LOOK: Sooners defender Brynden Walker spotlights time with OU Health
Oklahoma linebacker Brynden Walker, a junior who has appeared in six games throughout his career, shared a special moment while working alongside the OU Health program. The former three-star recruit is an Oklahoma native who is clearing making the most of his time as both a student and athlete.
While posting pictures of his unique experience, Brynden Walker sent a message thanking those who helped set up the OU Health opportunity to take a look at something outside of football on campus.
“So thankful for Caleb Kelly and Brent Venables,” wrote Walker. “Also, thank you Oklahoma University Health for giving me the opportunity to spend the week with you guys! Can’t wait to come back!”
The thank you to Caleb Kelly goes out due to his involvement not only as a teammate, but also as the director of S.O.U.L. Mission Career and Professional Development. The program helps create opportunities like the one Walker had this week for athletes at Oklahoma.
More about Oklahoma’s S.O.U.L. program
Brent Venables learned a lot from his time at Clemson, and now he is looking take it with him to Oklahoma. One of first examples of that came Monday, as several Oklahoma football players provided an update from an internship program started by Venables.
Those featured were running back Jaden Knowles, receiver Major Melson, long snapper Ethan Lane, defensive back Doug Collins and safety Bryson Washington. Although Knowles’ internship was taking place in West Palm Beach, the rest of the Sooners stayed in the state for theirs.
The internships are a part of what Venables has dubbed the “SOUL mission.” Former OU stars Josh Norman, Curtis London and Caleb Kelly will lead the SOUL mission, which Venables, associate head coach Todd Bates and director of player personnel JR Sandlin came up with over dinner one evening. It is extremely similar to the P.A.W. program at Clemson, which coach Dabo Swinney started in 2008.
“It’s a leadership initiative program,” Venables explained. “As you know, it’s all encompassing. Their manhood, mentorship, there’s a spiritual aspect. Shame on us if we don’t provide opportunities for young people to grow in their faith. I’m not here to save everybody, but I do have values in that I’m a Christian. It’s all voluntary. That’s the other cool thing. The staff is at every practice and meeting. They’re very intertwined in our players’ lives. I remember as a young person getting ready for my last year in college, I was so scared. There wasn’t somebody I could go to and say, ‘How do I know what I’m good at?’ The answer to that was to go see the career development officer.”