Tag: Adepoju Adebawore

Best photos from the Oklahoma Sooners spring game

Best photos from the Oklahoma Sooners spring game.

The Oklahoma Sooners had another fantastic showing inside the friendly confines of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. With another strong attendance in front of around 100 recruits, the Sooners put on a show on Owen Field.

[autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] and [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag] got it started with a 64-yard touchdown pass. The two connected a little bit later for another 50-plus-yard scoring strike. But it wasn’t just Arnold and Burks that flashed during the spring game.

A number of defenders like [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag], [autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag], [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag], and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag] got after the quarterback, helping the defense battle a talented offense throughout.

The offensive line did a lot of good things in the game, showing that they’ll be more than capable of progressing and being a winning unit for the Sooners in their first season in the SEC.

With the offensive line playing well, the quarterbacks had enough time to throw for the most part, and the running game was able to pick up big yards on several occasions.

They’re far from a finished product, but there was a lot to like. As we continue to react to the Sooners spring game, here are the best photos from the action on the field.

More: 5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game

Oklahoma Sooners need breakout season from Adepoju Adebawore

The Sooners need a pass rusher to emerge on defense and it could be sophomore Adepoju Adebawore.

We know coming into the 2024 college football season the Oklahoma Sooners have depth and experience everywhere on their defense. The one spot where they have the depth but not a ton of production yet is at defensive end.

More specifically, the Sooners need to find more productivity rushing the passer. Oklahoma has shown moments where they can create pressure, but often, it’s because they’ll send extra rushers. When they just send three or four, they haven’t been able to find a consistent pass rush.

Generating a consistent pass rush is one of the bigger keys for the Oklahoma Sooners defense this fall, and it remains a big question ahead of Saturday’s spring game.

[autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag] can provide the burst off the edge that the Sooners are looking for if he can stay healthy. But the guy the Sooners need to take that next step is sophomore [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag]. In his second offseason with the Sooners, the former five-star defensive end is working to get bigger and stronger.

Adebawore talked about how his added weight should help him out this season. “It makes me feel more comfortable just on the field,” Adebawore said. “Knowing I do weigh more, and they’re going to feel it. The offenses are going to feel it whenever we strike. It’s not going to be as easy for them.”

Adebawore is closing in on 250 pounds but said he’d like to be at 260 pounds before the season starts. Even as a lighter freshman, he was a productive player rushing the passer. He only saw 184 snaps in 2023 but had the second-highest pass-rush win rate among defensive linemen, with at least 100 pass-rush snaps a year ago.

If he can reach his weight goals while also keeping his freak athleticism and his pass-rush productivity with an increased snap count, he could be just the guy the Sooners need in 2024.

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Oklahoma Sooners defender primed for a breakout season per ESPN

Former five-star prospect expected to have a breakout season according to ESPN.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense made positive strides in 2023, but they have work to do to turn [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag]’s unit into an elite squad.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his coaching staff have done a great job on the recruiting trail to stockpile talent over the last three recruiting cycles. In the last two years, the Sooners have added 17 four- and five-star players to their defensive ranks. Three were five-star prospects [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag], [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag].

Bowen earned opportunities early in 2023 and was a productive playmaker on both defense and special teams. His production in a rotation role has ESPN’s David Hale believing Bowen will be the Sooners’ breakout star in 2024.

A year ago, safety [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] arrived as a five-star recruit, ranked No. 14 nationally, hoping he could help be the future of OU’s defense after a disappointing 2022 season. He was able to carve out a role, playing in all 13 games with two starts, 36 tackles (including a season-high 5 against Texas), a sack, 5 passes broken up and a forced fumble. He also showed off his game-breaking ability with two blocked punts, most in the Big 12. He is poised to play an aggressive style under new defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who worked as an assistant under Sooners coach Brent Venables at Clemson when he was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. Last year, Allen’s defense at Jacksonville State allowed just 2.8 yards per carry (fourth nationally), and was in the top 10 in turnovers (25) and interceptions (16). — Dave Wilson, ESPN

Bowen played 363 snaps in 2023, fourth among safeties but first among true freshmen on the roster last year. And he proved to have a nose for the football, making plays in both the run and passing game.

With [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag] (Ole Miss transfer) and [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag] (eligibility) out the door, there’s an opportunity for Bowen to earn a starting role next to Billy Bowman. He’ll contend with [autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] for snaps. Even if he doesn’t start for the Sooners in Year 2, we’ve seen Oklahoma rotate safeties, and he can help the Sooners at free safety, strong safety and nickel cheetah.

