NORMAN — 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.
