Why San Diego State DB Transfer Dez Malone Felt an 'Instant Connection' With Oklahoma

Despite a massive improvement from Oklahoma’s defense in year two under Brent Venables, the Sooners still needed to make a few additions to their defensive back room following the 2023 season.

With Woodi Washington possibly heading to the NFL, Reggie Pearson running out of eligibility and Gentry Williams dealing with frequent injuries during his first season as a full-time starter, OU was in search of a veteran presence who can help ease the team’s transition into the SEC.

Cornerbacks coach Jay Valai and company found exactly what they were looking for in two-time All-Mountain West Honorable Mention cornerback Dez Malone.

Malone is listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, which is great size for a cornerback. The Fresno, CA, native spent four seasons with the Aztecs, only seeing the field in his final two years.

Across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Malone recorded 90 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups.

When asked why he chose Oklahoma, Malone said that he felt welcomed by the coaching staff in Norman.

“It’s a great place,” Malone told AllSooners. “It feels like open arms everywhere.”

The veteran DB also had high praise for Venables and Valai, saying that he built an “instant connection” with the two and that they are “great people to surround yourself with”.

Malone’s size led many fans and media members to wonder if the former San Diego State cover man would play the "Cheetah" position in Venables’ defense, but Malone indicated to AllSooners that he will work solely at cornerback.

In 2023, Dasan McCullough and Kendel Dolby, who are both expected to return to Norman, played most of OU's snaps at cheetah.

Malone will join a cornerback room that saw sizeable contributions from Kani Walker as the season progressed, but was forced to play a handful of true freshman after Williams' injury and Dolby's move to cheetah.

At times last season, the Sooners' had such little depth that Key Lawrence, who usually plays safety, was forced to play corner in key situations. With Malone now heading to Norman, Oklahoma will have a few veteran cornerbacks to help the younger players like Jasiah Wagoner, Makari Vickers and Jacobe Johnson get more experience playing against some of the best players in the sport.

Malone also expressed that he was looking forward to playing in the SEC, saying that he is excited to compete against some of the best competition in college football.

“I love it… It’s the best football you can play at the collegiate level,” Malone told AllSooners. “I’m confident in my ability. I feel like I can line it up with pros, anybody (in) football and the SEC is a great opportunity to showcase that.”

If Washington does end up declaring for the NFL Draft, there is a good chance that Malone is able to beat out the Sooners' stable of young defensive backs for a starting spot opposite of Williams.

Another important aspect of Malone’s decision was his bond with fellow Fresno native, Caleb Kelly.

“Caleb Kelly was a huge part of all this,” Malone said. “We knew each other since I was in like, the 7th grade. He was always older and I got to watch him through it all… Love that dude.”

Kelly was a 5-star recruit in the 2016 recruiting class and played for the Sooners from 2016-2021. While Kelly’s college football career was plagued by injuries, the former Academic All-Big 12 honoree is now the Director of the S.O.U.L Mission at OU.

Playing for SDSU, Malone squared off against Arizona, the Sooners’ Alamo Bowl opponent, in 2022. The future Oklahoma DB gave his insights as to what makes the Wildcats’ offense so dangerous.

“Their strength is definitely the offense,” Malone told AllSooners. “They have a nice (wide receiver) core and their new QB makes it an even more (explosive) offense.”

Despite Arizona’s impressive season, Malone indicated that he still believes his future team will take care of business and top the Wildcats in San Antonio on Dec. 28.

Malone said that he technically has two years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in San Diego and not yet taking advantage of his extra year granted by the NCAA after a COVID-altered college football season in 2020.

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