Crimson Countdown: No. 7 Jaren Kanak
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 Jaren Kanak
2022 stats:
Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams and in a backup role at linebacker with 24 tackles, one tackle for loss, two QB hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery
2023 outlook:
And it begins. Or so we think. It’s been hard to stay patient for the arrival of Jaren Kanak but perhaps that time has come. Spending most of his freshman season learning the linebacker position, Kanak heads into his sophomore season with an expanded role and high expectations.
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“He has such an amazing work ethic. He’s very hard on himself. He’s never satisfied. He always wants to get better. He’s got incredible humility and great toughness, so you can coach him hard. Put the time in. He’s always in the film room. He always working in the weight room and elite recovery and nutrition. He’s a gym rat. He’s always at the facility,” said Brent Venables at his season opening press conference.
It’s cliche but sky is the limit for what Kanak could turn into under Venables. There was a reason for celebration when the Hays (Kan.) native decommitted from Clemson before arriving to Norman.
2023 linebacker outlook:
The unit has taken a step off the field. How does that come together on? That’s the biggest question for the linebacker corps. Danny Stutsman led the league in tackles a season ago. While Jaren Kanak looks to be a much bigger piece of the Sooners defense. Those around the program like the progress and maturation Kobie McKinzie and Kip Lewis have much transitioning out of their freshman season. And Konnor Near, a two-time Division II All-American, arrives from Ferris State to add depth and experience to a talented linebacker room. Shane Whitter also returns following season ending shoulder surgery last year.
