How OU football's Gentry Williams showed 'fearless mentality' in first career start

NORMAN — As soon as Arkansas State snapped the ball, Gentry Williams knew what was coming.

Only a few seconds remained in the first quarter of OU's season opener against Arkansas State on Saturday when Red Wolves quarterback J.T Shrout threw a screen pass to Ja'Quez Cross.

Cross made the catch. But before he could even turn his head, he got lit up by Williams as the crowd at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium erupted.

“It was a play we had been working on all week," Williams said. "I just read it, stayed true to my keys and understood the play. When the moment came, I was ready.”

Williams' big hit set the tone for OU's defense, which didn't allow any points all afternoon in the team's 73-0 win.

Williams finished with three tackles (one for loss) in what marked his first career start. It was a strong showing for the sophomore cornerback out of Tulsa Booker T. Washington, who hopes to build off the experience.

“I think I just gained overall knowledge," Williams said. "I was excited for my start today. I was really happy for that."

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Despite being excited for the start, Williams still felt nervous as he jogged onto Owen Field for OU's first defensive play.

The Tulsa native was surrounded by just over 83,000 spectators, and most of them were on their feet and cheering.

"I think that first play, obviously, you’re going to feel a little nervous," Williams said. "But after that, got into the rhythm, got the calls and was just ready to play.”

Williams looked even more comfortable after his big hit.

The sophomore quickly rose to his feet following the collision and stomped forward for about 10 yards, flexing his muscles the entire way. He then looked around at the crowd, which was in a frenzy.

“Nothing like it," Williams said. "Sooner fans are unreal. That moment is something I’ll remember forever.”

Williams didn't show any signs of nerves after that.

Williams was a key contributor for the Sooners, who surrendered just 208 yards all afternoon. He also recorded a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.2, which ranked third on OU's defense.

But Williams will be the first person to tell you that there's room for improvement. The young cornerback has only played in 13 college football games, which is the fewest of OU's Week 1 defensive starters, meaning he still has a lot to learn.

"For me I think it's just fitting gaps and seeing things a little bit sooner," Williams said. "I think I did an okay job. But to be an elite player, I've got to do it at a high level consistently."

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That mindset is what helped Williams climb OU's depth chart so quickly.

After recording 29 tackles and three interceptions as a senior at Booker T. Washington, Williams arrived at OU last year as a consensus four-star cornerback. He was also rated by 247Sports as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Oklahoma.

Williams was used sparingly as a freshman. He recorded just seven tackles and one interception in 12 games.

But OU held an open competition for its second starting cornerback position this past offseason, and Williams separated himself from the pack.

He beat out junior college transfer Kendel Dolby, who was rated by 247Sports as the top JUCO cornerback in the nation. Four-star freshmen Makari Vickers and Jacobe Johnson were also in the mix, but Williams still got the Week 1 nod.

"He's got a fearless mentality to him, and he's a great teammate," Venables said of Williams. "He lets you coach him hard. He's very prideful."

Williams got rewarded for his hard work this offseason with a Week 1 start.

And after delivering one of the biggest hits of the day, he's more comfortable in his expanded role than ever before.

"I think it went good," Williams said. "I think any time you have two years in the system of any system, you’re going to feel more comfortable."

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Gentry Williams shines in first career start with Sooners