Crimson Countdown: No. 7 Jaren Kanak
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. 7 Jaren Kanak
2023 stats: Played in 13 games, started nine, 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, forced fumble.
2024 outlook:
A very interesting season coming up for Kanak. He has had some ups and downs in the first two years in Norman. And now we’re wondering is he still a first-team guy?
Kanak is still a team-first guy, for sure. But as we’ve seen other linebackers come in and grow and develop, it’s hard to know if Kanak is still the answer.
We know he has a role on special teams. However, Kanak is going to want more. There are a lot of critics about whether he can be a legitimate force at inside linebacker in a clutch moment. Will Kanak be able to answer those questions?
2024 inside linebacker outlook
The linebacker is stacked for the Sooners in 2024. Senior Danny Stutsman leads the way for Oklahoma, after he chose to stay one more year. Next to Stutsman are a host of guys, including Kip Lewis, Jaren Kanak and Kobie McKinzie, among others. All are fighting for playing time in 2024, including sophomores Lewis Carter and Samuel Omosigho, who were impressive in the spring and could start for Oklahoma next season. Dasan McCullough has also entered the mix, moving to inside linebacker.
