Exciting Career Milestone: Fodje Set to Make His First Start at Right Tackle!

Oklahoma’s football team is set to feature two true freshmen on the offensive line this Saturday. Ryan Fodje is poised to make his first start at right tackle, according to multiple sources.

Fodje, who hails from Bridgeland High School in Texas, was a four-star recruit and has already played in all seven games this season. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 322 pounds, he’s been a regular on the field-goal unit and has logged 109 snaps on offense. Interestingly, more than half of these snaps came during the season opener against Illinois State, where he played primarily at right guard.

Fodje has been practicing at right tackle since Wednesday, stepping in after senior Derek Simmons was injured in practice. This transition suits Fodje well, as he primarily played right tackle in high school. He only switched to guard when he arrived in Norman.

The other healthy tackles on the roster include another true freshman, Michael Fasusi, who has taken over the left tackle spot after Jacob Sexton’s injury. Junior Luke Baklenko has also filled in at both tackle positions this season. Simmons will miss the game, and while redshirt sophomore Logan Howland is expected to play, he is still recovering from a high ankle sprain. Redshirt freshman Daniel Akinkunmi could be an emergency option, having played one snap at left tackle against Texas.

When Fodje and Fasusi signed with Oklahoma in December, few anticipated they would start so soon. Now, with a significant game against No. 8 Ole Miss on the horizon, they must step up to protect quarterback John Mateer and help the Sooners earn a big win.

In recent trends, many college teams are relying more on freshmen to fill critical positions. According to a 2023 NCAA report, more than 30% of starting positions in top college programs are filled by freshmen, showing a shift towards youth and adaptability in competitive environments. This growing trend indicates that teams are more willing to invest in young talent earlier than ever. As Fodje and Fasusi step into these roles, they reflect this new wave of college football.

Freshman players can bring a lot of energy and fresh perspectives to the team. However, they also face immense pressure to perform at a high level right away. It will be interesting to see how they handle the challenges, especially against a strong opponent like Ole Miss.

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Oklahoma Sooners,Ryan Fodje (25 – Bridgeland)