Heading into the 2023 season, Oklahoma needs to be including many items to the puzzle in direction of a extra profitable season.
Through the switch portal and one of Oklahoma’s greatest complete recruiting courses in program historical past, the revamp is already in full swing.
Some positions on the roster could not have a ton of on-field expertise, however the inflow of expertise and potential is obvious. There will probably be lots of positions with taking part in time up for grabs.
In an offseason of change and growth, constructing depth and filling out the roster will probably be enormous in persevering with to set the muse. Here are just a few of the positions that needs to be a degree of energy for Oklahoma in 2023:
Quarterback
After a really shaky state of affairs in 2022, Oklahoma’s quarterback room figures to have depth subsequent fall. With extremely touted freshman Jackson Arnold coming in, and beneath the idea Dillon Gabriel opts to return for one more season, the Sooners have two beginning caliber quarterbacks.
Jackson Arnold
John E. Hoover / AllSooners
Beyond Arnold and Gabriel, each General Booty and Davis Beville will surely suffice as depth. Rarely do groups must play quarterback No. 3 on the depth chart, nevertheless it’s additionally uncommon when third-string quarterbacks have sport expertise. The Sooners have two strong choices to show to at quarterback subsequent season and complimentary depth past that. Suddenly, sign caller looks like a place of energy.
Secondary
Across the board, Oklahoma’s secondary is crammed with a novel combine of expertise and promising younger expertise.
With the announcement of Woodi Washington’s return, Oklahoma’s cornerback room has an opportunity to make a critical impression on the sphere subsequent yr. Kani Walker, a 6-2, 205-pound redshirt freshman, performed backup to Washington within the Cheez-It Bowl, and he’s only the start of Oklahoma’s younger expertise on the place.
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Gentry Williams noticed actual taking part in time on a number of events and Damond Harmon was capable of make an impression from a number of spots. The Sooners additionally introduced in extremely coveted junior school switch Kendel Dolby, who will push for taking part in time straight away. The cornerback room has query marks, however they appear to be fairly proficient query marks.
Reggie Pearson
Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
At security, the Sooners are in a great place. Both Billy Bowman and Key Lawrence are anticipated to return, giving Oklahoma main familiarity on the again finish. Lawrence struggled at instances this season, however the duo’s potential ought to nonetheless be thrilling for Sooner followers. In addition to Bowman and Lawrence, Oklahoma was fast so as to add Texas Tech switch Reggie Pearson to bolster the secondary. He began 10 video games for the Red Raiders this season, recording 55 tackles, 4 cross breakups and two interceptions.
In addition to Oklahoma’s switch portal and juco additions, Venables signed seven projected secondary ballhawks, six rated 4-star or increased. Leading the cost is 5-star Peyton Bowen, who was one of the offseason’s greatest priorities.
Edge
When Oklahoma’s edge rushers had been on final season, they had been on. The downside appeared to be the inconsistency of the cross rush and the lack to decelerate cellular quarterbacks. Reggie Grimes and Ethan Downs are skilled, although, and now have a yr in Venables’ protection. A full yr of begins in 2022 ought to result in important on-field progress subsequent season.
Trace Ford
Nathan J Fish/The Oklahoman-USA TODAY NETWORK
In addition to Grimes and Downs, Oklahoma additionally added Oklahoma State defensive lineman Trace Ford. When wholesome, Ford is an athletic cross rusher that may make an enormous distinction on the sphere. The Sooners additionally added Indiana switch Dasan McCollough, who lined up off the sting for the Hoosiers every so often however may be requested to do much more in Oklahoma’s protection. On the recruiting path, the Sooners additionally added 5-star P.J. Adebawore, who ought to push for taking part in time sooner relatively than later. Guys like R Mason Thomas, who confirmed versatility throughout the defensive position, may very well be useful for depth functions too.
Running Back
After watching the Cheez-It Bowl, the operating again room seems stacked with younger expertise. Jovantae Barnes showcased his worth all season, speeding for 519 yards and 5 touchdowns as a real freshman. In the bowl sport, Gavin Sawchuk loved the highlight, too, speeding for 100 yards and a landing on 15 carries.
Gavin Sawchuk
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Adding to the firepower of Barnes and Sawchuk, it looks like veteran operating again Marcus Major might return for one more season after struggling to remain wholesome down the stretch. Major skilled a powerful summer season of exercises however was hampered by accidents. Oklahoma additionally added two extremely touted recruits in Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks. DeMarco Murray is beginning to choose up a status as rising coach in school soccer, and this younger operating again room might elevate him much more.
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