Crimson countdown: No. 6 Makari Vickers
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. 6 Makari Vickers
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 outlook:
A lot will be expected from Vickers, eventually. Not sure it’s fair to assume Vickers is going to have a big role in 2023, at least at cornerback.
It does sound like his preseason camp was better than spring, which you would hope. Looking at someone like Vickers, though, it’s easy to see some special teams action.
He can definitely help with those units because he brings a lot of athletic ability to the table. As the season goes on, perhaps he can work his way into the cornerback rotation.
The one thing helping Vickers is there is no clear-cut No. 2 starting cornerback as the season gets underway. There will be a starter, but if Vickers is good enough, he can absolutely make some noise.
Vickers was a huge recruiting victory for the staff vs. Alabama for the 2023 class.
2023 cornerback outlook
Oklahoma returns one of its most veteran defensive starters in redshirt senior Woodi Washington. But across from Washington will be one of the more anticipated position battles of fall camp. Sophomore Gentry Williams and JUCO transfer Kendel Dolby appear to be the frontrunners for the job. But true freshmen Jasiah Wagoner and Makari Vickers were impressive in the spring and could fight for the opening. Cornerbacks coach Jay Valai has done a nice job retooling that room after the departures of C.J. Coldon and Jaden Davis.
