Adepoju Adebawore among top freshmen in best position for a key role in 2023
Last season the Oklahoma Sooners had several weak spots along the defense. Among the most noticeable is the area where you need to be your strongest; the defensive line.
The Sooners coaching staff attacked that weakness this offseason, bringing in transfer additions like Rondell Bothroyd and Trace Ford to help. They also made a splash in the signing of five-star EDGE Adepoju Adebawore. Adebawore is someone who has shown flashes throughout camp and just looks the part.
Bleacher Report included Adebawore among top freshmen in the best position for a key role in 2023.
Rondell Bothroyd is a transfer expected to do big things, Ethan Downs should at least begin the season with the first team, and R Mason Thomas has the most potential of any returning Sooner pass-rusher. But Adebawore is on a different athletic plain, and none of the aforementioned guys really have established themselves as can’t-miss starters. Adebawore is a relentless pursuer of quarterbacks, and while there’s going to be a learning curve, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound former 5-star who was the No. 11-ranked overall player will have a chance to prove himself right away. Look for him to be starting by the middle of the season. Venables has a reputation of developing elite edge-rushers, and Adebawore looks like the first crown jewel for the coach at his new place of employment. – Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report
Adebawore has a great chance of being a first round when it’s all said and done. He has the size and athleticism that NFL defensive coordinators covet off the edge. He’s yet to take a snap at the collegiate level, so there’s a lot of growing that has to take place. However, the early returns have been promising. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Adebawore carve out a significant role along the Sooners’ defensive line.
Adebawore is one of several new additions that have fans excited for the future. It’s now up to Adebawore and defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis to bring out the best in the five-star EDGE addition so he can live up to those expectations.
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