How the early enrollees from Oklahoma have impressed their teammates significantly in the Alamo Bowl practice sessions.
A group of seven recruits from Oklahoma’s 2024 class is making a strong impression during bowl practices.
In San Antonio, seven signees, including defensive backs Eli Bowen and Jaydan Hardy, defensive linemen Jayden Jackson, Nigel Smith II, and Wyatt Gilmore, quarterback Michael Hawkins, and running back Xavier Robinson, have joined the Sooners for pre-Alamo Bowl practices against Arizona on Dec. 28.
Although these newcomers won’t participate in the Alamo Bowl, they are gaining valuable experience, ranging from basic practice logistics to understanding the expectations set by the coaching staff and teammates. This early exposure allows them to kickstart their development even before the official strength and conditioning program begins in the new year.
Defensive coordinator Ted Roof highlighted the importance of players knowing their place in practice and forming bonds with teammates to build locker room chemistry. This trend of recruits joining programs before the season concludes is relatively new in college football, offering a unique opportunity for these freshmen to adapt and learn.
Veteran defensive end Ethan Downs, who plans to return to Norman in 2024, believes that having this experience as a high school senior would have been overwhelming. He now sees it as an opportunity to guide and support the incoming freshmen, leveraging his own perspective.
Downs specifically commended Nigel Smith II and Wyatt Gilmore in his position group, noting Smith’s size, intelligence, and inquisitiveness, while Gilmore is praised for adapting quickly. On the defensive interior, Jayden Jackson stood out as a star among the new recruits.
The goal is to help these recruits acclimate to life at OU, even if it’s only for a few weeks before winter workouts commence. The early exposure allows them to understand college meetings, observe team dynamics, and grasp on-field expectations, providing a head start for their upcoming journey.
While the tangible results may not be seen until spring, every day of preparation is considered crucial as the Sooners gear up to face the challenges of the SEC. Defensive coordinator Roof believes that this early exposure will position the recruits for success when they officially join the team in January, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall progress.
