Tag: Peyton Bowen

Oklahoma freshman Peyton Bowen poised for a strong 2023 season

Peyton Bowen starting to settle in just a few weeks before the season starts.

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.”

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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Oklahoma makes top 10 for elite 2025 cornerback

The Oklahoma Sooners got more good recruiting news but as history tells us, this won’t be a battle that ends anytime soon.

It is never too early to start preparing for the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag]. We’ve already seen the Oklahoma Sooners land several commitments and could be landing more in the coming weeks.

Some more good news came out on Thursday as five-star cornerback and top 10 player in the nation [autotag]Devin Sanchez[/autotag] released his top 10. The Sooners made his top 10 list and seem to be in a pretty good spot in his recruitment.

The Sooners are joined in his top by the Michigan Wolverines], Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans, Florida State Seminoles, Oregon Ducks, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. There is still a lot of ways to go, and they’ll have to fight off some elite programs but [autotag]Jay Valai[/autotag] hopes to be able to build that relationship and get the job done.

The Houston, Tx native is obviously a highly touted player. He would be an elite addition to a secondary that already has five-star [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] at safety. There’s no doubt a good season could go a long way in helping land Sanchez when it’s all said and done.

Devin Sanchez’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • 100% Texas on Rivals
  • 30% Alabama on On3

Film

Hudl

Sooners five-star freshmen carry some of best traits in the 2023 class

Jackson Arnold, Peyton Bowen, and Adepoju Adebawore carry some of the best traits in the 2023 class according to ESPN.

Anytime you land five-star recruits, the eyes of the fan base immediately open wide with excitement. Oklahoma landed three five-star recruits in the last recruiting cycle, powering it to a top-five recruiting class in the country.

As fall camp begins this week, high expectations surround the Sooners’ three five-star prospects, [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] and [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag].

ESPN took a look at which of the 2023 signees (ESPN+) had the best traits at each position and OU’s five-star additions were included.

Arnold was considered the most accurate passer among the 2023 quarterbacks.

Arnold’s accuracy is the result of great footwork, balance and a compact delivery. He also has some of the best awareness in this class and doesn’t force throws. He threw for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns against just two interceptions as a senior while completing nearly 70% of those passes. Following a successful spring in which he became more comfortable with the playbook, Arnold enters the season at No. 2 for the Sooners behind starter Dillon Gabriel. — ESPN’s Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker

It’s that accuracy and playmaking ability that has Sooner fans hyped for what the future holds at quarterback. The Elite 11 MVP has incredible downfield accuracy that will blend well with Jeff Lebby’s vertical passing scheme.

Next is Adebawore who was listed as the best speed off of the edge.

From his elite length (84-inch wingspan) to his flexibility and change of direction (7.35 L-drill), Adebawore brings so many desired traits for an elite pass-rusher. It all starts with his initial explosiveness and ability to attack upfield with speed. As he continues to fill out and develop his pass-rushing arsenal, he will only become more difficult to contain. – Haubert and Tucker

Let’s be real, Oklahoma just hasn’t had someone like Adebawore on the defensive line in a long time. That speed off the edge was on full display at the spring game. The Sooners need to improve their pass rush. If Adebawore can earn some snaps, he’ll add juice to a defensive end rotation that needs to be better than it was a year ago.

Last is Bowen, who ESPN believes has the best deep-field range of any true freshman in 2023.

Bowen has clocked a laser verified 4.5-second 40-yard dash and a near 22 mph in pads. He quickly gets off the hash and on top of deep routes for big pass breakups and interceptions. His range is aided by great timing and angles on his pass breaks. He excels in the center field role roaming, reading and reacting with great speed and range. His football knowledge complements his physical skills and should lead to this true freshman earning playing time this season. — Haubert and Tucker

Every time I watch Bowen play, I immediately think of Earl Thomas with the way he covers the field. He is just elite, and, as Sooner fans saw at the spring game, has the ball skills to make the play when he gets there.

