Oklahoma’s season is right down to one final sport towards the Florida State Seminoles in the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando, Florida. However, their preparation for Team 129 has already begun.
Numerous gamers have already entered the transfer portal or declared for the 2023 NFL draft.
Players like left deal with Anton Harrison, working again Eric Gray, defensive deal with Jalen Redmond, and proper deal with Wanya Morris have been starters on this yr’s squad and have already declared their intention to go to the NFL. Oklahoma must fill these voids for subsequent season. Their replacements could also be on the crew already, however there’s an actual risk they aren’t.
The losses have left a hefty quantity of our bodies lacking from the program proper now, and whereas the recruiting class will fill a few of them, the Sooners would like to have instant solutions through the transfer portal by guys with collegiate expertise.
As Oklahoma appears to be like to retool its roster for 2023, listed here are a couple of positions they should look so as to add expertise to through the transfer portal.Â
Offensive deal with
Sep 24, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Anton Harrison (71) throughout the sport towards the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Look, it could sound loopy, however Bill Bedenbaugh should be on the cellphone working the offensive tackles in the portal.
Oklahoma loses each of their starters, Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris, and apart from Tyler Guyton, there are not any confirmed commodities at the place. Guyton himself didn’t begin many video games apart from the two Morris missed early season as a result of suspension. Guyton performed effectively in spot responsibility and can probably begin for Oklahoma throughout the Cheez-It Bowl.
The Sooners had true freshmen Jake Taylor and Jacob Sexton as backups this yr, and so they didn’t get almost sufficient reps to be viable choices but. It’s to not say they received’t be good gamers, however getting some confirmed commodities would assist take slightly of the developmental strain off of them.
Defensive Tackle
Oklahoma’s Jeffery Johnson (77) celebrates throughout a university soccer sport between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma received 45-13. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma continues to be present process a schematic and philosophical change with the make-up of its defensive linemen. They added Jeffery Johnson as a grad transfer from Tulane when the new employees received into place, and Johnson performed loads of efficient snaps this season.
Johnson is gone, Jalen Redmond is gone, and the Sooners will return a couple of guys like Jordan Kelley and Isaiah Coe, who had some shining moments right here and there.
Ultimately, this protection works greatest when you’ve got defensive linemen that may eat area and generate strain with out committing additional rushers. The Sooners are nonetheless in search of notable difference-makers up entrance. They’ve added Jacob Lacey from Notre Dame, however it will be smart to proceed to construct depth at the place.
Wide Receiver
Nov 26, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners vast receiver Theo Wease (10) catches a landing cross towards Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive nook again Malik Dunlap (24) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
While it’s flying beneath the radar, it’s essential to notice that Oklahoma is shedding at the very least three receivers to the portal. Trevon West, Brian Darby, and Theo Wease have all entered their names into the portal.
The massive fish, Marvin Mims, has not determined whether or not he’ll head for the NFL or if he’ll return to rehab his NFL draft inventory. If you embody Mims going to the NFL, that’s 4 receivers the Sooners will lose on the depth chart. Though Mims and Wease are the solely ones to offer important contributions in 2022, shedding them requires discovering extra playmakers at the place.
Linebacker
Nov 19, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker David Ugwoegbu (2) celebrates after a defensive cease towards the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Sarah Phipps-USA TODAY Sports
There haven’t been any portal defections through at linebacker. However, Oklahoma can’t be severe about bettering the high quality of the protection and never check out a few of the linebackers which have already entered the portal. Competition is nice and might solely make groups higher.
Yes, Stutsman improved, however you’ll be able to add much more expertise to that room. The primary linebacker recruit from the 2020 class, Justin Flowe is out there after spending the final two years with Oregon. That’s price a flyer in itself.
Oklahoma has a number of four-star gamers that have been a part of the 2022 class that may make an affect sooner or later, however will they be able to tackle important snaps in 2023? Better to have a security web if Jaren Kanak, Kobie McKinzie, or Kip Lewis aren’t prepared but.
Cornerback
Oct 29, 2022; Ames, Iowa, USA; Oklahoma Sooners vast receiver Woodi Washington (0) intercepts the ball over Iowa State Cyclones vast receiver Dimitri Stanley (14) throughout the first quarter in the Big 12 Conference sport at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback, like vast receiver, has taken some hits through the portal, with Kendall Dennis and Joshua Eaton each on their means out the door. Former four-star and five-star abilities from a few of the higher defensive faculties like Alabama, Clemson, Texas A&M, and Florida have hit the portal.
Will Oklahoma take benefit? They should.
Woodi Washington’s standing for subsequent season is to be decided as he may leap to the NFL. That leaves Oklahoma with one confirmed playmaker in veteran C.J. Coldon, should he be awarded a uncommon seventh yr.
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