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NORMAN — Jaren Kanak never thought about leaving.
Despite never finding a regular role in Brent Venables’ defense, Kanak couldn’t picture playing college football anywhere other than for OU and under another coach besides Venables.
“I’ve given so much to this program and built these relationships for three years now,” Kanak said Monday. “I just have such tight ties and such a deep love for what it means to be a Sooner, what it means to play football here, and just the process and this whole staff.
“It’s something they’re losing touch of in college football that is kind of unfortunate. But there’s a real culture here. There’s a real want and a grittiness to win and do all the things the right way. … I love that (expletive). I couldn’t even think about going anywhere else. I’d be here for free.”
So after last season, during his exit interview with Venables and then-defensive coordinator Zac Alley, Kanak brought up the possibility of moving to tight end.
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Oklahoma linebacker Jaren Kanak (7) scoops up a fumbled punt return and runs the ball for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA football game between Oklahoma (OU) and Temple at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
That possibility has come to reality as Kanak has moved from linebacker to tight end.
Kanak had been contemplating the move last season, when he played just 92 defensive snaps.
He signed with the Sooners in the 2022 class, the only Clemson commit that switched to OU after Venables was brought aboard.
He hadn’t played linebacker in high school but plenty of coaches projected him there.
But he never quite found a home on the defensive side, though he started the first nine games in 2023.
“Never…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jaren-kanak-shows-love-ou-104606348.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2025-03-12 10:46:00
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