It’s unclear what role all three will have this season. Adebawore and Bowen should play early and often, whereas if all things go well, Arnold will probably sit and learn behind Gabriel.

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5 storylines to follow as the Oklahoma Sooners get set to open fall camp

As the Oklahoma Sooners get set to open fall camp, here are five storylines to follow ahead of the 2023 season.

You can taste it. We are so close to the start of the 2023 college football season.

Some teams that will play in Week 0 have already started fall practice. For everyone else, such as the Oklahoma Sooners, they start this week. The first event on the horizon is OU football media days on Tuesday.

The summer is filled with official visits and major recruiting events. The Sooners just concluded their summer recruiting efforts with “Sooners under the Stars” and “Party at the Palace.” They’ve put a good foot forward and have already reaped the rewards of their efforts.

But the dead period starts Tuesday, so it’s time for these teams to lock in and get ready for the season.

Oklahoma kicks off fall camp on Thursday and there are a number of storylines to look for. Whether that’s position battles or progress from players from a year ago, we’ll have you covered throughout camp here on Sooners Wire.

So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the five storylines I’m looking for this fall camp.

One question for each position group ahead of Oklahoma Sooners’ fall camp

With fall camp right around the corner, here’s one question for each position group that the Oklahoma Sooners must answer before the season.

Big 12 media days are in the rearview mirror, which means fall camp is right around the corner ahead of the 2023 college football season.

The Oklahoma Sooners, like every team in college football, head into the season with question marks at a few positions. Even at positions where there are returning starters, there are certainly questions worth asking.

So as we get ready for the start of the 2023 college football season with fall camp coming in a couple of weeks, here is one question for each position group the Oklahoma Sooners must answer if they want to contend for the Big 12 title in 2023.

Jonah Laulu taking on leadership role amid move to defensive tackle

Oklahoma’s Jonah Laulu disccused his new role moving to DT from EDGE and guys he’s got his eye on for 2023.

To say Oklahoma lost a lot heading into last season is an understatement. Yes, Lincoln Riley’s departure was tough to swallow. Still, the players that departed for the draft or the transfer portal put a massive dent in the talent pool Oklahoma had to work with heading into last season.

One of the players Oklahoma brought in via the portal was Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu, a seasoned defender who spent four years at Hawaii. He came to Oklahoma with two years of eligibility, and his first year saw him as a staple in Oklahoma’s EDGE rotation.

He played in every game and made starts against Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl. He totaled 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, and two QB hurries.

It wasn’t an earth-shattering performance by any means, but Laulu, like many of his peers who decided to return for 2023, knew they had to improve this year. For one of the worst defenses in recent Oklahoma memory, that just won’t cut it, especially with a defensive wizard at the head coach like Brent Venables.

Laulu fully bought in this offseason to the culture change and commitment to turning OU around defensively and accepted a position change to play along the defensive interior instead of just inside. To do that, Laulu added over 30 pounds in size. As Oklahoma prepares for fall camp, the former Hawaii transfer has gone from 260 pounds to 293 pounds.

At Big 12 Media Days, Laulu discussed how the position change came about, his motivation, and his overall thoughts. Laulu spoke about being in a leadership position and how he got there.

“I think it’s because of how well I took on the position change,” Laulu shared. “Because some people would kind of refuse it at first, and they wouldn’t want to change that position because you don’t want to let go with being on the edge. I mean, I just wanted to do what I needed to do to help this team be the best that they can be. So whatever I have to do, I’ll do it.”

Laulu continued and shared when the decision came that, he would move inside.

