Crimson countdown: No. 2 Billy Bowman
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. 2 Billy Bowman
2022 stats: 61 tackles, three interceptions, forced fumble/recovery.
2023 outlook:
Oh man, this feels like the year for Bowman. You can hear it in his voice. You can hear it in the way coaches and teammates are talking about him.
OU needs Bowman to stay healthy, but he’s going to play both roles as safety and kick returner. He was one of the few guys you could count on last year to make plays. Nothing should change in that regard, but he’s hoping there’ll be a few more with him.
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It feels like he’s taking command of that safety room, which is exactly what the Sooners needed to see happen. He’s not the biggest safety, but he can be dynamic, especially with his natural instincts to find the ball.
It would surprise nobody if Bowman ends being an all-conference type of player.
2023 safety outlook
Oklahoma welcomes a couple newcomers at safety, with the additions of Texas Tech transfer Reggie Pearson and five-star true freshman Peyton Bowen. Pearson is expected to be an immediate contributor, starting at Texas Tech the past two seasons. But Bowen could find himself on the field early in his career, as he’s already proven he’s an elite talent. Junior Billy Bowman is expected to start again this season, after starting 16 games the past two seasons. Senior Key Lawrence also returns, having started eight games the past two seasons, but will have to battle Pearson, Bowman and others for a starting spot.
