Offensive line front and center for OU
You never would have seen an OU freshman as a captain at the beginning of the season. For good reason, guys just removed from high school wouldn’t be ready.
But that’s another element to what head coach Brent Venables does. Having weekly captains means maybe you weren’t ready in August. By mid-November? Oh, that might be something different.
True freshman offensive guard Cayden Green is one of the six captains this week. OU (8-2 overall, 5-2 Big 12) has its final road game of the season, at BYU on Saturday (11 a.m. ESPN).
Green is joined by another offensive lineman as a captain for the first time, Jacob Sexton. Sexton, who started at right tackle last weekend, is fired up for the chance.
“It’s huge,” Sexton said. “This is something I’ve been dreaming about. It’s huge (for Cayden). That dude put in some work before the season started and I think we’ve all been really impressed by him. The entire offensive line room, we really love him. He’s a great dude. I’m excited to see him out there.”
Other captains include defensive end R Mason Thomas, Cheetah linebacker Kendel Dolby, running back Gavin Sawchuk and defensive tackle Da’Jon Terry.
The offensive line has done a tremendous job in recent weeks of finding their groove. Pass protection has been solid all season. But now the running lanes are being opened. Sawchuk has rushed for more than 100 yards in back-to-back games.
They are dominating on the field, and it sounds like their voice is being heard in the locker room with guys like Sexton and Green getting the captain honor.
Gabriel racking ‘em up
You throw for 423 yards and account for eight touchdowns, you’re going to win some awards. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon.
It was just a magical night for the fifth-year signal-caller. He set an OU record by accounting for eight touchdowns in a single game (five passing, three rushing). He has now rushed for 11 scores this season as well.