The breakout is coming for Peyton Bowen. He’s a big reason there’s optimism about Oklahoma’s defense improving yet again in 2024.

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Sooners 2025 OT commit Ryan Fodje sees big jump in latest 247Sports rankings update

Sooners offensive tackle commit Ryan Fodje earns a huge bump in 247Sports updated rankings.

When Cypress offensive tackle [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag] committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, it kind of came out of nowhere. It wasn’t surprising that he committed to OU, but that he committed just as his recruitment was beginning to take off.

In the weeks leading to his commitment, the Power Five offers began to roll in. But his relationship with the Sooners was enough to make Fodje sure about where he was heading.

In the summer of 2023, Fodje spent time at Brent Venables football camp, catching the eye of the Sooners coaching staff, who later would become the first to offer the talented offensive tackle in August.

When he committed to the Sooners, he was considered a three-star prospect and the No. 304 prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports. In about a month, he’s jumped to the No. 80 player in the country and is a solid four-star offensive tackle. His rise has been impressive, and Fodje is now the top-rated player in the Sooners [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

Cypress (Texas) Bridgeland’s Ryan Fodje leaps into the top 100 nationally thanks to just how well his junior tape stacked up among the elite offensive tackle prospects across the country. Tall, long, relatively lean, and agile, Fodje — not 17 years old until mid-summer — played right tackle primarily this past fall, but flashes the functional athleticism and bend of a potential blind-side protector in the long run. We are excited to learn more about the Oklahoma pledge this spring. – Gabe Brooks, 247Sports

The rest of the country is catching up to what offensive line coach [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] saw last summer when he was an unrated prospect.

Much like [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag] did in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Fodje could ultimately join the ranks of five-star players in the 2025 class. He’s got elite athleticism and refined technique for a junior in high school. And while a pair of Oklahoma offensive tackle targets are currently rated higher than Fodje, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Fodje to catch them in the rankings over the next year.

The Sooners have an elite prospect on their hands with Fodje, a player that could develop into another Bedenbaugh future first round NFL draft pick.

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Sooners earn crystal ball from 247Sports director of football recruiting

247

The Oklahoma Sooners look like they’re in the driver’s seat for a five-star defender in the [autotag]2025 recruiting cycle[/autotag].

Over the weekend, predictions rained down from On3, favoring the Sooners to land five-star defender [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag]. Williams, out of Galveston, Texas, is a two-sport athlete and one of the best defenders in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

On Tuesday, 247Sports national recruiting director Steve Wiltfong issued a crystal ball prediction supporting the Sooners’ standing with Williams.

Williams is an incredible talent who has a knack for making plays in deep safety roles as well as in run support. His ability, combined with his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame, makes him an intriguing option for the cheetah role in [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag] and [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ defense.

He’s the No. 14 player in the 247Sports composite. Listed as a linebacker with 247Sports, he’s the No. 2 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.

Whether he plays linebacker, safety or cheetah at the next level, just get him on the football field. He’s the kind of player that can help take your defense to the next level with his playmaking ability.

Oklahoma put itself in a comfortable position in Williams’ recruitment, but it can’t get too comfortable. Williams has offers from the who’s who of college football and every one of those programs would love to turn the momentum in their favor.

If the Sooners eventually sign Williams, he would be their fourth five-star prospect in the last three recruiting classes, joining [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag] and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag].

That’s how you build a defense.

More: 5-Star prospect Jonah Williams recruiting profile

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Sooners receive prediction for 2025 5-star defender Jonah Williams

Oklahoma Sooners received a prediction to land 2025 five-star defender Jonah Williams.

In each of the last two recruiting cycles, the Oklahoma Sooners have found a way to land a trio of five-star defenders in [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag], and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag]. They might be heading to another recruiting cycle with a five-star defender in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

[autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag], out of Galveston, Texas, was predicted to land with the Oklahoma Sooners by Texas recruiting insider for On3, Justin Wells.

Williams looks like a player who could play multiple positions with the Oklahoma Sooners. He’s got the athleticism and size to play either safety or cheetah for the Sooners. But if Brent Venables and his staff wanted to bulk him up, he could also be a factor at linebacker.

Regardless of where he ends up on the field, Williams will make an impact. Simply put, he’s a really good football player. He could probably start at wide receiver, running, back, cornerback, or safety for a large number of Power Four programs.

Williams holds offers from 27 programs across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12, including notable programs like Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oregon, LSU, and Ohio State.

