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Crimson Countdown: No. 98 Hayden Bray

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•05/27/23•

BPrzybylo

Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma's Joe Jon Finley. Photo credit: Sarah Phipps - The Oklahoman.

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. 98 Hayden Bray

2022 stats: No stats.

2023 outlook: We begin the crimson countdown with an odd one only because we’ll see if Bray wears No. 98 in the fall.

We learned during the spring that Hayden Bray had moved from being a defensive lineman to a tight end and now working with Joe Jon Finley.

Because of the injuries in the room, Bray was given a lot of opportunities. You could hear how pleased Finley was with the way Bray was adjusting. If he stays at the spot, obviously, Bray won’t be wearing No. 98. It’s still the number he’s listed at today, though.

Bray has always been a team-first guy, whether it’s been at tight end or defensive lineman. Nothing should change at all regarding that attitude for Bray in 2023.

2023 tight end outlook

The tight end position will be relying on a familiar name from the past in Austin Stogner to carry the load. Joe Jon Finley has done a great job since taking over the tight end coaching position. But the challenge for 2023 will be about the group’s health. If guys like Kaden Helms and Jason Llewelyn can get and stay healthy, the room is solid. OU also added former Texas A&M tight end Blake Smith through the transfer portal and welcomes true freshman Kade McIntyre to the fold. There is potential, but the young guys will have to grow up quickly.

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