When Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables started rattling off the names of young players who could make an impact for the Sooners in 2025, the list just kept going.
Venables on Wednesday at SEC Media Days mentioned several freshmen who have already impressed him even before fall camp and could emerge as contributors this upcoming season, especially on the offensive line.
Venables had list of rookie Sooners who can make an impact in 2025
The first freshman Venables mentioned was offensive lineman Daniel Akinkunmi, who redshirted last year after getting to Norman from East London, England. Akinkunmi, listed at 6-foot-6 and 324 pounds, appeared in just one game in 2024 against Maine.
It was then no surprise when Venables mentioned Michael Fasusi next, along with redshirt freshman Ryan Fodje.
“I think you'll see Mike Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, that couple of freshmen offensive linemen that are mature beyond their years -- mentally and physically," Venables said.
Fasusi was the headliner of OU's 2025 signing class as a five-star recruit from Lewisville High School in Texas. Venables even mentioned Fasusi as a potential impact player the moment he could after Fasusi's addition became official on Early National Signing Day in December. Fasusi then enrolled in January and has continued to live up to the hype.
Fodje was also part of that impressive 2025 offensive line class, but has somewhat been overlooked because of Fasusi. He was a consensus four-star product from Bridgeland High School in Texas. Fodje can add depth at guard, while Fasusi could even compete for a starting role at one of the tackle spots.
Defensively, Venables mentioned defensive end Danny Okoye, cornerback Courtland Guillory, defensive tackle Trent Wilson and safety Omarion Robinson. Of the bunch, Okoye was the only one in Norman last year and redshirted. He saw action against Temple and Maine.
"Trent Wilson has had a really nice transition from from high school, as well," Venables said. "And then Man-Man, Omarion Robinson, is a guy that got here in January. Has tremendous range, great instincts — natural safety as well."
Venables seemed especially excited about Guillory, a former four-star recruit who chose OU over Texas and Texas A&M.
"Courtland Guillory is young man from Houston that showed up on campus at corner that loves to compete," Venables said. "That's probably his best quality and trait. He's long, he's super athletic, but he loves to compete, and he shows up every day. He's a dog and plays with tremendous effort. Lets you coach him hard, so I love that about Courtland."
The best part of the young talent Venables mentioned is that most of the players are at positions that were worries heading into 2025, particularly at offensive line and the secondary.
The Sooners had seven different combinations up front last season and at times were desperate for depth. At the bare minimum, even through growing pains, it sounds as if Akinkunmi, Fodje and Fasusi can at least make OU deeper on the O-line.
OU struggled in the secondary last season, but had young talent like Eli Bowen that now has a full season under his belt as a sophomore. Bowen was thrown into the fire, but Robinson and Guillory could get to develop while also adding depth.
“Those are the names that jump out at me right away, but the test of the season will tell," Venables said.
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