Former Oklahoma defensive lineman Derrick Leblanc is eager to return to SOONER’S…. 
Derrick LeBlanc’s return to the Oklahoma Sooners has stirred controversy following his brief departure. LeBlanc, a four-star defensive tackle from the 2023 recruiting class, initially left the Sooners after just one semester, citing personal hardships back home in Kissimmee, Florida【6†source】【7†source】. His decision to enter the transfer portal came as a surprise, especially given his potential to contribute significantly to Oklahoma’s defense, which struggled last season【6†source】.
LeBlanc’s departure was seen as a substantial loss for the Sooners, particularly with the exits of other key defensive linemen. The Sooners had bolstered their defensive line with transfers, potentially influencing LeBlanc’s decision【7†source】【8†source】. Now, his return raises questions about the team’s dynamics and the consistency of player commitments under head coach Brent Venables’ leadership.
For more details on Derrick LeBlanc’s situation and its impact on the Oklahoma Sooners, you can read the full articles on [Heartland
Derrick LeBlanc’s return to the Oklahoma Sooners has stirred controversy due to his brief departure from the program. Initially a key recruit for Oklahoma’s 2023 class, LeBlanc entered the transfer portal after just six months, citing personal hardships in Florida. This unexpected move created a significant depth loss for the Sooners’ defensive line, which was already struggling after a disappointing season. LeBlanc later announced his transfer to UCF, only to decide to return to Oklahoma, raising questions about stability and commitment within the team
Former Oklahoma defensive lineman Derrick Leblanc will transfer to UCF, he announced Monday.
The current freshman was a four-star recruit and the No. 34 overall defensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting class. He was an early enrollee at Oklahoma, moving to Norman in January, but has already elected to enter the portal and head closer to home.
He was the ninth-ranked prospect in Oklahoma’s 2023 class.
Leblanc is from Florida, where he attended Osceola High School, less than 30 miles away from Central Florida’s campus. UCF recently made the jump to the Big 12, meaning he’ll share a conference with the Sooners for his first season of college football.
Adding to the UCF connections, he was teammates with John Walker and current UCF commit Taevion Swint.
Despite losing Leblanc, the Sooners still have the fourth rated class in the 2023 cycle according to 247 Sports.
The Sooners host UCF on Oct. 21, which will also be Dillon Gabriel’s first game against his former team.
Former Oklahoma defensive lineman Derrick Leblanc will transfer to UCF, he announced Monday.
The current freshman was a four-star recruit and the No. 34 overall defensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting class. He was an early enrollee at Oklahoma, moving to Norman in January, but has already elected to enter the portal and head closer to home.
He was the ninth-ranked prospect in Oklahoma’s 2023 class.
Leblanc is from Florida, where he attended Osceola High School, less than 30 miles away from Central Florida’s campus. UCF recently made the jump to the Big 12, meaning he’ll share a conference with the Sooners for his first season of college football.
Adding to the UCF connections, he was teammates with John Walker and current UCF commit Taevion Swint.
Despite losing Leblanc, the Sooners still have the fourth rated class in the 2023 cycle according to 247 Sports.
The Sooners host UCF on Oct. 21, which will also be Dillon Gabriel’s first game against his former team.
A big-framed pass rusher with some developmental upside. Looks the part as he’s pushing 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and equipped with a near 83-inch wingspan. A limber mover that can bend his knees and essentially hug the ground. Uses rare length to his advantage as he will dispatch blockers at the point of attack and make his way into the backfield. Doesn’t exactly labor when asked to redirect and has shown that he can hunt down ball carries while in pursuit. Displays a nice initial burst and is pretty effective with his hands out on the perimeter, but has a knack for bailing on rushes and isn’t one that’s going to consistently win with effort. Has worked primarily as a three and five-technique in a traditional four-man front on Friday nights and found success in both roles totaling eight sacks as a sophomore and eight more as a junior, but figures to eventually slide inside given growth potential. Will likely need a few semesters in the weight room to add some functional strength, but has some of the required traits to eventually make a difference up front at the Power Five level. Could emerge as an impact player at some point down the line and possibly even an early-round NFL Draft pick with his measurables, but must buy into the process and put in some sweat equity as he needs to improve overall technique. Ultimately, should be viewed as a boom or bust prospect at a position where most decision makers aren’t afraid to roll the dice.
