Crimson Countdown: No. 81 Austin Stogner
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. 81 Austin Stogner
2022 stats: 20 receptions, 210 yards, one touchdown
Leading the tight end room in 2023 will be senior Austin Stogner. Last year, Stogner played for South Carolina after starting his career in Norman. Stogner returned to Oklahoma for his final year, hoping to have the best season of his college career.
Stogner can do it all for Oklahoma. His sophomore season with the Sooners was his best, totaling 26 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns. His production dipped in 2021 after suffering a staff infection that put him in the hospital. He followed former Oklahoma tight ends coach Shane Beamer to South Carolina in hopes of re-igniting his career. But now he’s back where it all started, looking to be a leader again for the Sooners.
2023 tight end outlook
The tight end position will be relying on a familiar name from the past in Austin Stogner to carry the load. Joe Jon Finley has done a great job since taking over the tight end coaching position. But the challenge for 2023 will be about the group’s health. If guys like Kaden Helms and Jason Llewelyn can get and stay healthy, the room is solid. OU also added former Texas A&M tight end Blake Smith through the transfer portal and welcomes true freshman Kade McIntyre to the fold. There is potential, but the young guys will have to grow up quickly.
