Defensive tackle Jacob Lacey reveals his decision to come back to the Sooners for the 2024 season.
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Despite the Oklahoma Sooners facing significant offensive losses, their defense is holding onto key players. Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman have chosen to stay with Oklahoma instead of potentially being picked in the top 100 of the draft. Da’Jon Terry announced his return recently, and joining him in fortifying the center for the Sooners is Jacob Lacey.
Lacey, who transferred to Oklahoma from Notre Dame last season, became a vital component of the team’s defensive tackle rotation. Despite ranking 11th in defensive snaps, he led the defensive tackle position with 363 snaps in 2023.
During that season, Lacey managed 16 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and secured a sack. While these stats might not stand out, he and his fellow defensive tackles significantly bolstered Oklahoma’s run defense, especially in crucial short-yardage situations.
Their contributions might not be flashy, but Lacey and Terry bring veteran leadership to the team’s defensive line. This guidance will be crucial as the Sooners continue to develop players like Gracen Halton, Ashton Sanders, and Markus Strong, alongside the anticipated 2024 defensive tackle prospects such as David Stone and Jayden Jackson.
As Oklahoma gears up for the move to the SEC next year, Lacey and his fellow defensive tackles are expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s success.
