Crimson Countdown: No. 64 Joshua Bates
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. 64 Joshua Bates
2023 stats: Redshirted, played in one game.
2024 outlook:
Bates didn’t get a welcome to OU moment during his true freshman season, playing in just the season opener. However, he definitely experienced it in the spring.
After Troy Everett went down, Bates was asked to be the guy. Asked to be the guy and a chance to show everybody what he can really do.
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The Sooners added Branson Hickman in the post-spring portal, so it’s a message to Bates to keep working. We all know about competitive depth for Venables and this was another sign.
Venables said he was pleased with the development of Bates during the spring. And OU loves his mentality. He did what he could to set himself apart, now we’ll see what that means for Bates’ present and his future.
2024 interior offensive line outlook
While the offensive line is a concern for the Sooners, the interior might be its biggest strength. Transfers lead the way, with North Texas’ Febechi Nwaiwu who is expected to start at right guard and SMU’s Branson Hickman who is expected to start at center. At left guard, Jacob Sexton and Heath Ozaeta are battling for the spot, along with Washington transfer Geirean Hatchett. Freshmen Eugene Brooks, Daniel Akinkunmi and Eddy Pierre-Louis are all pushing for playing time in 2024.
