Crimson Countdown: No. 17 Taylor Heim
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2023 Oklahoma football season. It’s the second season under head coach Brent Venables and expectations are high once again. The Sooners are looking to rebound from the uncharacteristic 6-7 season in 2022.
Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 17 Taylor Heim
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 outlook: A true freshman from Bethany, Okla., Heim arrives in Norman as a versatile player and late addition to the 2023 class. Heim, a three-star prospect and the 15th-best ranked player in the state in 2023, played both tight end and linebacker at Bethany High School. Right now, a few months into his career at Oklahoma, he’s playing linebacker and could be a contributor on special teams.
“Taylor Heim, Lewis Carter, Phil Picciotti. We didn’t have any of those guys a year ago,” coach Brent Venables said. “Now those guys are competing for some playing time.”
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Heim will likely redshirt this season. But at 6-foot-6, 202 pounds he has the frame to really help Oklahoma in the future. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if he helps at tight end at some point in his career, too, as OU doesn’t have much depth at tight end currently.
2023 inside linebacker outlook
Oklahoma isn’t lacking talent at inside linebacker. But it does lack experience. Junior Danny Stutsman returns as last year’s starter at WILL linebacker, while redshirt freshman Kobie McKenzie and sophomore Jaren Kanak battle for the MIKE spot. Sophomore Kip Lewis could also be a contributor after an impressive spring. And the Sooners added a linebacker in the transfer portal in Ferris State’s Konnor Near. This group has a lot to prove in 2023 – especially Stutsman – but it does appear to have the talent and depth to find success.
