Crimson countdown: No. 88 Jordan Kelley
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. 98 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson countdown: No. 88 Jordan Kelley
2022 stats: 24 tackles, three sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery.
2023 outlook: Leadership. This is the year for Kelley to become the anchor of the defensive tackle group. That goes in the locker room, but it absolutely has to be that way on the field, too.
Kelley seemed to really be putting it together toward the latter half of the season. He appeared to be getting more and more comfortable with defensive tackles coach Todd Bates.
Not sure Kelley is ever going to be a dynamic game-changer, but he plays his role well. He knows his assignments. Kelley has made some nice plays in the past, but even more consistency would go a long way for the Sooners and the tackle group.
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OU was very aggressive in the transfer portal at defensive tackle, which should allow for a couple of things. Obviously, healthy competition stands out. But it should also let those guys play as hard as they can when they’re out there.
Kelley should absolutely begin the 2023 season as a starter, and we’ll see what he can do with the rest of his guys. OU needs this group to a lot more disruptive and able to dominate in the trenches.
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 and Texas State’s Davon Sears. Redshirt senior Jonah Laulu will also play defensive tackle this season, making the switch from defensive end. And true freshman Derrick LeBlanc will look to make an immediate impact in his first season. Defensive line coach Todd Bates is starting to rebuild OU’s defensive front after a lack of production last season.
