The Oklahoma Sooners football program continues to actively target top talent in the transfer portal to bolster their roster for the 2024 season. Among their current pursuits is standout offensive tackle Derek Simmons. Simmons, a graduate transfer from Western Carolina, has garnered significant attention after an impressive season where he posted a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 78.8, including an elite pass-blocking grade of 82.3. These numbers underline his potential to strengthen any offensive line he joins.
Simmons, standing at 6’6” and weighing 325 pounds, has journeyed through various programs, starting his collegiate career at Tusculum University, moving to Abilene Christian, and ultimately excelling at Western Carolina. His standout performances earned him second-team All-Southern Conference honors and have attracted offers from programs such as Michigan State, Texas Tech, UCF, and now Oklahoma.
For the Sooners, landing Simmons could address critical needs on the offensive line, especially after losing key linemen like Andrew Raym and Tyler Guyton to the NFL draft. Head coach Brent Venables and his staff are emphasizing the importance of experience and versatility in their portal targets. They are not only focusing on filling gaps but also building depth for the team’s long-term competitiveness in the Big 12 and beyond.
As part of a broader strategy, Oklahoma is pursuing a mix of seasoned transfer players and a strong incoming freshman class. This approach ensures that the team remains competitive immediately while cultivating young talent for sustained success. In addition to Simmons, Oklahoma has been eyeing other portal standouts, including elite edge rushers like Caiden Woullard from Miami of Ohio and Nic Scourton, a highly sought-after prospect.
If the Sooners successfully secure Simmons, he would join a roster featuring returning defensive standouts and a nationally ranked recruiting class, further solidifying Oklahoma’s readiness to challenge for conference and national titles in the coming seasons.
For more details on the Sooners’ portal strategies and player evaluations, visit sources like Stormin’ in Norman and OU Insider.
