The Oklahoma Sooners struck gold in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag], landing three five-star players. Two of those players were in key positions on the defensive side of the ball.
[autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], one of those aforementioned key defensive players, is on track to play a big role in the 2023 season.
After Tuesday’s practice, Bowen told reporters he’s thankful he decided to come to Norman early and get spring practice under his belt. But he believes this isn’t an easy position to play at Oklahoma.
“All of the movement,” Bowen said. “That’s the hardest part. I feel like I know the plays really well; it’s just how your alignment and disguising. I think that’s just the main thing, and that gets to me. Obviously, I’m getting better at it now from the spring, but it’s coming along.”
In addition to learning traditional safety, Bowen mentioned after practice that he’s played several spots in the Sooners’ secondary.
“I have moved around a lot,” Bowen shared with OUInsider’s Jesse Crittendon. “I’ve played five different positions in fall camp. It’s been a challenge, but I’m doing great at it. I feel like every day, I’m getting better at it. Obviously, it’s not perfect because I’m still learning five different positions and I get put in at five different places. So every time we’re learning a new install, I’m learning it at that position they put me in that day.”
The Denton, Texas, native is joining a room that has one returning starter, [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag]; one player who has played a lot at Oklahoma, [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag]; and a starter for another Power Five school, [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag]. All are guys Bowen said he’s leaned on for help.
“The old guys have been great on if you ask them a question about the defense, they’ll easily teach you it and show you and take you under their wing,” Bowen said. “Even the young guys that came in too, the freshmen, they’re all trying to help each other out because you’re only as strong as your weakest link.”
Going up on a Tuesday. @PeytonBowen10 | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/vvoppGg0Wt
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 16, 2023
While there is immense pressure on a five-star at any program, there’s even more when you are a five-star at Oklahoma and on defense. But if the spring game was any indication, Bowen is poised to live up to the hype and put forth a great freshman season.
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