Crimson Countdown: No. 7 Daylan Smothers
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. 7 Daylan Smothers
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 outlook: A true freshman, Smothers has high expectations coming to Oklahoma. He was a three-star running back out of West Charlotte High School and was known for his speed. So far, Smothers has impressed in both spring practice and fall camp.
“It won’t take him too much time,” running backs coach DeMarco Murray said. “But he’s been really good since he’s been here. But again, just taking it day by day with him. He’s done a good job.”
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Smothers did miss a couple of days of practice this fall camp after returning home to North Carolina due to personal reasons. He’s back with the team now and could be a surprise contributor in 2023 in what appears to be a deep running back room.
2023 running back outlook
Oklahoma will look to replace last season’s leading rusher Eric Gray, who is now a New York Giant. OU has several options with sophomore Jovantae Barnes and redshirt freshman Gavin Sawchuk as the frontrunners to start. Barnes was Oklahoma’s backup last season, but after suffering a foot injury in spring practice, the door has opene for Sawchuk. Oklahoma also welcomes a pair of true freshman in Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks. And don’t count out redshirt senior Marcus Major, who returns for his fifth season in Norman.
