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Oklahoma

Crimson Countdown: No. 8 Taylor Tatum

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo08/22/24BPrzybylo
Taylor Tatum
OU RB Taylor Tatum. (Nathan J. Fish - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network).

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2024 Oklahoma football season. Fans have been waiting for what feels like forever with this one. The Sooners are finally and officially joining the SEC.

The 2023 season was a rebound one for head coach Brent Venables, getting the program back to its standard. OU went 10-3 in Venables’ second season, now it’s time for year No. 3.

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. 8 Taylor Tatum

2023 stats: N/A.

2024 outlook:

You hate to put that much expectation on someone who didn’t show up in the winter, but Tatum is that kind of guy. That type of player that you feel pretty confident about being able to show up in June and pick things up.

The room is going to need him. As we’re finding out with Texas, running back injuries simply happen. It’s clockwork, can’t have too many backs.

Even if Jovantae Barnes does find his rhythm, and it appears as though he has, Tatum should have chances to make his mark.

Is he already good enough to be a real dude in the SEC?

2024 running back outlook

The running back room is a bit of a mystery heading into 2024. Oklahoma feels great about Gavin Sawchuk, after he finished the season with five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. He’s the leader to start for OU. But after him, it’s a bit of an open competition. Junior Jovantae Barnes returns after a weird 2023 season as he battled an injury. Redshirt freshman Kalib Hicks and UT Martin transfer Sam Franklin are also competing for roles in 2024. And freshmen Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson will look to find their footing in their first year. Tatum was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2024 class and could find his way onto the field quickly. 

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