Oklahoma Sooners Football: Knee injury knocks Tre Norwood out for the season

As expected, Oklahoma Sooners coach Lincoln Riley announced Friday that a knee injury has ended the season for defensive back Tre Norwood.

After two seasons rotating between safety and cornerback, Norwood would have been in line for significant snaps in 2019. In addition to battling with Brendan Radley-Hiles at nickel, Norwood was fighting for a spot at corner, as well.

Norwood was Oklahoma’s best cover corner in a horrid defensive secondary during the Sooners’ 2018 campaign, and he put on weight in the offseason to help become more physical in run fits for the upcoming season. He finished last season tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 58. Norwood was credited with breaking up five passes in 2018, and his interception in the waning moments of the Big 12 title game helped secure a 39-27 win over the Texas Longhorns.

As of now, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has moved Justin Broiles down from safety to nickelback to replace Norwood. The injury nearly ensures players like cornerback Parnell Motley will receive increased snaps as fall camp continues to rage in the dog days of summer. Grinch doesn’t have to be concerned with the amount of talent on the defense in Norman so much as the amount of depth—and for Oklahoma, it’s young. Guys like Woodi Washington, Jaden Davis, and Miguel Edwards will have to make the most of their opportunities in camp.