Crimson Countdown: No. 14 Reggie Grimes
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. 14 Reggie Grimes
2022 stats: 19 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
2023 outlook: Grimes enters his senior season in an interesting spot. He started 10 games for the Sooners in 2022 and had a great start to the season, with four sacks in the first three games. But Grimes’ production dipped after that. By season’s end, he didn’t start the final two games of the year. His 4.5 sacks were tied for the most on the team in 2022.
Oklahoma brought in a handful of transfers at defensive end, which means Grimes’ playing time could decrease this season. But at 6-foot-4, 274 pounds, Grimes still looks the part and has the physical tools to be a special player for the Sooners. For Grimes, it’s just about consistency and taking advantage of the opportunities thrown his way. He was able to do that early last season but was unable to sustain it. He’s hopeful this year will be different.
2023 defensive end outlook
The Sooners made several additions to the defensive end room following the 2022 season. In the transfer portal, Oklahoma landed Wake Forest’s Rondell Bothroyd and Oklahoma State’s Trace Ford. Both figures to be key contributors. OU has also welcomed true freshman Adepoju Adebawore, who was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country in the 2023 class. Senior Reggie Grimes, junior Ethan Downs, and sophomore R Mason Thomas all return as well, giving OU plenty of depth on the edge.