“We knew I was going to play DT before the season started last year,”  Laulu said. “So in fall camp, when we were maybe like little bit halfway through camp, my coach, Coach Chavis came up and talking to us, like, ‘We noticed that your movements on the inside,’ or ‘you look so natural,’ and ‘you’re way more comfortable on the interior. And, you know, we probably think about putting you on the interior next season.’ Putting me with Coach Bates. I’ll do whatever it takes. For this team to win. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Laulu’s ability to buy in is the core tenet of what Brent Venables and the rest of his staff have talked about in full regarding the shift in mindset and accountability needed for Oklahoma not just to be better this year but to compete for a Big 12 title.

He represents the type of buy-in Oklahoma needs, especially on defense, where accountability and a willingness to do the hard and gritty work. The stuff that may go unnoticed by the general audience resonates with the coaches and his teammates and permeates the rest of the locker room.

As one of their leaders on the defense, Oklahoma looks well-equipped to be better this year. Jonah also shared some names he thinks are primed for a breakout year or that the Sooner fans need to know about defensively.

“I’d say R Mason Thomas,” Laulu said. “He’s actually living with me right now. I mean, if you’re watching this defense, look out for Mason. He’s a great player. His ability to use his quickness, and his quick twitch and his high motor.”

Laulu also mentioned sophomore Gracen Halton, true freshman Ashton Sanders, and former five-star safety Peyton Bowen. As for some older guys, Laulu mentioned transfers Phil Paea and Da’Jon Terry are slowly acclimating themselves, learning the playbook, and trying to fit in amongst the rest of the guys.

Oklahoma should be well positioned to be better on defense next season simply due to more familiarity in the scheme, another year under strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt, and a massive infusion of talent from the transfer portal and their freshman class. Guys like Laulu will need to lead the charge, having been in the fire of the Big 12 schedule and knowing what it feels like to struggle. Leaning on that experience could help Oklahoma reach the top of the Big 12 mountain in their final year in the league.

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Peyton Bowen among freshmen expected to be a factor in 2023 per On3

On3’s Matt Zenitz believes Oklahoma five-star freshman Peyton Bowen will be a factor for the Sooners in 2023.

The Oklahoma Sooners reeled in three five-star commitments in the 2023 recruiting class. [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], [autotag]P.J. Adebawore[/autotag], and [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] are all expected to have bright futures within the program.

Bowen was among 10 freshmen that On3’s Matt Zenitz believes will be a factor in 2023.

Some of the feedback that continues to come up in conversations about Bowen is that “he’s a true football player,” that he “makes it look easy” and that he continues to stand out with “his understanding of the game and how fast he plays.” He capped spring ball with an interception off of starting QB Dillon Gabriel in Oklahoma’s spring game. – On3’s Matt Zenitz

If the spring game can translate to the regular season, Oklahoma has someone who will see the field and will see it often in 2023.

Bowen has great instincts, cover skills, and ball skills. He’s someone Oklahoma just hasn’t had in the secondary in a long time.

It’s impressive for a true freshman to come in and make an impact, but it’s even more impressive given the safety position might be the deepest of the depth chart. Bowen will be competing for snaps alongside Billy Bowman, Key Lawrence, Reggie Pearson, and Robert Spears-Jennings. Bowman, Lawrence, and Pearson are experienced players who will provide a veteran presence to the Sooners’ secondary. Spears-Jennings is still looking to breakout, but he flashed in limited opportunities as a true freshman.

As long as Billy Bowman comes back in 2024 and Bowen lives up to the hype, that would be an incredible safety duo to take into the SEC.

It’s interesting not to see Adebawore on the list. I think Bowen will factor in, but the defensive end position is wide open. Adebawore will have plenty of opportunities to play and make an impact.

Now, playing on the defensive line is very hard as a true freshman because they aren’t typically ready for the physical grind. However, Adebawore is definitely someone who will be a factor. He’s got the athleticism and enough size to be disruptive as a pass rusher in a rotational role.

With Bowen and Adebawore, Oklahoma’s defense looks to have a bright future. If things go well, that future could be now for the Sooners.

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Safeties bring the most depth to the Oklahoma Sooners’ roster

Heading into 2023, the safety position arguably has the most depth of any other on the Sooners roster.

