Redshirt senior linebacker Kendal Daniels, a transfer from Oklahoma State Univeristy, was worried how his teammates would react to him coming from the other side of Bedlam.
However, despite rivalry ties, Daniels has had a smooth transition to Norman and is looking forward to this season.
“It’s been great,” Daniels said on Wednesday. “Being with the guys, we’re all so tight. It feels like I’ve been here for a long time.
“It’s been way better than my expectations, so I think it’s going to keep going up from here.”
Daniels spent four seasons at OSU before transferring to OU in January. Standing 6-foot-5, 242 pounds, Daniels’ physique stands out among the rest of the linebackers and makes him one of the most physically imposing players on the roster. Daniels has also spent most of his career playing linebacker and safety, but when he got to Norman, head coach Brent Venables wanted him to learn every position on defense from a schematic standpoint.
In the spring, Daniels said it was stressful taking in everything and trying to make an impression, but he’s more relaxed as fall camp has begun.
“When I first got here, the game was moving so fast because I was trying to do everything quickly,” Daniels said. “Now, everything calmed down so much."
Daniels’ relationship with Venables has been strong ever since Daniels transferred to Norman. The fourth-year head coach has been the same guy ever since Daniels took his visit to OU when he was in the transfer portal, and he is looking forward to soaking up as much information from his new coach.
“He’s a national-champion defensive coordinator, and him calling the plays is fun,” Daniels said of Venables. “Sometimes, I’ll sit back and be like, ‘I’m really under coach Venables,’ and it’s crazy to see him talk.”
Whether he spends most of his time at linebacker, cheetah or safety, Daniels feels like his game can fit anywhere throughout the defense and is willing to do whatever role necessary to help the team win.
“I feel like it’ll be perfect,” Daniels said. “... If I learn the whole defense during the installments, I can play any position.”
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
