Crimson Countdown: No. 20 Lewis Carter
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. 20 Lewis Carter
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 outlook: Carter arrives in Norman with high expectations. The true freshman linebacker from Tampa, Florida, was not an early enrollee but has already made an impression on Oklahoma. Carter is considered one of the most physically talented players on the team, impressing in the weight room this summer.
“I really like what Lewis Carter is gonna bring to the table,” Brent Venables said ahead of fall camp. “He’s very fast and super aggressive, very physical, he’s a 400-pound bench-presser right now, and he’ll be wide open when he gets here.”
Carter likely won’t see the field a ton his freshman season, with several more experienced linebackers in front of him. But it likely won’t be long before Carter gets on the field, as Venables believes he’s the future at inside linebacker for the Sooners.
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 McKinzie 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.
