5 freshmen 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 Jackson Arnold, safety Peyton Bowen and edge Adepoju Adebawore.
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.
Jaquaize Pettaway, WR
Cypress (Texas) Langham Creek 4 ⭐️ WR Jaquaize Pettaway with a SPECTACULAR grab for the score.
The Oklahoma commit is one of the more acrobatic pass-catchers in the country.
(video via @Texan_Live, @ChasingSnyder on the call)@SoonerScoop | #TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/sIww4lZbH6
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) October 14, 2022
With the loss of Marvin Mims, the Sooners are dying to have someone step up and be that No. 1 target. It’s unclear if Jaquaize Pettaway can be that guy, but he can be a big-time deep threat for the team.
Jeff Lebby’s offense is at its best when it has guys who can stretch the field to open the short and intermediate passing game.
That’s the kind of guy Pettaway can definitely be.
Cayden Green, OL
The offensive line must replace three starters. This offseason, several possible replacements were battling injuries.
That gave Cayden Green valuable reps, and from everything that’s been reported, he made the most of them.
He can play tackle or guard. If Oklahoma wants to get where it hopes, he needs to take over McKade Mettauer’s starting guard spot.
That’s something he has the ability to do; he just has to put it all together.
Adepoju Adebawore, DE
You will not find another person on this roster with the ability Adepoju “PJ” Adebawore possesses.
He is a freak athlete and should make an immediate impact from Day 1. Come season’s end, he should be starting at one of the defensive end positions. If not a starter, he should be a significant part of the defensive end rotation.
I think he could be a freshman All-American and could battle for an All-Big 12 spot if everything comes together for him. He has that special ability.
Peyton Bowen, S
Another one of those five stars is Peyton Bowen. The safety position is filled with depth and experience heading into 2023.
Typically, it would be a challenge for a freshman to crack the rotation, but not Bowen. He’s special. You could see it by watching his tape and then he doubled down on the tape with his incredible interception in the spring game.
He’s a player Oklahoma just hasn’t had in a long time in the secondary. He gives off Earl Thomas vibes with the way he covers the field.
The upperclassman will be able to hold him off for a little while, but he’s coming and ready to take over.
Jasiah Wagoner, CB
This last spot was tough. Jackson Arnold could have been the choice, but I don’t see him playing much with Dillon Gabriel still on the team.
I’m a big fan of Makari Vickers, but I’m not sure if he makes much of an impact this season.
One guy you continue to hear rave reviews about is Jasiah Wagoner. He’s a really good athlete and has great ball skills.
He plays with an edge and even though it was only a spring game, he didn’t look overmatched.
He has the potential to contend for a starting spot opposite Woodi Washington. At the least, he should be a rotation player this season who could be featured in the slot.
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