Tag: Anton Harrison

‘They played physical’: Offensive line provides a lift in the Sooners run game

Oklahoma’s offensive line has a strong showing, helping the Sooners rack up more than 250 yards rushing in the loss to Florida State.

Oklahoma’s matchup with Florida State was going to be a difficult one upfront. The Seminoles came into the Cheez-It Bowl with a top-20 defense and boasted a really good group up front.

With [autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag] and [autotag]Chris Murray[/autotag] out due to injury and [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag] and [autotag]Wanya Morris[/autotag] opting out, the Sooners started several players that were backups for much of the season in their 35-32 loss to the Seminoles.

Making their first starts were [autotag]Jacob Sexton[/autotag] and [autotag]Savion Byrd[/autotag]. [autotag]Aaryn Parks[/autotag] took over for Sexton, who was injured on the first drive of the game, and received his first extended action in a Sooners uniform. [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag] made just the fifth start of his career. [autotag]Robert Congel[/autotag] and [autotag]McKade Mettauer[/autotag] were the only players up front that had started more than Guyton’s five games coming into 2022. Congel, who’d been a backup to Raym for most of the season, was starting his third straight game to close 2022.

It wasn’t always pretty. Oklahoma struggled in pass protection at times, but the Sooners’ offensive line helped OU have a great day on the ground, rushing for more than 250 yards. True freshmen Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk each ran for more than 100 yards. It was the first time since 1985 that the Sooners had a pair of freshmen run for more than 100 yards in a game.

The Seminoles came into the game allowing only 148 rushing yards per game at 3.9 yards per carry. Against a tough Florida State team, the offensive line rose to the occasion.

“The guys up front, they played physical, they played with purpose,” coach Brent Venables said after the loss. “The players played with a tremendous amount of physicality and toughness that we’ve asked from them. Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh did a great job getting these guys ready. … I love the sense of desperation they played with up front.”

The Sooners received a sneak peek of what the future holds at offensive line in 2023. Certainly, there will be questions about how they performed in pass protection, but their work in the ground game was fantastic.

Take the sacks out of the equation, and the Sooners rushed for 289 yards at 5.9 yards per attempt.

It was a strong showing for guys getting their first extended playing time at the college level. With three starting jobs up for grabs as Harrison, Morris, and Murray head to the NFL, the offensive line’s efforts in the Cheez-It Bowl provided the start to the retooling process upfront.

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Anton Harrison lands with Commanders in PFF Mock Draft

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has Oklahoma Sooners left tackle Anton Harrsion being drafted by the Washington Commanders in his first round mock draft

Mock draft season is easily the best part of the football offseason. The Oklahoma Sooners have a few of their own that have already declared for the NFL draft, and the one with perhaps the highest draft stock is left tackle Anton Harrison.

Harrison has been a favorite of mock drafts going back to the beginning of thie season, and while there are many good tackles to be had in this class, there isn’t that bonafide QB protecter, at least not one that pops out ahead of the rest.

Harrsion’s a strong tackle in both pass protection and as a run blocker. He boasts three years of starting experience at left tackle. PFF’s Trevor Sikkema likes what he sees in Harrison’s film and has him going No. 21 overall to the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders have a big need at offensive tackle. Harrison is one of the most experienced players in this draft class, with over 2,000 snaps at left tackle. He has been the Sooners’ left tackle for three seasons after starting in his true freshman year. He’s not the strongest offensive tackle you’ll see in this class, but his smoothness in pass protection is a big-time calling card for the next level. In each of the past two seasons, he’s graded above 83.0 in pass protection.- Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Sikkema has Harrison as the fourth offensive tackle off the board, and the lone Oklahoma Sooner finding a new home in the first round. While Eric Gray had a phenomenal season, recent trends suggest that the running back will have to wait until day two to hear his name called.

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Anton Harrison has two things going for him that will get him that big signing bonus as a first rounder. His prowess in both run and pass blocking, and the position that he plays. Good left tackles don’t grow on trees and Harrison is a very good left tackle.

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Jacob Sexton draws tough assignment in first career start for the Oklahoma Sooners

Making his first career start, Jacob Sexton has an opportunity to shine with a tough matchup against Florida State’s Jared Verse.

