Last season the [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] had several weak spots along the defense. Among the most noticeable is the area where you need to be your strongest; the defensive line.
The Sooners coaching staff attacked that weakness this offseason, bringing in transfer additions like Rondell Bothroyd and Trace Ford to help. They also made a splash in the signing of five-star EDGE [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag]. Adebawore is someone who has shown flashes throughout camp and just looks the part.
Bleacher Report included Adebawore among top freshmen in the best position for a key role in 2023.
[autotag]Rondell Bothroyd[/autotag] is a transfer expected to do big things, [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] should at least begin the season with the first team, and [autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag] has the most potential of any returning Sooner pass-rusher. But Adebawore is on a different athletic plain, and none of the aforementioned guys really have established themselves as can’t-miss starters. Adebawore is a relentless pursuer of quarterbacks, and while there’s going to be a learning curve, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound former 5-star who was the No. 11-ranked overall player will have a chance to prove himself right away. Look for him to be starting by the middle of the season. Venables has a reputation of developing elite edge-rushers, and Adebawore looks like the first crown jewel for the coach at his new place of employment. – Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report
Adebawore has a great chance of being a first round when it’s all said and done. He has the size and athleticism that NFL defensive coordinators covet off the edge. He’s yet to take a snap at the collegiate level, so there’s a lot of growing that has to take place. However, the early returns have been promising. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Adebawore carve out a significant role along the Sooners’ defensive line.
Adebawore is one of several new additions that have fans excited for the future. It’s now up to Adebawore and defensive ends coach [autotag]Miguel Chavis[/autotag] to bring out the best in the five-star EDGE addition so he can live up to those expectations.
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