How OU football's Jonah Laulu became the 'best version' of himself with move to DT

NORMAN — Todd Bates always made the same joke whenever saw Jonah Laulu in the hallways last season.

Laulu would make his usual walk to a defensive ends meeting at OU's Switzer Center when he'd run into Bates, the team's defensive tackles coach.

"You're looking good inside," Bates would always say, suggesting Laulu should move to defensive tackle.

Laulu didn't think much of it at the time. But after recording just 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season, the senior defensive end began to wonder if a position change would be best for him.

That move became official the fist day Laulu returned from Christmas break, and he hasn't looked back.

Laulu will play defensive tackle this upcoming season for the Sooners, who are also in need of a clean slate after going 6-7 (3-6 Big 12) last season.

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"It's been a good transition," Laulu said. "I just didn't feel as if last season was the best I could've been. ... I'm just trying to do what I can to help better this team. If I have to move inside, then that's no problem."

Laulu's move comes with a set of challenges.

The Hawaii transfer has been put on a weight-gain plan since switching to defensive tackle. He has gone from 262 pounds to 277 pounds this spring, and he hopes to reach about 290 pounds by the start of the season.

It's a big change for Laulu, who has been receiving help from Jerry Schmidt, OU's director of sports enhancement and strength and conditioning.

"He's been a great help to me, gaining weight and making sure it's the right weight," Laulu said of Schmidt. "It's one thing to gain a lot of weight. But it's got to be good weight, not just eating whatever and getting too top-heavy to where I can't move as much as I should be able to."

The biggest change on the field for Laulu has been preparing for double teams.

It's common for defensive ends to get double teamed, although the second blocker is usually a tight end. At defensive tackle, that second blocker is another lineman.

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"That's a new thing for me," Laulu said. "When you're inside, you're taking on true linemen like guards and tackles. That's a big thing I need to work on is my technique with that. Keeping hands and feet and everything."

Laulu also faces more competition for playing time inside.

In addition to bringing back redshirt seniors Jordan Kelley and Isaiah Coe, OU also added Texas State transfer Davon Sears and Notre Dame transfer Jacob Lacey this offseason.

But the competition doesn't bother Laulu, who is focused on his own growth at the new position.

"I've been trying my best to take in the coaching because I really need it," Laulu said. "I really need to work on my technique inside and my steps. My pad level is a really big deal inside. I've just been taking in all of the coaching and trying to be the best version of myself."

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Gavin Freeman's scholarship surprise

Gavin Freeman still smiles when he tells the story.

After joining OU as a preferred walk-on last season, the then-freshman wide receiver made the most of his limited catches and carries. He converted a combined 10 touches into 117 yards and one touchdown.

Freeman's efforts caught the attention of head coach Brent Venables, who rewarded him on Feb. 13.

Venables called Freeman and four other walk-on players up to the podium during a team meeting. Each one of them had recently received an Academic Excellence Award, and Venables gave each of them a card.

When asked to read the cards out loud, Freeman went first.

"You're now on scholarship," Freeman read.

Freeman's teammates erupted from their seats and swarmed Freeman, lifting him into the air as they celebrated. They then lifted the other four walk-on players, who were also placed on scholarship.

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“It was cool," Freeman said of the moment. "The best part was all my teammates. ... They’ve been on my side this whole time. And just like seeing my teammates surround me, when I got put on scholarship, was the best feeling ever."

Freeman is expected to play a larger role in OU's passing game this upcoming season.

The Sooners are in need of playmaking receivers following the departure of Marvin Mims, who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. And while Freeman won't be the top option, he's still a speedster who can gain yards in large chunks.

Freeman will likely play in the slot behind redshirt fifth-year wide receiver Drake Stoops, which is fitting. Stoops also began his time at OU as a walk-on and is now one of the team's most reliable targets.

The similarity isn't lost on Freeman, who hopes to have a similar career path.

“I can’t say enough about Drake," Freeman said. "He’s made my game go way, way up. ... He brings it every day. He’s so reliable, and everyone trusts him. Coaches trust him, we trust him and he’s always got our back."

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Jordan Kelley wants to make plays

Few players ended last season as strong as Jordan Kelley.

The then-redshirt-senior defensive tackle racked up two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in OU's last three games. It was a late surge for Kelley, who was then left to decide if he wanted to use his final year of eligibility.

But that was an easy decision.

“No doubt," Kelley said. "I didn’t make enough plays.”

Kelley should get plenty of opportunities to make plays this upcoming season.

The veteran defensive tackle is expected to start this time around after only doing so three times in his first five seasons with OU.

The expanded role means more expectations and leadership opportunities for Kelley. But after finishing last season strong, the Tulsa native is ready to build upon his momentum.

“It’s a big spring for me, being able to step up as a leader," Kelley said. "It’s a great opportunity for me to come back, make that many more plays and give me that much better of a chance to get to the next level. I'm excited to put in that work and see where it goes.”

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Sooners' Jonah Laulu embraces move to defensive tackle