Crimson countdown: No. 29 Tawee Walker

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. 29 Tawee Walker

2022 stats:18 rushes for 62 yards, 3.4 avg.; 1 reception, seven yards.

2023 outlook:

Walker was a bit of a pleasant surprise last season. You look at the numbers and don’t really see it. But when you really evaluate what his role is expected to be, he checked off the box.

The Sooners are never going to need Walker to do heavy lifting. He does, though, offer a tremendous change of pace with his physicality. He’s also someone who embraced playing any role necessary with special teams.

With even more bodies in the running back room, it’s hard to see where Walker will get significant carries. The more blowout victories, the better, obviously. He’s been ready whenever his number is called. That type of preparation is always appreciated and can sometimes be rewarded.

2023 running back outlook

Oklahoma will look to replace last season’s leading rusher Eric Gray, who is now a New York Giant. OU has several options with sophomore Jovantae Barnes and redshirt freshman Gavin Sawchuk as the frontrunners to start. Barnes was Oklahoma’s backup last season, but after suffering a foot injury in spring practice, the door has opened for Sawchuk. Oklahoma also welcomes a pair of true freshmen in Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks. And don’t count out redshirt senior Marcus Major, who returns for his fifth season in Norman. 

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