Bowl opt-outs have become the norm for college football as players look to preserve their health ahead of NFL draft preparations. One bowl opt-out is another man’s opportunity. For the Oklahoma Sooners, that man is true freshman offensive tackle, Jacob Sexton.

Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris are headed to the league and will not be playing in the bowl game for the Sooners. So Oklahoma will have a new tandem at offensive tackle, Tyler Guyton and Sexton. Guyton will make his fifth start for the Oklahoma Sooners this season. He filled in for Morris and Harrison throughout the season. He may not have been a starter all year, but Guyton was a pivotal part of the Sooners’ offensive tackle rotation, playing 311 snaps after transferring from TCU.

Sexton, on the other hand, will get a big bump in playing time this week when the Sooners face the Florida State Seminoles. Sexton played in seven games for the Sooners but hasn’t played double-digit snaps since the loss to TCU in Week 5.

Stepping into the starting lineup, Sexton will get all he can handle facing a top-20 Florida State defense and first-round NFL draft prospect Jared Verse.

Verse was arguably the highest-regarded defensive player in the transfer portal a year ago, and he lived up to that billing after a 7.5 sack season for the Seminoles. Though Verse will line up on both sides of the Florida State defensive front, he spent most of his time on the right side, which will likely be where the Seminoles put him early and often to test Sexton to start the game.

Sexton, a former four-star player in the 2022 recruiting class, is a highly-regarded player in his own right. He was the No. 20 offensive tackle in the class and held offers from big-time Power Five programs Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan, Notre Dame and Tennessee.

This is a challenge for Sexton and the Sooners offensive line. Regardless of how he performs, it will provide valuable teaching tape for the true freshman as he looks to lock down a starting role at left tackle as a true sophomore in 2023.

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5 takeaways from Oklahoma’s Cheez-It Bowl depth chart

5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners Cheez-It Bowl depth chart.

Oklahoma will look different when it takes the field against the 13th-ranked Florida State Seminoles on Thursday evening in the Cheez-It Bowl. The Sooners will have some fresh faces in new spots as they look to avoid finishing below .500 for the first time since 1998.

Starters [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag], [autotag]Wanya Morris[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag] have opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. That leaves voids on both sides of the ball the Sooners have had three weeks to plan for. What were the results of that planning? Well, we have the answers, as Oklahoma released its depth chart for the game.

With that info out, here are five takeaways from the depth chart below.

Oklahoma’s Opponent: 5 Florida State Seminoles to know ahead of the Cheez-It-Bowl

Oklahoma will have its hands full as they take on No. 13 Florida State. Here are five Seminoles to know.

Oklahoma has landed in Orlando and has been practicing since Christmas weekend. On Thursday, they take on the No. 13 Florida State Seminoles, who will have the de-facto home-field advantage. Florida State is arguably the best team Oklahoma has played this year, aside from the TCU Horned Frogs, who will be representing the Big 12 in the College Football Playoff.

Florida State is rising back up the ACC ranks in Mike Norvell’s third season in Tallahassee. He’ll have a very physical and talented Seminoles team ready for the Sooners.

The Seminoles have some real difference-makers on both sides of the ball. With Oklahoma at a disadvantage due to NFL opt-outs and transfer portal entries, it will make things even harder for the Sooners. Who are the Seminoles’ difference makers? Here are five players to be aware of as the Sooners look to finish the season on a high note.

5 Oklahoma Sooners to watch on defense vs. Florida State

Oklahoma takes on Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl. Here are five Sooners to watch come game time.

Oklahoma has arrived in Orlando and has been preparing for its matchup with the No. 13 Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles represent one of the toughest teams Oklahoma will have faced this season and that’s only magnified by the fact that the Sooners will play without three starters on offense and one of their best defenders.

Starting tackles Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris will be out alongside star running back Eric Gray. The loss of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond is where we turn our focus.

Redmond, despite all the inconsistent performances by this defense, was one of the more disruptive forces throughout the season. Oklahoma takes on a very good Florida State offense that is led by dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis and flanked by running back Trey Benson and wide receivers Johnny Wilson, Mycah Pittman, and Ontaria Wilson.

