In Case You Missed It: The names, the stories of OU preseason camp

OU game week is here. But if you follow the Sooners, sure you already know that. The last month has been a ride with preseason camp.

A lot of good, some bad (like losing Jayden Gibson). But Team 130 is here for head coach Brent Venables, and it’s time for Temple on Friday night.

A refresher for SoonerScoop subscribers of who made some waves. And if you’re new to the site, well, welcome. Enjoy the ride.

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ICYMI: OU camp

Damonic Williams

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/inspired-by-his-moms-perseverance-damonic-williams-continues-to-chase-football-dreams-at-ou/

There is no doubt OU is looking for Damonic Williams to be a beast on the field. The only thing that might be better? The perseverance his mother has shown in getting Damonic to this spot. (George Stoia)

Jake Roberts

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/jake-roberts-excited-to-be-reunited-with-seth-littrell-at-ou/

There are plenty of reunions when you’re talking the 2024 version of OU. A huge one is tight end Jake Roberts reconnecting with offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Roberts was his best self under Littrell at North Texas. If anybody can give you a glimpse into Littrell, it’s the Norman native. (Stoia)

Adepoju Adebawore

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/discipline-a-key-for-ou-defensive-end-pj-adebawore/

Everybody knew the goal for OU defensive end Adepoju Adebawore was to get bigger, pack on the pounds. But that can be easier said than done for some guys. And it isn’t as fun as it might seem, too. Adebawore said it was all about discipline helping him get there. (Bob Przybylo)

JJ Hester

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/door-finally-open-for-ou-wide-receiver-j-j-hester/

Not one person in the OU program wanted Jayden Gibson to be injured for the season. But you have to look for silver linings. And if you want one? JJ Hester, finally healthy after all these years, could be just that. Now it’s his time to shine. (Przybylo)

Jackson Arnold

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/there-is-no-qb-controversy-in-norman-as-jackson-arnold-continues-to-progress-as-starter/

How’s about we pump the brakes on the ‘struggles’ of quarterback Jackson Arnold? Nobody inside the program is worried about how Arnold is developing. He bounced back strong in the second half of camp. It’s time for QB1 to shine. (Stoia)

Kani Walker

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/kani-walker-making-waves-in-ou-cornerback-room/

The message all camp was this is the deepest cornerback room OU has had under Venables. Anchoring that line of thought has been Kani Walker. Venables said Walker has put together his most consistent set of months since the end of 2023. Just how good can this room be? (Przybylo)

Jovantae Barnes & Gavin Sawchuk

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/ou-running-back-room-rounding-into-form/

You might not be able to say one without the other. The OU running back room looks like it will be a step up from last season. The big reason? The health of Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes. Physically, mentally, they’re the guys. It’s their room. Let’s go. (Przybylo)

Defensive line

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/ou-defensive-line-making-the-necessary-strides/

Trenches, the big uglies, it will tell the story of OU in 2024 and the SEC. The good news? Sounds like there were a lot of strides made from the OU defensive line. Guys rising to the occasion and getting to the depth numbers they need to be. (Przybylo)

Robert Spears-Jennings

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/light-bulb-is-on-for-ou-safety-robert-spears-jennings/

You want someone whose stock is going through the roof? Try OU safety Robert Spears-Jennings. He became a starter late in the 2023 season and never looked back. RSJ has come a long way in a short period of time. He is going to make an impact this season. (Przybylo)

Gracen Halton

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/ou-defensive-tackle-gracen-halton-asserting-himself/

OU cannot just have one dominant defensive tackle. It does not work that way in the SEC. Here comes Gracen Halton. In year No. 3 in the program, everything is lining up for Halton to become more just a bit player at tackle. (Przybylo)

Special Teams

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/brent-venables-says-ou-kicking-competition-is-still-a-battle/

OU fans want to see Doug Deakin work his magic. The special teams have to be ready. Kicking, punting, returning – across the board. We got an idea of where things were standing at the spots as camp was wrapping up. (Stoia)

Seth Littrell

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/why-some-of-college-footballs-best-offensive-minds-believe-seth-littrell-will-excel-at-oklahoma/

Don’t know too much about Seth Littrell? Let Stoia take you on a journey of journeys as to how Littrell got to be who he is and what to expect as the OU offensive coordinator. It was a long path back home to OU, but it was worth it for all involved. (Stoia)

Depth Chart

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/news/ou-week-1-depth-chart-hello-jayden-jackson/

Surprise, surprise. The Week 1 depth chart released Sunday evening. Jayden Jackson is a starter? We know who the kick returners are going to be. Enjoy the ORs, where it’s not always a bad thing. Football is almost here. (Przybylo)

Five-Star OT Michael Fasusi commits to OU

And let recruiting editor Josh McCuistion take you on the ride that was in Fasusi committing to OU last week.