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Crimson countdown: No. 8 Jonah Laulu

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•08/25/23•

BPrzybylo

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Apr 23, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive end Jonah Laulu (8) in action during the spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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. 8 Jonah Laulu

2022 stats: 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, interception in 13 games/three starts.

2023 outlook:

Nobody really saw this coming after last season, but Laulu said the plan to move inside was there the whole time. Laulu is moving from defensive end to defensive tackle. And he has been fully committed toward the change.

Laulu said it was tough for him to fight off blocks, but he has seen the difference in the extra weight. He’s hoping to add the weight with his intelligence and speed and make something special happen.

The coaches thought enough of Laulu to invite him to Big 12 media days. It’s obvious how fired up he is about his second season in Norman.

He’s a great locker room, presence, for sure, but the Sooners need production from their interior guys. If Laulu can really bring that, it was one heck of a decision by the coaches.

2023 defensive tackle outlook

Fifth-year seniors Jordan Kelley and Isaiah Coe lead the way at defensive tackle. But Oklahoma did add a couple new guys in the transfer portal to the group in Notre Dame’s Jacob Lacey, Tennessee’s Da’Jon Terry and Texas State’s Davon Sears. Redshirt senior Jonah Laulu will also play defensive tackle this season, making the switch from defensive end. Defensive line coach Todd Bates is starting to rebuild OU’s defensive front after a lack of production last season. 

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