Is Woodi Washington the lockdown cornerback the Sooners have been looking for?
The Oklahoma Sooners got a breakout performance from redshirt freshman Woodi Washington in 2020. After playing just four games in 2019, Washington earned the starting job midway through the season. He made an immediate impact and was one of the Sooners best players on defense last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Washington allowed a passer rating of 53.2 in 2020. That was the third-lowest passer rating against for any Oklahoma Sooners defensive back last year. Only Tre Norwood and D.J. Graham had lower passer ratings allowed. In 284 coverage snaps, Washington didnt allow a single touchdown. He had two interceptions, one of which sealed the win over the Texas Longhorns in overtime. Most coverage snaps without a TD allowed this season (CBs): 1. D'Shawn Jamison, Texas  352  2. Ahmad Gardner, Cincy  322  3. Jalen Jordan, Ole Miss  304  4. Woodi Washington, OU  284 pic.twitter.com/SvrnZVl7Hv  PFF College (@PFF_College) January 9, 2021  In addition to Washingtons standout coverage, he was third on the team in total tackles, according to College Football Reference. Only Brian Asamoah (Linebacker) and Delarrin Turner-Yell (safety) had more tackles than the standout cornerback. He only had two missed tackles all season. He showed a well-rounded aspect of his game. Hes good in coverage, can help in run support, and make plays on the football when its in the air. Washington allowed a catch percentage of 56.1%, the third-lowest on the team, again behind Norwood and Graham. As he heads into the 2021 season, its looking likely that hell start as one of the teams outside cornerbacks. His play and penchant for big plays were too important for the Sooners in 2020 to keep him on the sideline much in 2021. The Oklahoma Sooners have one of those good problems. Washington, Jaden Davis, and DJ Graham will all be vying for snaps at outside cornerback. Competition brings out the best in players as they have to give their best with every rep in practice and every snap in the game. The summer practices will tell us more about how the Sooners feel about their cornerback group. Still, Washington will be a big part of it in 2021. And while it may not have the same level of respect that the defensive front is getting right now, theyre a competitive group that will have national observers talking about them by the end of 2021. Washingtons big-play ability will make sure of it.