Lloyd Avant is showing he belongs at camp. The narrative that he might be stuck on the bench is dead. He is working hard in every single role he is asked to play so far. This is what fans want to see from their players. They want hustle, they want growth, and they want to see a player who refuses to take no for an answer. On3 Sooners reports that Avant has kept impressing in any role requested of him thus far (a detail that matters when you consider how many roster spots are up for grabs).
A Player Who Earns His Spot
Some people love to talk about who should start before a single snap is thrown. They draw lines in the sand based on old stats or rumors. But the truth is written on the practice field every single day. Avant is writing his own story right now. He isn’t waiting for a coach to hand him a jersey; he’s taking the reps and making them count. The defense is going to be tough this year, and having a player who works this hard is a huge win for the team. Reggie Powers even said the defense could be the best in the country, and Avant is a big part of that push. How many players can say they are central to a unit aiming for the top of the national standings? Not many. This effort is what separates the contenders from the pretenders.
The Coaching Staff Sees It Too
It’s not just the fans noticing the work. The coaches are watching closely, and they are liking what they see. Jason Witten, who spent 17 seasons in the NFL, knows what great leadership looks like. He has seen stars like Drew Bledsoe and Tony Romo. Now he is watching John Mateer and the rest of the squad. Witten has said he is “really impressed” with the quarterback, and that sets a high bar. If a guy with that much experience is impressed, then Avant is doing something very right. The staff knows the talent is there. Now they just need the players to keep proving it every day.
This is the kind of football we love. It’s not about who has the biggest name on a recruiting sheet. It’s about who shows up ready to work when the lights are on. Avant is showing up. The Sooners have a chance to be special this season if guys like him keep this pace. We need to see this kind of effort from everyone on the roster. The fall camp is just getting started, but the message is already clear.
