Crimson Countdown: No. 30 Trace Ford
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. 30 Trace Ford
2023 Stats: 18 tackles (seven solo), 3.5 tackles for loss (seven yards), one interception (26-yard return), and three pass break-ups.
2024 Outlook: Trace Ford was one of the interesting stories of the 2023 preseason. Though it wasn’t quite the explosive moment that some had hoped for there’s reason to think that in his second year back at full speed Ford could regain some of his prior form.
Ford is an explosive edge rusher that can help the Sooners create consistent pass rush even if the starters aren’t on the field. If Ford can show consistency and the ability to impact the passing game he could be very meaningful for the Sooners.
2024 Defensive End Outlook:
OU has a good mix of experience and talent at the defensive end position in 2024. The old guys for the Sooners are Ethan Downs, Trace Ford and Miami Ohio transfer Caiden Woullard. Downs is the unquestioned leader of the group, entering his fourth and final season for OU. But OU does have a host of young guys looking to contribute and possibly start. R Mason Thomas and PJ Adebawore both feel like players who could have breakout seasons in Norman. And freshmen Nigel Smith and Danny Okoye are hoping to find some sort role in 2024.
