Crimson countdown: No. 55 Aaryn Parks
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. 98 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 55 Aaryn Parks
2022 stats: Played in five games in a backup tackle role.
2023 outlook:
Parks was gone, but now he’s back. He announced he was going to enter the transfer portal two weeks ago. But then decided two days later he was going to stick around with the Sooners.
Parks’ last impression has been his best one, playing very well vs. Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl. It at least lets you know that if he’s asked to play, he can deliver.
The question becomes his spot within the depth chart, and it might have been why Parks was contemplating leaving Norman.
Parks doesn’t feel like a starter for the 2023 team, but injuries happen. And if someone goes down, Parks is absolutely someone OU might have to look toward and count on in a crucial moment. You hope the portal announcement ends up as just a blip on the radar.
2023 offensive tackle outlook
Oklahoma will have to replace both tackles this fall, with Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris both now in the NFL. Stanford transfer Walter Rouse is a veteran, having been a three-starter for the Cardinal and is anticipated to start at left tackle. And Tyler Guyton, who started five games at right tackle last season, is the expected starter at right tackle. The Sooners don’t have much experience beyond that, but have high hopes for freshman Cayden Green and sophomore Jacob Sexton.
