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NORMAN — OU enters the 2024 season in transition.
The 16th-ranked Sooners move into a new conference, debuts new coordinators on both sides of the ball and Jackson Arnold takes over at quarterback.
Arnold is obvious, but who else joins the sophomore as the most important players on OU’s roster.
Before the season opener, set for 6 p.m. Friday against Temple at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, here’s a look at the 10 most important players to a successful Sooners season:
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10. Gavin Sawchuk, RB
OU running back Gavin Sawchuk (27) scores a touchdown past BYU linebacker AJ Vongphachanh (10) last season at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Sawchuk came on strong last season after struggling through injury early. He recorded five consecutive 100-plus yard games to end the season. With Arnold settling into the quarterback spot and the Sooners’ offensive line in transition, he will be particularly important. While Jovantae Barnes will be a significant factor in the running game, Sawchuk’s power figures to make him the biggest factor in the run game.
9. Tyler Keltner, K
Keltner technically is listed as the co-starter at kicker with Zach Schmit, but Brent Venables has said the Florida State transfer will begin the season as the primary field-goal kicker after Schmit struggled in the role last season. With seven of OU’s 10 losses under Venables coming by a touchdown or less — five by a field goal — the ability to consistently convert field goals could be the difference between a successful season and a dreadful one.
8. Deion Burks, WR
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Deion Burks signs a helmet for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day for the University of Oklahoma football team at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-ou-footballs-10-most-045758880.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-08-28 04:57:58
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