7. Which of Oklahoma’s freshmen are the best bets to see the field early and make an impact?
Green: “It has to start with David Stone, the five-star defensive tackle who was ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder impressed at the Under Armour All-America event and the Polynesian Bowl, and he’s already on campus as an early enrollee, so he’s going to get a head start going through spring. The opportunity should be there for him to see the field early, and he has the skillset and frame to make an impact in Year 1. Some of those other defensive line signees, like Danny Okoye, Nigel Smith and Jayden Jackson should also have an opportunity to see the field early.
“Offensively, I wouldn’t be surprised if Eugene Brooks works his way into the mix on the offensive line. It might not happen immediately, but he’s someone whose game could translate to some Year 1 opportunities at a position that typically takes time to develop. I’d also keep an eye on Taylor Tatum, the No. 1 running back in the class. Oklahoma has some depth in the backfield, so it could be hard to earn reps early on, but Tatum’s skillset is undeniable.”
