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This Saturday, the Oklahoma Sooners are set to play their final home game of the 2020 season. Normally, Senior Day festivities would be in order for such an occasion, but due to travel issues stemming from the ongoing pandemic, all events intended to recognize the team’s 16 seniors have been postponed to a later date that is still to be determined. Nevertheless, it is important that we take note of those who are more than likely about to play on Owen Field for the last time in their collegiate careers.
Keep in mind, player eligibility was frozen this year due to the pandemic, meaning any senior could conceivably return next season if he chooses to without 2020 counting against his eligibility. For now, we’ll assume all OU seniors are playing their final home game this weekend until confirmed otherwise.
First off, a list of the seniors who may not have contributed on the field heavily in their careers, but put in the time behind the scenes to give this program the kind of depth necessary to compete for championships. In alphabetical order, these players include WR Davion Curtis, OL Finley Felix, WR Theo Howard (UCLA grad transfer), K Stephen Johnson, WR Spencer Jones, LB Bryan Mead, WR Obi Obialo (Marshall grad transfer), QB Tanner Schafer and LB Josh Schenck.
Without further ado — Oklahoma’s 2020 Seniors
Tre Brown
Since 2017, Tre Brown has displayed a knack for making highlight-reel plays in OU’s secondary. The senior CB out of Tulsa Union High School has elite speed that few others can match. In his time as a Sooner, he’s logged reps in 49 games, seeing time as both a defensive back and a kick returner. In total, he’s recorded 134 tackles, 32 pass breakups 8.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, three interceptions and this scintillating safety against the Texas Longhorns’ Sam Ehlinger in the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game.
Watch every angle of Tre Brown's hit on Sam Ehlinger.#BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/XZLZeEduRL
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) December 3, 2018
Oh, and don’t forget about Brown chasing down Baylor’s Chris Platt in the 2019 Big 12 Championship.
Incredible effort by Tre Brown to run down the Baylor WR from behind and stop the go-ahead touchdown.
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) December 7, 2019
Oklahoma's defense would go on to hold the Bears to a field goal and a 23-23 tie.#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/hKua5IgbKq
Caleb Kelly
The Fresno, Calif. native came to Norman in 2016 as a highly-touted five-star LB recruit, but years into his stay, a series of injuries derailed Kelly’s playing career. Still, while only making four appearances in the last two seasons, the redshirt senior made his mark in some of Oklahoma’s biggest games. In all, Kelly has amassed 160 total tackles, 11 TFLs, five sacks, one INT, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
Caleb Kelly on his big moment against West Virginia.
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) November 25, 2018
“My job was to hit the tackle, and I went through him instead."#BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/WRIpyZOsKF
Rhamondre Stevenson
Originally from Las Vegas, Nev., RB Rhamondre Stevenson made his way to Norman in 2019 after playing two years of junior college ball at Cerritos College in California. Right away, he proved he had the talent to not only compete at the D-I level — he could dominate it. Coming into this season, the NCAA held the powerful back out for the Sooners’ first five games, but in the three games since his return, he’s been nearly unstoppable. Up to this point in his career, Stevenson has rushed for a grand total of 847 yards and 11 TDs on 114 carries while adding 214 receiving yards on 19 receptions.
TOUCHDOWN
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) October 5, 2019
Rhamondre Stevenson ➡️ The House.#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/p2xAjbVQpS
LaRon Stokes
Also coming from the JUCO ranks prior to joining the Sooners is DL LaRon Stokes. After splashing onto the scene in 2019, he was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He hasn’t had as much time on the field in his second go-around due to an injury mid-way through the 2020 season, but when he was out on the field, he was still a force to be reckoned with. In 18 games played, the Tulsa product has recorded 23 total tackles, seven TFLs and half a sack.
LaRon Stokes wreaking havoc on 2nd down.#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/iCNwV47pFV
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) September 15, 2019
Erik Swenson
From Downers Grove, Ill. to Norman, Okla., OT Erik Swenson is one of OU’s most experienced linemen. Dating back to 2017, in 28 total appearances, he’s seen the majority of his playing time at the left tackle position. Also, let the record show that he did his part to uphold the handlebar mustache tradition during this year’s Bedlam game. If that isn’t a legendary look in its own right, I don’t know what is.
my soldiers. pic.twitter.com/vHqdbrtOKg
— Spencer Rattler (@SpencerRattler) November 22, 2020
Chanse Sylvie
Coming out of Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, La., safety Chanse Sylvie signed with Oklahoma as part of the 2016 recruiting class. What’s particularly unique about his career at OU is the major impact he’s made off the field versus on it. Through the ‘GrowU’ program, he has helped deliver meals to the elderly in Norman, among other acts of volunteer community service. Furthermore, amid this year’s protests against police brutality, Sylvie took it upon himself to come up with a list of ideas to reform and improve the relationship between police and minorities in America. The legacy he’s set to leave when his time as a Sooner is done is one that goes well beyond sports.
Many people never find their true power in life. Many wander into the abyss, questioning life itself. I’m happy to say that my true talent is to generate change and pursue it. Now I am a little bit older, and a tad bit wiser, and I am prepared to take on the world if need be. pic.twitter.com/e4v7wgQEUq
— Chanse Sylvie (@ChanseSylvie) October 26, 2020
Jon-Michael Terry
Fifth-year LB Jon-Michael Terry is yet another senior Sooner who calls Tulsa home. Coming out of Victory Christian School, JMT saw a steady rise in playing time as he progressed in his collegiate career. While he was having his best campaign to date in 2019, he was suddenly sidelined just before the Red River game, ending his run for the remainder of the fall. This season, he picked up where he left off, and has truly thrived in Alex Grinch’s system. In his career, Terry has collected 47 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Now, it should be mentioned that redshirt juniors like OT Adrian Ealy, H-back Jeremiah Hall, C Creed Humphrey, DB Tre Norwood, WR Charleston Rambo and DE Isaiah Thomas and others were purposely excluded from this list, as were third-year players Ronnie Perkins and Nik Bonitto. While they are each far enough removed from high school and are eligible to either enter the 2021 NFL Draft or graduate and move on with their lives, it remains to be seen which of these Sooners will forgo their seasons at Oklahoma next fall.
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