Crimson Countdown: No. 56 Gracen Halton

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2024 Oklahoma football season. Fans have been waiting for what feels like forever with this one. The Sooners are finally and officially joining the SEC.

The 2023 season was a rebound one for head coach Brent Venables, getting the program back to its standard. OU went 10-3 in Venables’ second season, now it’s time for year No. 3.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 56 Gracen Halton

2023 Stats: Played in 11 games as a backup defensive tackle and totaled 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one QB hurry.

2024 Outlook:

This year could be seen as the junior defensive tackle’s moment in the Crimson and Cream. It’s no secret Halton has shown flashes throughout his first two seasons in Norman, but it’s important for him to take that cliche ‘next step’ as the Sooners enter the Southeastern Conference.

Every position group at Oklahoma has restocked itself but the interior defensive line is the least experienced on the defensive side of the ball. Who makes that jump could determine if this defense is ready to officially make its statement in year three under Brent Venables.

2024 defensive tackle outlook

The No. 1 question mark for OU this season. The Sooners are loaded across the board until you get to defensive tackle. There is potential, no doubt, but not a lot of production. Da’Jon Terry is going to be the leader of the group. The crown jewel of the transfer portal was Damonic Williams, from TCU, so the expectations are through the roof there. After that? It’s going to be about who wants to step up among Gracen Halton, Davon Sears, Champ Sanders, Markus Strong and the young guys in David Stone and Jayden Jackson.