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Oklahoma

Crimson Countdown: No. 28 Marcus James

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo08/02/25BPrzybylo
Wes Goodwin
Wes Goodwin at Oklahoma football summer camp. (Photo by: Josh McCuistion - SoonerScoop/On3)

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.

Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.

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. 28 Marcus James

2024 stats: N/A

2025 outlook:

This will be a season of learning for James. Not sure what sort of playing time was coming his way had he shown up in the winter, but arriving in summer usually means you’re destined for a redshirt nowadays.

And that’s OK because James can use a season/offseason in the weight room so everybody can figure out what his role should be. Is he an outside linebacker? Inside? Evolve into something different?

James was incredibly productive and versatile in high school, so you feel like there is going to be a spot that will work out just fine.

It’s just a question of what and how long it’s going to take to get there. Assume he’ll begin his journey at Cheetah and work from there.

2025 Cheetah linebacker outlook

You’ve got a full-time coach for the position in Wes Goodwin. And nobody is going to know the position better than Goodwin, so a lot is expected here. Kendal Daniels immediately comes to mind. Have to have the skill set to play in the box and be physical. And then be able to drop into coverage and deal with receivers and tight ends. Daniels might be the first Cheetah during the Venables era that easily checks both boxes. There are other guys who can and will play the spot, but it feels like this is about Goodwin unleashing Daniels to the SEC world.

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