Crimson Countdown: No. 34 Zach Schmit
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. 34 Zach Schmit
2022 stats: 12/18 Field Goals, 57/57 PAT, 58 touchbacks on 79 kickoffs.
2023 outlook:
The redshirt sophomore returns as the incumbent after taking over the job from Gabe Brkic. Handling the kicking duties in all 13 games going 12-for-18 on field goals with a long of 44 and 57-for-57 on extra points. Schmit’s first season as the Sooners kicker was good but not great missing a field goal in three of the Sooners last four games, including a pair of field goals in a loss to West Virginia.
“On paper, you say, ‘Oh my gosh, Zach Schmit’s not very good; we were 67 percent,” said special teams coach Jay Nunez this past spring. “But you go back and watch the film, you know, you had a 55-yard that was two feet to the left. You had a 47-yard against West Virginia in a monsoon off the upright. Kansas was 53, one yard short.”
Even with Schmit returning it’s expected to be an open competition during preseason camp with redshirt freshman Gavin Marshall, redshirt sophomore Redi Mustafaraj and redshirt senior Josh Plaster looking to to push the Oklahoma City native.
Schmit scored a touchdown on a fake field goal versus Iowa State.
2023 special teams outlook:
Overall, Oklahoma special teams were much improved during Jay Nunez first season. The unit was certainly more aggressive in Brent Venables first season but will be tasked with replacing it’s most reliable specialist in punter Michael Turk. Looking to win that job will be Central Michigan’s Luke Elzinga, Arizona State’s Josh Plaster and Colorado’s Ashton Logan. Oklahoma will also look to replace Marvin Mims at punt returner.
