Crimson countdown: No. 11 Kobie McKinzie
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. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 11 Kobie McKinzie
2022 stats: Played in four games.
2023 outlook:
You cannot be a true freshman and start off injured and hope for big things. That’s exactly what happened with McKinzie. Injured throughout August, the 2022 season was about McKinzie working himself into shape.
Give credit to him as McKinzie actually was able to do that. He played in the final four games. So he got some experience but also got to keep the redshirt season.
For the most part, McKinzie was on special teams. Everybody, McKinzie himself, is expecting much bigger things in 2023.
He has put in the work in the strength and conditioning department. McKinzie has not been slowed down due to injuries. The inside linebacker rotation will be interesting to watch, but everybody believes McKinzie is going to have some sort of role.
2023 inside linebacker outlook
Oklahoma isn’t lacking talent at inside linebacker. But it does lack experience. Junior Danny Stutsman returns as last year’s starter at WILL linebacker, while redshirt freshman Kobie McKenzie and sophomore Jaren Kanak battle for the MIKE spot. Sophomore Kip Lewis could also be a contributor after an impressive spring. And the Sooners added a linebacker in the transfer portal in Ferris State’s Konnor Near. This group has a lot to prove in 2023 – especially Stutsman – but it does appear to have the talent and depth to find success.