With no Redmond and a few other depth guys missing thanks to the transfer portal, Oklahoma will have its hands full. However, this opens the door for playmakers to step up on defense, which may provide a glimpse of Oklahoma’s defense in 2023 and beyond. Here are five defenders to watch as the Sooners take on the Seminoles.

Chiefs hit needs in Christmas 3-round 2023 mock draft

Our @goldmctNFL is celebrating Christmas with an early 3-round mock draft that hits some big needs for the #Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched their seventh consecutive AFC West title and if they’re looking to make it No. 8 in 2023, they’ll have some work to do come draft time.

With only two weeks left in the NFL regular season, we’re taking a look ahead at how the earliest rounds of the draft could shake out for Kansas City. Some prospects are getting ready to make their final impression during bowl season and the college football playoffs, while others have already opted out and begun training ahead of the draft. Which of college football’s biggest stars could K.C. end up adding in 2023?

Here’s a look at how the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL draft could shake out for the Chiefs, using the latest updated order following Week 15:

Sooners sign top 100 offensive line prospect Cayden Green

Oklahoma signs their best offensive line recruit of the 2023 class in four-star offensive tackle Cayden Green

The early signing period is underway, and the Oklahoma Sooners are beginning to put pen to paper with their [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag].

Oklahoma’s signing day has gotten off to an excellent start with many of their prospects already submitting their national letters of intent. Oklahoma’s best offensive line commit is now on board with four-star offensive tackle Cayden Green officially a Sooner.

Green, is a massive commit, both figuratively and literally. His signing represents the first top 100 offensive lineman the Sooners have signed since Savion Byrd in 2021. At Green’s size, he projects as a great offensive tackle and would have the ability to slide inside and play guard.

Oklahoma earned Green’s commitment in their historic recruiting month of July as they beat out the home state school of Missouri, LSU, and Nebraska as well.

As 247Sports’ 68th best prospect and ranking No. 80 in the 247Sports composite, Cayden Green is a monumental get for the Oklahoma Sooners. Considering they lost three starting offensive linemen to the NFL draft, Cayden Green adds some much-needed talent and depth as they attempt to reload up front.

For next year, it’s unlikely Green figures to be a significant part of Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line rotation. Still, with two open spots at tackle and a spot at right guard open due to the graduation of Chris Murray, there are opportunities if Green can blow the team away. It’s more likely he’s a fringe name on the two-deep to start the season next year.

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NIL matters, but Oklahoma Sooners offering so much more

In a world where NIL has become the focal point of college recruiting, it’s easy to forget that football is a developmental game. Few have done it better than Brent Venables.

Football is a developmental game. And despite a 6-6 season, Oklahoma has shown they’re a program that can bring out the best in their players. As name, image, and likeness have taken over in college football, too often, the simple things in recruiting get overlooked. Coaching fit, player development, opportunity, and program accolades still matter.

Whether it’s the long track record of defensive stalwarts Brent Venables and Todd Bates have developed. Or the number of players Bill Bedenbaugh’s helped get to the NFL, the Oklahoma Sooners have a group of coaches that can recruit and that can develop talent.

In 2022, several Sooners had career-best seasons. Marvin Mims had his first 1,000-yard season. Other than some drops which could have led to points, Mims was a terror for opposing defenses. He took his game to another level in his third season in Norman. It’s possible he’s a top-100 pick in the 2022 NFL draft were he to declare.

Jalil Farooq, who took over as a starter in the Sooners wide receiver room, became a do-it-all option for Jeff Lebby. While he struggled with drops at different points in 2022, his ability with the ball in his hands on jet sweeps and the wide receiver screen proved valuable. Farooq began to show off his ability as a kick returner as well when Billy Bowman went down and led the team in average per return.

Taking advantage of a full-time role at tight end. Brayden Willis had a breakout year. His 2022 season will undoubtedly lead to a draft selection in April’s NFL draft. Willis came into the season known for his standout blocking ability, but he displayed that he could be a pass-catching threat as well, leading the Sooners with seven touchdowns.

