**Oklahoma Sooners’ Defensive Additions Unlock Creativity at Uniqu Position in Brent Venables’ Scheme**
*May 10, 2025 — Norman, Oklahoma*
Heading into their highly anticipated first season as members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Oklahoma Sooners are leaning into a hallmark of head coach Brent Venables’ defensive philosophy: versatility. Thanks to key additions in the transfer portal and the maturation of several young players, Oklahoma’s defense now possesses the depth and flexibility to experiment with one of Venables’ signature components — the *“cheetah”* position.
This hybrid linebacker-safety role, designed to counter modern spread offenses and create matchup nightmares, has long been a staple of Venables’ defenses dating back to his days as defensive coordinator at Clemson. But until now, the Sooners lacked the ideal personnel to fully unlock the position’s potential. That appears to have changed in 2025.
**New Faces, New Flexibility**
Among the most impactful offseason additions is former LSU linebacker DeMario Tolan, whose combination of speed, instincts, and coverage ability makes him a prime candidate for the cheetah spot. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Tolan brings SEC experience and sideline-to-sideline athleticism that fits the hybrid mold. Coaches have raved about his adaptability during spring camp, with Venables noting, “DeMario allows us to be creative. He’s physical enough to play in the box but quick enough to run with slot receivers. That’s exactly what we want in that role.”
Tolan isn’t alone. Oklahoma also brought in Peyton Bowen, a highly-touted safety and former five-star recruit entering his sophomore season. After a solid freshman campaign, Bowen has bulked up and shown the ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage. With his natural football IQ and fluid coverage skills, he’s another versatile piece who could rotate into the cheetah role depending on the opponent and scheme.
**Returners Elevating the Standard**
The influx of talent has elevated returning players as well. McKade Mattauer, previously seen as a more traditional linebacker, has been taking reps in multiple alignments, while Jaren Kanak — perhaps the most physically gifted linebacker on the roster — is being cross-trained to slide into space and handle coverage assignments if needed.
“We’ve got a room full of guys who can do multiple things now,” said defensive coordinator Ted Roof. “That wasn’t the case in Year 1. It opens up a lot of what we want to do schematically.”
The improved depth also allows Oklahoma to disguise coverages and adjust more fluidly between odd and even fronts — another Venables specialty. Against tempo-heavy SEC offenses, this adaptability will be critical.
**A Role Built for Disruption**
The cheetah position isn’t just about plugging a versatile athlete into a gap. It’s a chess piece used to blur traditional roles. One snap might see the cheetah crashing off the edge as a pass rusher; the next, dropping into zone coverage against tight ends or backs. That kind of unpredictability is key to Venables’ philosophy.
During spring practices, the Sooners gave fans a glimpse of what’s coming. In controlled scrimmages, Tolan was seen blitzing from multiple angles, covering slot receivers, and lining up as an extra linebacker in nickel sets. The defense looked faster, more aggressive, and far more cohesive than in previous seasons.
“Coach V talks about weaponizing speed and intelligence,” Tolan said after one practice. “You can’t just be athletic — you have to process fast, too. They’ve trusted me with a lot, and I’m embracing it.”
**The SEC Awaits**
With Oklahoma preparing to face the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU on a regular basis, fielding a dynamic, scheme-versatile defense is no longer optional — it’s essential. The cheetah role, which functions as the heartbeat of Venables’ hybrid system, could be the X-factor that helps Oklahoma compete from the outset in their new conference home.
Venables, always demanding and detail-oriented, remains cautious but optimistic. “We’re not where we want to be yet,” he said. “But this group is smart, athletic, and hungry. They’re learning fast, and we’re able to do things we couldn’t a year ago.”
If early indications are accurate, the Sooners’ defensive evolution — built on key additions and an increasingly positionless style of play — may finally be catching up with Venables’ complex, aggressive vision. And with the SEC looming, the timing couldn’t be better.
**Up Next**
Oklahoma opens the 2025 season at home against Michigan State on August 30, followed by an early-season SEC clash with Ole Miss. All eyes will be on how this retooled defense — and especially its hybrid “
cheetah” weapon — handles the spotlight.
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