defense

As a linebacker, one of the most critical aspects of Daniels’ game is his ability to tackle and read the run. Daniels is an exceptional tackler, with a keen ability to locate the ball carrier and wrap up securely. His ability to shed blockers and maintain good leverage against opposing offensive linemen allows him to stay in the play and limit the yardage gained on runs to his side. In Venables’ defense, where the linebackers often play a key role in stopping the run, Daniels’ skills are invaluable.

His high football IQ plays a big role in his success as a tackler, as he can read the flow of the offense and react quickly to the ball. Whether he’s filling gaps in the running lanes or sidestepping blockers to get to the ball carrier, Daniels is a disciplined tackler who will make an immediate impact on Oklahoma’s defense in this area. His run-stopping ability will be crucial for a Sooners defense that has occasionally struggled against the run in recent years.

3. Pass Rush Ability

Oklahoma’s defense under Brent Venables has emphasized creating pressure on the quarterback, and Kendal Daniels fits that mold perfectly. His pass-rushing ability is one of the standout features of his game. Daniels has a natural ability to read offensive line movements and quickly exploit weaknesses in blocking schemes. This, combined with his size and quickness off the edge, makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Having a linebacker with Daniels’ pass-rushing skill will give Oklahoma flexibility in designing defensive schemes. He can be used as a traditional linebacker, where he focuses on stopping the run and covering passes, but he can also be moved into more specialized roles, such as a pass rusher in passing situations. Daniels’ ability to create pressure from various angles will allow Venables to dial up creative blitzes and confuse opposing quarterbacks, which is crucial for a defense that wants to dominate in the Big 12 and on the national stage.

4. Coverage Skills

While Kendal Daniels is known for his physicality and ability to stop the run, he also has impressive coverage skills for a linebacker. In today’s pass-heavy college football, linebackers are often asked to cover tight ends and running backs who are great receiving threats out of the backfield. Daniels’ ability to cover in space, track down passes, and break up potential receptions makes him an ideal fit in today’s pass-first offenses.

Daniels has shown the ability to recognize passing lanes and adjust his coverage accordingly. His agility and speed allow him to stay with fast-running backs or tight ends, preventing big gains in the passing game. This is a skill set that will allow Oklahoma to remain competitive against teams that rely on short, quick passes and passes to the flats. With his coverage ability, Daniels could become a key player in neutralizing opposing offenses, especially in the Big 12, where high-powered passing attacks are a regular challenge.

5. Football IQ and Leadership

Another aspect of Daniels’ game that will benefit Oklahoma is his football IQ. He is known for his ability to quickly read and react to plays, which is essential in a defensive system that relies on pre-snap adjustments and quick decision-making. His understanding of offensive schemes and his ability to anticipate the flow of the play will allow him to be a key leader on the field for the Sooners.

Leadership is another quality that Daniels brings to the table. While he may be a transfer, his experience and maturity will be valuable assets in the locker room. As a linebacker, he will be responsible for organizing the defense, making adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and keeping teammates focused and prepared. His leadership could help guide a defense that is looking to reassert itself as one of the top units in college football.

How Daniels Fits in Brent Venables’ System

Brent Venables is known for his aggressive, high-pressure defensive schemes. His philosophy centers around attacking the quarterback and disrupting offensive rhythm, while also being able to adapt to the specific strengths of each opponent. Kendal Daniels, with his blend of pass rush ability, run defense, and coverage skills, is a perfect fit for this style of defense.

Venables has long been known for his ability to get the best out of his players, and Daniels’ multifaceted skill set will allow him to be utilized in a variety of ways. Whether it’s as an edge rusher, a linebacker in a 3-4 front, or a versatile player who can be moved around the field, Daniels’ ability to contribute in all phases of defense will make him a key piece of Venables’ defensive puzzle.

Additionally, Venables’ focus on developing players will allow Daniels to continue refining his skills and reach his full potential. The coaching staff at Oklahoma will work with him to develop his techniques and help him adjust to the higher level of competition in the Big 12. Given Venables’ reputation for developing defensive talent, Daniels could be poised for an even bigger breakout season than what he showed at his previous school.

Impact on Oklahoma’s Defense and the Big 12

With Kendal Daniels joining the Oklahoma Sooners, the defense is set to improve significantly in both depth and versatility. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a game-changer for the Sooners, who have struggled at times to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run in recent years.

In the Big 12, where offensive firepower reigns supreme, having a player like Daniels is a huge advantage. The Big 12 has often been characterized by high-scoring games and explosive offenses, but defensive playmakers like Daniels are starting to become more critical as teams look to slow down the dynamic offenses in the conference. Daniels could be the player who helps Oklahoma regain its defensive edge and put itself in a position to compete for Big 12 championships and beyond.