Crimson Countdown: No. 29 Casen Calmus
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. 29 Casen Calmus
2022 stats: NA
2023 outlook: The son of former Oklahoma Butkus Award winner Rocky Calmus, Casen Calmus joins Oklahoma’s roster as a preferred walk-on defensive back. Calmus played linebacker at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, totaling nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, 14 punt returns for 102 yards, and totaled 24 tackles, seven pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception, which he returned for a 63-yard touchdown.
Calmus’ dad, Rocky, was an all-time great linebacker for the Sooners from 1999-2001, playing under coach Brent Venables, who was the defensive coordinator then. Rocky helped Oklahoma win the 2000 national title and winning the Butkus Award in 2001 as the nation’s top linebacker. It’s safe to say Calmus has a lot to live up to in Norman.
2023 cornerback/nickel outlook
Oklahoma returns one of its most veteran defensive starters in redshirt senior Woodi Washington. But across from Washington will be one of the more anticipated position battles of fall camp. Sophomore Gentry Williams and JUCO transfer Kendel Dolby appear to be the frontrunenrs for the job. But true freshmen Jasiah Wagoner and Makari Vickers were impressive in the spring and could fight for the opening. Cornerbacks coach Jay Valai has done a nice job retooling that room after the departures of CJ Colden and Jaden Davis.
