'Just lined up perfectly': How Dasan McCullough set the tone in OU football spring game

NORMAN — As Dasan McCullough walked onto Owen Field, he had a goal in mind.

Make the first play.

OU held its Red-White spring game on Saturday. It's a game where the Sooners' defense (White team) earned an 84-82 win thanks in part to McCullough, who set the tone from the start.

The Sooners ran a jet sweep on the opening play, and Drake Stoops tried to make a double pass. But McCullough was there to bat the ball down, and the sophomore linebacker celebrated by giving the finger wag as the crowd erupted.

"It was crazy," McCullough said. "It just so happened it was a jet to my side and they tried to do a double pass. It just lined up perfectly."

McCullough made a strong first impression in his OU debut.

The Indiana transfer finished with three tackles and a pass breakup in the winning effort. The only thing that could stop him was a tweaked knee, which ultimately ended his day.

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But the injury is of little concern to McCullough, who's pleased with his performance.

"I feel like I play really well," McCullough said. "There's some little things I definitely need to work on. I had a little tweak in my knee, so that's why I stopped playing. But I'll be all good."

In addition to making plays on Saturday, McCullough also put his leadership skills on full display.

The OU newcomer could constantly be seen communicating with head coach Brent Venables before relaying messages to his teammates.

"Since I've been here, Coach Venables has made it clear he wants me to be a leader," McCullough said. "Just having him right by my side and helping me out with all the little things has made me the best linebacker I could be.

"You can't ask for any more, so it's great. That's the best coach ever."

McCullough is expected to be one of the Sooners' most impactful transfers this upcoming season.

The 6-foot-5 linebacker has a great blend of size and speed, making him the top candidate for OU's starting cheetah role.

But regardless of where he gets put on the field, McCullough will play a key role on a defense that hopes to set the tone this season.

"I feel like as a group, this defense is one of none," McCullough said. "We have guys at every position, and we have depth, too. I think we're gonna make a great run."

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Peyton Bowen's big play

OU's offense was looking to move the football on its opening drive Saturday.

But Bowen had other plans.

Just a few plays into the game, redshirt senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel heaved a deep ball down the sideline. The pass was intended for junior wide receiver Andrel Anthony, but it never reached him.

Bowen followed Anthony every step of the way, and he then turned around at the last second to make a diving interception.

“I was just playing my deep half, and I saw Dillon throw the ball," Bowen said. "I started running, I got into Andrel, got my speed turnt and just tried to find the football again. Luckily I did with a diving catch.”

Bowen recorded three tackles and one interception on Saturday.

It's an impressive performance by the former five-star defensive back, who showed little rust after missing over half of the spring due to a hamstring injury.

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"He's really talented and instinctive," Venables said. "He does a great job of anticipating, and he just doesn't panic as a player."

Bowen appeared to be cool, calm and collected to those watching, including Venables.

But even Bowen admits he had nerves leading into his OU debut.

"If you love the game and you’re really passionate about football, everybody’s nervous," Bowen said. "Even the greats. You just kinda try and use that and go out there and keep playing the game.”

Plays such as Bowen's interception surely help with those nerves.

"It’s a great feeling, honestly," Bowen said. "Just to come out here in front of that crowd for the spring game and just do the things I’ve been doing since high school, it’s a great feeling and a great jump start.”

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Dasan McCullough sets the tone in Sooners' spring game