After dealing with a lack of depth at the cornerback position in 2023, Brent Venables knew that Oklahoma needed to add to its defensive back rotation going into the SEC.
The Sooners brought in veteran corner and former San Diego State standout Dez Malone over the offseason, giving Jay Valai another big, experienced playmaker on the back end.
Listed at 6-feet-tall and 196 pounds, Malone was a two-time All-Mountain West Honorable Mention during his four-year career with the Aztecs. Given his size and production, Malone is just what OU needed heading into 2024.
"I think I bring a big, versatile, aggressive corner," Malone said. "I can play the ball, I can cover. I just feel like I just bring some juice to this team.”
In his final two seasons at SDSU, the transfer DB tallied 90 tackles, 12 pass breakups, four interceptions, three tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble.
Joining a defensive backfield with talented veterans like Woodi Washington and Billy Bowman, Malone will be a helpful addition to what should be an improved group entering the SEC.
In 2023, Malone played over 400 snaps in pass coverage and more than 280 snaps in run defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Malone earned a 69.2 overall defensive grade for his efforts last season.
In 12 games as the Aztecs' starting corner, Malone allowed just 291 yards and one touchdown in coverage. For comparison, Washington allowed 606 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
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According to the fifth-year senior, Oklahoma was an easy choice, as Malone fell in love with the program and the coaching staff during his visit to Norman.
"When I came on my visit, (Venables was) the scout team quarterback, that told me everything I needed to know about him as a coach,” Malone said.
“A hands-on coach is something that can really help a player for sure, I know he’s serious about what he’s doing and I’m serious about what I’m doing, so it’s definitely perfect.”
The Fresno, CA, native continued with his praise for the Sooners' head coach, adding that even if Venables coached on the other side of the ball or in a different conference, he would still be excited to play for the longtime Clemson defensive coordinator.
“If he was an offensive coordinator, I probably still would want to play for him. So him being a defensive-minded head coach, it just made things that much easier for me. I’m like, man, this is just a perfect situation,” Malone said.
"If BV was in our conference that I came from, I probably would want to play for him. I love everything about the school and everything about the staff, BV and Valai, and I think that whatever conference they were in, I would want to play for them.”
Another aspect of Malone's decision was his familiarity with Caleb Kelly, a former OU linebacker who now serves as the Director of the SOUL Mission for the Sooners. In this role, Kelly handles career and professional development.
Like Malone, Kelly is also from Fresno, and the two have a relationship dating back to Malone's years as a high school football player.
“When I was a young pup growing up, Caleb Kelly was definitely one of the guys that coach told us to watch," Malone said. "He’s another reason why I felt comfortable making this move, because I watched him do it, he’s still here. It feels good to see a familiar face around.”
Kelly, however, is not the only "familiar face" in Norman.
Coming from San Diego State, Malone also has a strong relationship with the Sooners' new special teams analyst, Doug Deakin, who was previously with the Aztecs.
Malone mentioned that Oklahoma made a good hire bringing in the special teams guru, adding that at SDSU, the team took that phase of the game very seriously.
"When you’re young, the special teams coach, y’all have a special bond. You know, you’re trying to get on the field anyway possible. Coach Deakin was a great coach at San Diego State and he’s seen my whole journey. … That’s my guy," the former Aztecs' cornerback said.
“Ecstatic (to find out he was coming to OU). When I found out, I called him fast. Ran into his office and gave him a hug. That was big, that was great.”
Since arriving on campus, Malone said that he has built a strong relationship with his new teammates, specifically Washington. Malone described the Sooners' veteran corner as one of his best friends, saying that Washington has helped him learn Oklahoma's playbook and get adjusted to life in Norman.
Additionally, Malone said that his new team is one of the closest he's ever been a part of, telling reporters that, "the brotherhood is unmatched."
If this tight-knit bond translates to production on the field, Valai and company will have a much deeper cornerback rotation this year, with two redshirt seniors who have a wealth of experience in college complimenting talented young defenders like Gentry Williams, Kani Walker and Makari Vickers.
With his history playing a competitive group of players in high school and a four-year stint at San Diego State, Malone is ready to compete in college football's top conference for the Sooners.
"I know what it’s like to go against a dog that’s just as hungry as you," Malone said.
With spring practices underway, the veteran defensive back will have an opportunity to not only earn his spot on the field, but also mentor a group of young defensive backs in his position group.
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