As a safety, Williams shows fantastic awareness in zone coverage and a natural ability to attack the ball in the air. He’s a wrap-up tackler, displaying good form when attacking ball carriers and wide receivers. And he attacks the line of scrimmage with aggressiveness and speed.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a long way to go in this recruitment, but this is a strong indication that Oklahoma is in a strong position to add one of the most talented defenders in the nation to their 2025 recruiting class.

Jonah Williams Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • (Rivals Futurecast
  • On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine favors the Oklahoma Sooners with a 91.8% chance to land Williams
  • (Crystal Ball)

Film

via HUDL

5 positions where the Oklahoma Sooners are better than they were a year ago

Every year there is roster turnover, but where are the Sooners better? Here are five positions Oklahoma’s better than they were a year ago.

Every offseason teams around college football have to deal with a significant amount of turnover to their roster. That’s been the case for the Sooners each season of the Brent Venables era.

No position group was hit harder than the offensive line. They lost the five guys that were starters for the majority of the season. Though they’ve been able to retool the lineup with transfer portal additions, it will be months before we know if those additions will work out.

Elsewhere, however, the Sooners look to be in really good shape, especially when you compare it to how several positions looked this time last year.

Here are five position groups that look better compared to where they were a year ago.

Crown jewel of Oklahoma’s 2024 class, David Stone, is officially a Sooner

David Stone officially signs with the Oklahoma Sooners.

For the first time in a long time, Oklahoma has landed a five-star defensive lineman in consecutive classes. [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag] signed as a five-star last winter, and David Stone fits that bill this year.

Stone is one of the most important signings in recent history. The talented defensive tackle was born and raised in the Sooner State before moving to play his last two years of high school ball at national power IMG Academy.

Now an official member of the Sooners, Oklahoma lands a young man with the talent and ability to be a foundational piece of the Sooners’ defense as they begin their journey into the SEC.

Signing Stone also showcases Oklahoma’s ability to recruit defensive players at a much higher level than the previous coaching regime. That is a significant development for the future of the program.

He stands 6-foot-4 and carries 280 pounds effortlessly. With that frame, he could certainly add more mass. That size, combined with elite athleticism, technique, charisma, and production at the highest levels of high school football, is unmatched. He’s the crown jewel of the 2024 recruiting class and should see snaps as soon as next year.

More from the [autotag]2024 Early Signing Period[/autotag]

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5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners 2024 schedule

Oklahoam received its first schedule as SEC members and here our five takeaways from the daunting slate.

It is here, and it is glorious. Wednesday was a busy day for Oklahoma as a program.

The Sooners landed a commitment from transfer running back Sam Franklin, prepping for the [autotag]Alamo Bowl[/autotag] began and recruiting high school and [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] players was in high gear.

To end the night, the Sooners received a look at what Oklahoma will be going up against in their first year as SEC members. ESPN released the schedules for SEC teams, and Oklahoma now knows when and where it will play in its first SEC season.

Here’s a full look at the 2024 schedule and now we’ve got five instant takeaways from Oklahoma’s first SEC schedule.

‘We’re really proud of ourselves’: Ethan Downs on the goal-line stop vs. West Virginia

After back-to-back poor showings, the defensive line rose to the occasion against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

The Oklahoma Sooners defensive line has been up and down all season long. They have never been able to consistently bring a pass rush.

A big part of that is they don’t have a dominant pass rusher on the team. They have some guys with a lot of potential like [autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag] and [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag] but those guys still need time to develop.

But a big misconception is sacks are what determine how good a defensive line is or isn’t. Sacks definitely help, and you need to get pressure on the quarterback, but there are so many other ways a defensive line can dominate. Mainly in the run game.

The Sooners currently rank No. 7 in the country in tackles for loss. They also rank No. 47 in rush defense after playing four teams in the top 17 in the country and the nation’s leading rusher. That’s pretty good. It’s not great, but it’s pretty good.

The issue is in the losses. They haven’t been as disruptive up front. They had six tackles for loss in those games combined. They average nearly eight per game. Last week against the [autotag]West Virginia Mountaineers[/autotag], they were back up at their average with eight tackles for loss.

Ethan Downs spoke with the media about how well the defensive line played. “We are trying to follow our keys, alignments, everything,” Downs said. “Be as crisp as possible so they can’t move the ball. I feel like we did a great job stopping the run, especially on that goal-line stop. We’re really proud of ourselves.”

Now, that performance needs to resurface this week in Provo as the Sooners get set to take on the BYU Cougars.

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