Discipline a key for OU defensive end PJ Adebawore

A lot of OU fans couldn’t be happier when head coach Brent Venables was talking about PJ Adebawore at SEC media days.

Venables dropped the nugget that Adebawore tipped the scales at 260 pounds. Outside of just developing his skill, everybody knew Adebawore had to get bigger.

Knowing that and doing that, though, are two different things. Everybody knows part of that equation is eating. And eating and eating more and more. For some people, that sounds like living the dream.

But for Adebawore? It actually wasn’t that great of a process. However, it was a necessary one.

“Just eating. Eating. Lifting. Taking it seriously, and having no off days with it,” said Adebawore on Saturday night. “Just being committed to my goal.”

You eat so much, usually you find some favorite foods. That’s where the journey got a little bit different for Adebawore compared to most.

“Umm – I mean, when you eat so much, there’s really nothing good anymore. I mean, really. It was honestly annoying. It was a grind. I didn’t like nothing. I couldn’t tell you—maybe only after practice when I was hungry. Maybe a burger.”

Whatever it takes because OU is going to want more and need more from Adebawore in his sophomore season.

His numbers, as a five-star recruit for the 2023 class, didn’t open eyes. He essentially disappeared during the second half of the season. That’s part of the adjustment that comes with playing at this level.

When Adebawore did find home, however, he showed those flashes. Six tackles, but three of them were for loss to go with 1.5 sacks.

Now he’s hoping that added strength will help him get through what will be an incredibly grueling SEC schedule.

Adebawore said he’s noticing the difference so far.

“Maybe whenever I like to strike an O-lineman, maybe they just get pushed back further,” Adebawore told SoonerScoop. “And I just notice, ‘Oh, my weight really impacted.’ I can just tell by the way I strike and the movement I get up front.”

A lot stronger but keeping that quickness. It’s that combination that should make Adebawore a very common name for OU fans to hear in 2024.

A year stronger, obviously. Now a year smarter, too. His head isn’t spinning anymore. It’s the biggest difference Adebawore sees in himself now compared to who he was.

“Just knowledge of the game,” Adebawore said. “Obviously, the more you’re around it, the more knowledgeable you’re going to become naturally. I think I worked hard in the weight room and just eating to put more weight on so I could just hang around more with the bigger guys.

“It’s night and day. Just a better understanding. It’s less thinking and more reacting for me.”

Adebawore doesn’t have to do it on his own. He won’t do it on his own. Whether it’s the leader like Ethan Downs or a transfer addition like Caiden Woullard, this group is deep.

But the name Adebawore wants OU fans to circle for this season coming up?

“Probably R Mason Thomas,” Adebawore said. “I think he’s one to definitely be on the watch list, because he’s going to have a season.”

OU needs to have more production from the defensive end spot. Whether that comes in stats like sacks or just being more disruptive, it has to happen.

Adebawore is ready to do his part and show OU fans what this group is all about.

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