Gracen Halton returning to OU, another key defensive piece
Nobody really had any doubt about OU defensive tackle Gracen Halton returning, but he ended all doubts about that Thursday.
Halton became the latest prominent OU defensive player to say, yep, let’s run it back in Norman one more time in 2025.
Halton might be the example for head coach Brent Venables. A guy who has needed time to develop, and is now becoming that type of impact player.
He had 30 tackles this season, after just 21 in his first two seasons. Included in that were five sacks and two forced fumbles. And, of course, Halton had the tackle for loss for a safety in the 16-12 victory against Houston.
The pieces? They simply keep coming.
“Just we have nurtured this,” said linebacker Kobie McKinzie the day before OU’s bowl game. “We have built this relationship on defense for three years now. It’s really natural and smooth on the defensive side because there is real cohesion and brotherhood that we have together. It’s really easy.
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“I tell you he (Stutsman) left us in great shape. It’s like getting a car with one owner. It’s really, really great. Obviously, there have been some speed bumps, but it’s been great. I wouldn’t change any of it.”
Halton gives OU just a wealth of talent at the tackle spot. Damonic Williams, David Stone and Jayden Jackson had already announced they were returning.
The depth that Todd Bates has been able to build in such a short period of time has been incredible. It’s also something all OU fans were hoping to see.
The last piece, funny enough, remains that defensive coordinator. Nothing is concrete in that regard just yet although it’s clear OU feels confident and is definitely not hitting the panic button. Give it time, and everything will work itself out.