Eric Gray, who was underutilized in 2021, had a huge season and was arguably the offense’s best player throughout the course of 2022. He was one of the best running backs in the nation and earned All-Big 12 second-team honors.

Oklahoma’s offensive line, which felt like a question mark coming into the season, had another really strong season under Bedenbaugh. It will likely see three of its 2022 starters selected in the 2023 NFL draft. Anton Harrison, Wanya Morris, and Chris Murray should each hear their name called at some point in the three-day festivities. Additionally, the development of Tyler Guyton, who was forced into action due to injuries to Morris and Harrison, played really well in the first extended playing time in his career.

On the defensive side, no player showed their ability to improve throughout the course of the season like Danny Stutsman. As Oklahoma’s defensive MVP, Stutsman led the Big 12 in tackles and had three interceptions for the Sooners. His play down the stretch helped spark the Sooners defense. There’s still room for improvement for Stutsman and the rest of the defense, but depth is more of an issue there than anything. On numerous occasions Stutsman and the linebacker crew were playing 90+ snaps a game.

Billy Bowman, another first-year starter, played really well in stretches for the Sooners defense. His ability to support in coverage and in the run game was a bright spot at times.

Along the defensive front, Ethan Downs closed the season strong for the Oklahoma Sooners, which is encouraging heading into his junior season in Norman. Like Stutsman and Bowman, this was Downs first year as a starter. Like Stutsman and Bowman, there was a lot of good to build off of. Downs led the Sooners with 13.5 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks on the season. But it was how he closed the regular season that provides the optimism for 2023. Downs recorded six tackles for loss and two sacks in the final three games. Oklahoma will need him to continue that upward trajectory over the offseason to help improve the Sooners pass rush.

As we looked at when Brent Venables was hired, he’s had a ton of success getting defensive players selected in the top 100 of the draft. During his time as a defensive coordinator at Oklahoma and Clemson, Venables has had 32 players taken in the top 100 of the NFL draft. And he and his coaching staff will continue to do that with the Oklahoma Sooners in the future.

Development is the name of the game. While name, image, and likeness is a part of the college game now, for better or worse, there’s more to Oklahoma than the cash they can put in a prospect’s pockets through a NIL deal. The Crimson and Cream Collective is making headway on the NIL landscape, but the allure to coming to Oklahoma goes far beyond the bank accounts.

If NIL is the priority, perhaps Oklahoma isn’t the best fit for a kid. But if they have grander plans, like playing on Sundays, then they could do far worse than spending their collegiate career in Norman.

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Oklahoma Sooners make top 5 for JUCO OL target Keyshawn Blackstock

Oklahoma Sooners made the top five for the No. 1 JUCO interior offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock out of Coffeyville Community College. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners will have questions at three of their starting offensive line spots heading into 2023. The departures of [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag], [autotag]Wanya Morris[/autotag], and [autotag]Chris Murray[/autotag] have left opportunities for new starters that will be determined in spring and fall camps.

Though the Oklahoma Sooners have internal options, it would serve them well to attack the transfer portal and junior college ranks to create more competition.

And that’s where they stand with JUCO interior offensive line target [autotag]Keyshawn Blackstock[/autotag]. Blackstock, who played for Coffeyville Community College in 2022, released his top five Wednesday evening and included the Oklahoma Sooners.

Oklahoma is joined by premier programs from across the country, like Oregon, Michigan State, Tennessee, and USC.

Blackstone is considered a four-star prospect in the 2023 JUCO recruiting class and the No. 1 JUCO interior offensive line target in the cycle, according to 247Sports. Blackstock is 6-foot-5 and weighs 315 pounds. He was a part of an offense that averaged 27 points per game and 137.1 rushing yards per game and went 8-3 in 2022.

Oklahoma has done a good job in recent years of adding offensive line talent in a variety of ways. Three starters on the 2022 offensive line came via the transfer portal Morris, Murray, and McKade Mettauer. Could the Oklahoma Sooners go the junior college route to find a starter at guard for their 2023 squad?

Time will tell, but they’re in a favorable position with Keyshawn Blackstock. Bill Bedenbaugh has quite the track record of helping offensive linemen get into the NFL and find success.

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