Crimson Countdown: No. 82 Gavin Freeman
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. 82 Gavin Freeman
2022 stats: Seven carries for 71 yards and one touchdown along with three receptions for 46 yards.
2023 outlook: It took very little time for Freeman to go from being ‘another’ walk-on to showing Oklahoma fans just what he was capable of. In fact, in the Sooners season-opener Freeman went 46-yards for a touchdown on his first collegiate touch.
Even before that the buzz about Freeman had been that Oklahoma stole a player capable of making plays in many ways.
Going into 2023 with the Sooners needing more big-plays on the outside perhaps Freeman deserves more consideration for that role. Freeman combines the speed to make big plays and the toughness to pick up yards Oklahoma may need late in games.
Freeman is a player that could factor into both the ground and passing game in Jeff Lebby‘s field-wide attack. Beyond his ability at receiver don’t be surprised if his ability as a return man is highlighted in 2023.
2023 Wide Receiver Outlook
Wide receiver is the biggest question mark for the Oklahoma offense heading into 2023. Marvin Mims, who led OU in receiving the last three seasons, is gone and the Sooners are searching for a new playmaker. Junior Jalil Farooq is the assumed replacement as OU’s second leading receiver in 2022. But there’s a host of unproven talent in the mix too, including Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony, redshirt junior LV Bunkley-Shelton and redshirt freshman Nic Anderson, among others. New receivers coach Emmett Jones will have his hands full with the group, as the expectations are high.