Last season the safety position was filled with inexperience. [autotag]Patrick Fields[/autotag] and [autotag]Delarrin Turner-Yell[/autotag] were gone after starting the previous three seasons.

Billy Bowman played some in a rotational role as a true freshman, but it has been a rocky couple of years in Norman. [autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag] and [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag] had experience but were mainly role players.

This upcoming season the safety position arguably has the most depth of any on the Sooners’ roster. Lawrence and Bowman are back. They then added [autotag]Reggie Pearson Jr.[/autotag] who started at Texas Tech.

[autotag]Robert Spears-Jennings[/autotag] is also back this year after playing some as a true freshman last season. He’s been injured this offseason but is expected to be good to go by the start of the regular season.

Then the Sooners added five-star [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag]. If you read our article on the five freshmen who could make an immediate impact, you’ll see why he will factor into the safety room.

All in all, this room is the one with a ton of depth and talent. It could be the best position group on the team. The secondary as a whole could be very good in 2023.

Now, they’ll only be as good as their pass rush allows them to be. If the Sooners don’t get pressure on the quarterback, you could put Deion Sanders back there, and it won’t matter. Given enough time, wide receivers get open.

They have to work together as a team but if they do, this defense should see a ton of improvement in 2023.

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5 freshmen who could make an immediate impact for the Oklahoma Sooners

The five-stars weren’t the only ones in this star-studded class who could make an immediate impact for the Oklahoma Sooners.

The 2023 recruiting class was special. It was the fourth-ranked class in the country, which, after the team went 6-7, is unreal.

The Sooners signed three five-star recruits: quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], safety [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag] and edge [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag].

But they weren’t the only players in this star-studded class, and some of the rest could make an immediate impact. This was one of the more balanced classes in recent memory.

If Oklahoma has the season many people believe it could have, it’s going to be up to some of these freshmen to step up and become the players the coaching staff thinks they can become.

Sooners make top five for elite 4-star linebacker 

One person who won’t be at the Champ U BBQ but is expected to arrive on June 19th is 4-star linebacker from Jasper, Texas, Tyanthony Smith.

ChampU BBQ weekend is underway. One person who won’t be at the BBQ but is expected to arrive on June 19th is a four-star linebacker from Jasper, Texas, Tyanthony Smith.

On Thursday, he released his top five, which included the Sooners along with the Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Texas A&M Aggies.

One reason the Sooners have been in contention for Smith is because of Brent Venables. Smith has talked about his expertise on that side of the ball and specifically his success with linebackers.

“The player meeting had three different coaches talking about their defense, their run schemes, how they disguise things, how basically they’d use me and my versatility,” Smith told On3’s Sam Spiegelman on Feb. 10. “Coach Venables is a defensive-minded guy, and I belong with a good defensive-minded coach. It’s good to learn from those types of guys. In the meetings breaking it down, I’d blitz on one play and drop in coverage the next. It’s constant, too.”

 

He told Rivals (subscription required), “Coach Venables is a defensive-minded man. He got the most Butkus Award winners, his defense shows some versatility, and he’s coached guys like Isaiah Simmons,” Smith said. “Almost every guy (on staff) up there played linebacker.”

That’s high praise for the Sooners’ head man, but this is going to be a battle.

According to On3 Sports, Texas and Texas A&M are the favorites to land Smith. But as we found out just last year, this isn’t over until the pen has hit the paper.

Well, it’s actually not over until the pen has hit the paper and the paperwork has been submitted; see [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag]’s recruitment.

Smith has already made his trip to College Station, he’ll be at USC today, and then in Norman Monday before heading to Austin on Wednesday.

It would have been nice to get him around the guys on ChampU BBQ weekend, but the Sooners at least have a puncher’s chance. At least this way can put a lot more focus on just Smith during his official visit.

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