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NORMAN — Oklahoma followers acquired to see a few of Lloyd Avant’s capabilities in the course of the spring recreation on April 18.
Avant, a switch operating again from Colorado State, rushed for 69 yards and a landing on 14 carries, serving to the “Red” staff defeat the “White” squad 31-3 within the intrasquad exhibition. He was one among three operating again newcomers who took the sphere for the Red staff, together with DeZephen Walker and Jonathan Hatton Jr.
“Lloyd is a natural with the ball in his hands,” OU coach Brent Venables mentioned. “He runs with a really good pace to him; he plays tough and physical. He can accelerate, but he’s got excellent vision. Very productive running back.”
Avant, although, didn’t flash his full arsenal in the course of the spring recreation. The 5-10, 212-pound operating again is one whose versatility may make him a key gadget participant for the Sooners.
In addition to the 417 yards and 5 touchdowns that he rushed for final 12 months at CSU, Avant caught 24 passes for 261 yards and a landing, averaging 10.9 yards per reception.
To be equally efficient by means of the air for the Sooners, Avant is aware of that his reference to quarterback John Mateer is important. And he spent his first few months in Norman constructing rapport together with his new sign caller.
“John’s a disciplined guy,” Avant mentioned in March. “He wants everything correct, and I’m still building the process with him right now. Building a relationship with John has been good.”
Avant additionally may contribute in an space the Sooners desperately must overhaul: kick returns.
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The Sooners returned solely two kickoffs in the course of the 2025 season, the bottom mark of any program on the Division I FBS degree. Peyton Bowen’s 15-yard return was OU’s longest, whereas Jaydn Ott additionally returned a kickoff for just one yard.
Avant returned 11 kicks for 268 yards throughout his sophomore season. Before spending the 2025 season at Colorado State, Avant performed for Tulsa in 2024, and he returned 14 kickoffs for 392 yards and a landing that 12 months.
“Just getting the special teams going, making sure we get past the 30-yard line each time we get a return,” Avant mentioned. “It’s going to be a big solution to our season.”
Avant could also be requested to do lots throughout his first 12 months in Norman, given his means to run, catch and return. But with how deep the Sooners are, the load on his plate will seemingly by no means be too overwhelming.
In addition to Walker and Hatton — two fellow newcomers — the Sooners could have their two main rushers from final 12 months, Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson, again within the fall. And within the return recreation, Bowen is somebody who may see reps, in addition to speedy vast receiver Isaiah Sategna.
Avant can also be nicely acquainted with OU offensive analyst Kevin Wilson, who was his head coach at Tulsa in 2024. His familiarity with Wilson eased the method that may be overwhelming when one jumps from the Group of Five to the Power Four.
“You transfer to somewhere, it’s all about connections,” Avant mentioned. “Knowing that it led me over here was great.”
Avant’s 2024 Tulsa staff and his 2025 CSU squad mixed for a 5-19 document over these two seasons. Now, he hopes to contribute on an Oklahoma squad vying to make its second College Football Playoff look in a row.
The operating again is assured that he’ll positively impression the Sooners — nonetheless the workers decides to make the most of him.
“You’re in the SEC, so it’s big-level ball, so you have to demand physicality and toughness,” Avant mentioned. “It’ll be a smooth transition.”
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