Former Oklahoma DB Accepts Position With South Florida

Jeremiah Criddell had his playing career cut short due to injury, but remained with the Sooners as a defensive assistant while he finished getting his degree.

A former Oklahoma player has continued his football career in the coaching ranks.

Former OU defensive back Jeremiah Criddell has accepted a graduate assistant position with South Florida, he announced Monday on Twitter.

Thankful for Sooner nation and All of the relationships I’ve made over the last 5 years!

I have accepted a GA Position coaching corners and nickels at The University of South Florida! #cometothebay pic.twitter.com/QOVbWrVHMR

— Jeremiah Criddell (@CoachJayCrid) March 27, 2023

"Thankful for Sooner Nation and all of the relationships I’ve made over the last five years!” Criddell wrote. “I have accepted a GA position coaching corners and nickels at the the University of South Florida!”

A once very promising player, Criddell committed to Oklahoma in the 2019 recruiting class as a consensus 4-star recruit and an Under Armour All-American.

After redshirting the 2019 season, he appeared in all 11 games of the 2020 campaign and made one start, totaling 12 tackles as a redshirt freshman.

But, in 2021, Criddell only appeared in the Sooners’ first three games before being sidelined the remainder of the year with injuries.

In February of 2022, he announced his playing days had come to an end due to the recommendation of doctors and that he was staying on with the team as a defensive assistant while he finished getting his degree.

Now, after serving under Brent Venables for a season and finishing his schooling at OU, Criddell is continuing his football life as a grad assistant with the Bulls.

In Tampa, he’ll look to help improve a South Florida defense that ranked just No. 124 in the country in passing yards allowed last season giving up 282 yards per game through the air.