Looking at how the 2024 class is developing may impact the upcoming season for Oklahoma

Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia reveal how development, class of 2024 may affect next season for Oklahoma | 02.06.24

If it were an area Brent Venables sure, before moving to the SEC, it was the defensive line. The lack of line of play can derail games quite quickly. Oklahoma had something to accomplish on the recruiting trail and the goal was certainly met with class of 2024.

The Sooners signed three interior defensive linemen, with Five stars+ perspective David Stone being the crown jewel of the bunch. Four stars Danny Okoye highlights the two EDGE players heading towards Norman.

Getting those types of players on campus is one thing, but Oklahoma needs a few of them to contribute right away, especially inside. Some experienced players are leaving campus and there are voids to fill. While the incoming true freshman certainly has plenty of potential, some of it may need to be cashed in right away.

“It’s that freshman class where you name a couple of guys—David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Nigel Smith — those boys especially,” George Stoia of On3 Earlier Scoop said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “Can they make an impact in their first year? Because they lose quite a bit of experience up front and some bigger bodies.

“But they also bring in the most talented defensive line class in over 20 years. So can they make an impact as quickly as possible? I think they’re going to need some of those guys to be in their rotation.”

Developing current players just as important to Oklahoma

Oklahoma may have some rebuilding to do, but it’s not like they enter the year without some impressive talent, both recruiting and NCAA Transfer Portal. They are just going through the process of developing themselves, getting their feet wet in the world of college football.

Venables and Todd Bates they put a lot of front seven players in the league going back to their time at Clemson. The point is, the development has been one of the best in college football over the years. And Oklahoma needs him at a critical time for the program.

“Certainly, the continued development of PJ Adebawore,” Sooner Scoop’s Eddie Radosevici said. “Or Mason Thomaswho seemingly never started his sophomore season as he battled an injury all year…

“And then bring your boys back in terms of a Ford followed. They need those guys to really take that next step developmentally and contribute when Oklahoma gets into the SEC.”