NORMAN — The final days of Oklahoma’s spring practice leading up to the spring game will require a bit of a juggling act for Brent Venables and his staff.
The Sooners wrap up spring April 20 with their annual spring game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and while the focus remains on the development and progress of Team 130, Venables and his staff will have to keep up with the ever-present task of roster management in the days leading up to that glorified scrimmage. That’s because the spring transfer portal opens April 16, marking the start of a two-week window for players to hop in and explore their transfer options.
“You’ve just got to stay ready, I think, is the biggest thing,” Venables said.
While Oklahoma has not had any defections from the program since the winter transfer window closed, it’s always within the realm of possibility that some players may examine their options when the spring transfer portal window opens, or after the Sooners wrap up spring practices and guys have a firmer grasp on their standing heading into the offseason, especially if any players are seeking bigger roles or opportunities for more playing time.
Of course, Venables and his staff won’t only have to keep in mind Oklahoma’s current roster; the Sooners could be in the market to add additional pieces to the fold ahead of their inaugural SEC season.
“(You’re) certainly always assessing your own team and where you’re at, and you’re hoping that everybody stays, but that’s not likely in this environment,” Venables said. “So, you adjust, be ready, prepared to adjust when it happens and be proactive from what that’s going to look like and where our needs might be and being prepared based on what — from an availability standpoint — who might be available. You don’t know.”
