Crimson countdown: No. 56 Gracen Halton
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. 56 Gracen Halton
2022 stats: Ten games played, 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss.
2023 outlook: Halton is coming off a freshman season in which he played more than most likely expected. And he played well in his 10 appearances, which is why some believe he could have a breakout sophomore season for Oklahoma. Halton was a late addition to the 2022 class, choosing the Sooners in February 2022 on National Signing Day. The San Diego, California, native has put on 30 pounds since arriving in Norman, starting at 260 pounds and now at 290.
Halton will have to fight for playing time with a defensive line room that was rebuilt in the offseason through the transfer portal. But Halton has shown enough potential early in his Sooner career that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he became a consistent contributor in 2023.
2023 defensive tackle outlook
Fifth-year seniors Jordan Kelley and Isaiah Coe lead the way at defensive tackle. But Oklahoma did add a couple of new guys in the transfer portal to the group in Notre Dame’s Jacob Lacey and Texas State’s Davon Sears. Redshirt senior Jonah Laulu will also play defensive tackle this season, making the switch from defensive end. Defensive line coach Todd Bates is starting to rebuild OU’s defensive front after a lack of production last season.
