Crimson Countdown: No. 33 Marcus Stripling
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. 33 Marcus Stripling
2022 stats: 10 tackles (five solo) and .5 tackle for loss (two yards).
2023 outlook: Oklahoma’s EDGE rushers are in need of continued development but few have flashed as brightly as Stripling through the years. In fact many expected last year to be a big breakout for Stripling but after missing the TCU game with an injury things never really got on track.
Some thought that Stripling might entertain the transfer portal but now in his final year of eligibility – unless he were to be redshirted in 2023 – there is some hope he can find a meaningful role.
He’s an explosive athlete that has put on 16 pounds over the summer. But with so much depth both returning and arriving, it’ll be the toughest battle yet for Stripling to make an impact.
2023 Defensive End Outlook
The Sooners made several additions to the defensive end room following the 2022 season. In the transfer portal, Oklahoma landed Wake Forest’s Rondell Bothroyd and Oklahoma State’s Trace Ford. Both figure to be key contributors. OU also welcomes true freshman Adepoju Adebawore, who was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country in the 2023 class. Senior Reggie Grimes, junior Ethan Downs and sophomore R Mason Thomas all return as well, giving OU plenty of depth on the edge.
