Crimson Countdown: No. 36 Josh Plaster
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. 36 Josh Plaster
2022 stats: NA
2023 outlook: Plaster is competing for Oklahoma’s starting punter opening, with Michael Turk’s departure for the NFL. The redshirt senior has not seen any game action for the Sooners, after transferring to Oklahoma from Arizona State in 2021. Plaster was Turk’s backup last at Oklahoma and the previous two seasons at Arizona State before both decided to transfer to Norman.
From Flower Mound, Texas, Plaster was highly touted out of high school, earning a 4.5 star as a kicking prospect by Chris Sailer. Plaster did play a little his freshman year at Arizona State, serving as the team’s kickoff specialist. He had six touchbacks in 30 kicks. But for Oklahoma, Plaster is expected to compete with Central Michigan transfer Luke Elzinga and Colorado transfer Ashton Logan for the punter job. Zach Schmit expected to handle kickoffs and field goals.
2023 special teams outlook
The Sooners did lose one of their best specialists this offseason, with punter Michael Turk headed to the NFL. It’ll be a three-way battle for that spot between three transfers. Central Michigan’s Luke Elzinga, Arizona State’s Josh Plaster, and Colorado’s Ashton Logan. As for field goals and kickoffs, that will likely remain redshirt junior Zach Schmit’s job. OU will also have to replace Marvin Mims as its punt returner, with receivers redshirt senior Drake Stoops, redshirt junior LV Bunkley-Shelton, and Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony being the top candidates.
