Crimson Countdown: No. 22 Peyton Bowen

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. 22 Peyton Bowen

2022 stats: N/A.

2023 outlook: A true freshman, Bowen comes to Oklahoma as one of the ost highly-touted defensive recruits in recent history for the Sooners. A five-star and the No. 1 ranked safety in the 2023 class, expectations are high for Bowen. And he could play right away for Oklahoma, with one starting safety position open next to Billy Bowman.

Bowen’s athletic ability allows him to play multiple positions, which is why Oklahoma is also working him at the cheetah position. At the spring game, Bowen showed off his ball skills with a leaping interception. It won’t be a surprise if Bowen sees the field early in 2023.

“Really excited about Peyton,” coach Brent Venables said. “Obviously feel strong he’s going to help us immediately. Again, the game’s easy for him. The good ones it is. He finds the ball. And he gets concepts. He never — the moment never gets too big for him. He takes a challenge well. Incredibly coachable. Comes from a great system so he brings a lot of that with him. So he understands the game… Tough, physical, great range, ball skills, again, tremendous anticipation.”

2023 safety outlook

Oklahoma welcomes a couple newcomers at safety, with the additions of Texas Tech transfer Reggie Pearson and five-star true freshman Peyton Bowen. Pearson is expected to be an immediate contributor, starting at Texas Tech the past two seasons. But Bowen could find himself on the field early in his career, as he’s already proven he’s an elite talent. Junior Billy Bowman is expected to start again this season, after starting 16 games the past two seasons. Senior Key Lawrence also returns, having started eight games the past two seasons, but will have to battle Pearson, Bowman and others for a starting spot.

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