Crimson Countdown: No. 78 Marcus Hicks
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. 78 Marcus Hicks
2022 stats: NA
2023 outlook: A redshirt senior, Marcus Hicks’ Oklahoma career hasn’t gone to plan. Hicks arrived in Norman in 2019 as a defensive tackle before being moved to the offensive line in 2021. But his time on the offensive line didn’t last long, as he’s back on defense ahead of this season. He played in only two games in 2022 on the offensive line.
Hicks was a highly-touted recruit out of Wichita, Kan., with many believing he would be one of OU’s best defensive linemen. Now entering his final season, he’s hoping he can finally have that impact on defense. Hicks will have to battle for playing time, as Oklahoma has added several defensive linemen in the transfer portal. But at 6-foot-6, 302 pounds maybe Hicks can surprise OU in the fall and be a real contributor for the Sooners.
2023 defensive tackle outlook
Fifth-year seniors Jordan Kelley and Isaiah Coe lead the way at defensive tackle. But Oklahoma did add a couple 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.
