Brent Venables strongly defends Justin Broiles, sends message to critics
Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables will not stand for any disrespect toward Justin Broiles. The Sooners safety has been a target of criticism for the fanbase as the defense has struggled, giving up 40-plus points in each of the past three games.
After the Tulsa World‘s Eli Lederman pointed out that Broiles has been a “lightning rod” in a Tuesday press conference, Venables took the chance to passionately defend Broiles.
“I’m not sure why he’s a lightning rod, why anybody would spend one ounce of energy being emotional and mad about a player that loves this university and has committed every ounce of who he is, every fiber in his body to helping this place be great,” Venables said. “I don’t know what’s behind that. That’s kind of disturbing, but it is what it is.
“…I don’t know when you say lightning rod, I think I know what that means, but that’s weird. Especially when you’re talking about a kid that could’ve went anywhere in the country and chose to come here and chase his dreams and make a lot of sacrifice and put his body in harm’s way. You can say, ‘Well, that’s what he signed up for,’ and I know sometimes I say things like that, but I don’t want anybody perpetuating it either.”
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Broiles is a sixth-year senior who moved into a starting role last season. He is fourth on the team in tackles with 34 this season and also has one pass defended. But what stands out perhaps even more is his commitment to the program throughout the years.
Broiles committed to the Sooners as a four-star recruit back in 2016 when Bob Stoops was still the coach. Even when Stoops stepped down before Broiles arrived for the 2017 season, he honored his pledge and stayed with Lincoln Riley for the next five years. Then, when Riley bolted for USC this past season, Broiles again chose to stick it out for his final season in Norman.
That’s partly why Venables was so passionate in his defense.
“Justin’s terrific,” he said. “He loves his team, he loves his teammates, he loves his coaches. He values his opportunity. He’s got a thankful spirit every day. He comes with a workman-like attitude, blue-collar work ethic. Every moment where something isn’t going right, he takes it on his shoulders. He bears that burden, even when it’s not his fault. He just cares. He cares as much as any player I’ve been around.”
Any time a team is struggling the way the Sooners have, criticism is only natural. But Justin Broiles and Brent Venables will both try to block out the noise as they attempt to get the season back on track against Kansas on Saturday 11 a.m. CT in Norman.