It is 97 days until college football kicks off the season (at time of publishing). In continuing the series until the season officially gets underway, we look at number 97.
Countdown to Texas Football: Greatest 99 and 98 in Longhorns history https://t.co/044j0VljX0
— Longhorns Wire (@LonghornsWire) May 30, 2020
The best Longhorn to wear 97
Frank Okam, Defensive Tackle (2004-07)
Okam was a two-sport star in high school out of Lake Highlands before joining the Texas Longhorns. He chose the Longhorns over offers from Florida, Oklahoma and Stanford. He appeared in 48 games over the span of four years with 95 tackles, 45 of which were solo tackles. His freshman season earned him All-American honors from the Sporting News. Yet another member of the 2005-06 BCS National Champions to make the list.
His senior year was the best one from a production standpoint. Okam racked up five sacks, 36 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four passes defended and one forced fumble. He would make his way to the NFL as a fifth round draft choice of the Houston Texans. He finished his collegiate career with two second-team All-Big 12 honors, honorable mention in 2006. He went into coaching after his professional career ended in 2013.
Frank Okam is currently the assistant defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers. He joined Matt Rhules’ staff after two years with him at Baylor in the same role. Okam was rumored to be in the mix to join the Longhorns in a defensive line assistant coach position before ultimately heading to the NFL.
Frank Okam was the best Longhorn to wear number 97.
Patrick Bayouth currently wears number 97 for the Longhorns.