Crimson Countdown: No. 27 Gavin Sawchuk
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2024 Oklahoma football season. Fans have been waiting for what feels like forever with this one. The Sooners are finally and officially joining the SEC.
The 2023 season was a rebound one for head coach Brent Venables, getting the program back to its standard. OU went 10-3 in Venables’ second season, now it’s time for year No. 3.
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. 27 Gavin Sawchuk
2023 stats: Played in 12 games and started the final seven, leading the team with 744 rushing yards on 120 carries (6.2 avg) and nine touchdowns
2024 outlook: If you take Gavin Sawchuk’s final five games as a sample size, there’s reason to think you are looking at Oklahoma’s top back heading into 2024. His final appearance last season in the Alamo Bowl, perhaps his best in a Sooner uniform, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown. He also had three receptions for 42 yards. The Sooners have been in search of a home run hitter out of the backfield and perhaps his third year in Norman brings just that.
2024 running back outlook:
The running back room is a bit of a mystery heading into 2024. Oklahoma feels great about Gavin Sawchuk, after he finished the season with five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. He’s the leader to start for OU. But after him, it’s a bit of an open competition. Junior Jovantae Barnes returns after a weird 2023 season as he battled an injury. Redshirt freshman Kalib Hicks and UT Martin transfer Sam Franklin are also competing for roles in 2024. And freshmen Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson will look to find their footing in their first year. Tatum was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2024 class and could find his way onto the field quickly.
