Sooners offensive tackle Anton Harrison declares for the 2023 NFL Draft

With the 2022 regular season over, the departures have begun through the transfer portal, and now the Oklahoma Sooners have their first NFL draft declaration for the 2023 draft cycle.

Starting offensive tackle Anton Harrison will forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft. In three seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners, Harrison played more than 1,000 snaps, starting each of the last two seasons.

He was the highest-graded player pass blocker each of the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Over the last week, Harrison’s been selected in the first round of the Draft Wire’s two-round mock draft and was ranked No. 30 on Pro Football Focus’ big board.

Harrison made his draft declaration known on social media saying, “First and foremost, I’ll like to start by thanking God for the gifts and opportunities that he’s given me to play this game. To my mom, dad, and family, thank you for all your love and support. I am so blessed to have you with me throughout this journey. To my teammates, my brothers, over the past years you guys have turned into my brothers and I’ve built bonds that’ll last forever and I want to thank you guys for pushing me to be the best every day.”

Harrison continued saying, “I want to thank the Oklahoma coaching staff, past and present, for the opportunity and believing in me to play and grow on and off the field at this university.

“Lastly, Sooner Nation, thank you. I am thankful for you guys packing the Palace every Saturday. The atmosphere and energy you bring to every game is second to none.”

The first-team All-Big 12 selection concluded by saying, “After discussing with my parents and family, I have decided to forego my senior season and declare for the 2023 NFL draft. Thank you to every single person who supported me.”

Harrison will look to be the next star offensive lineman from the Oklahoma Sooners, following active greats Trent Williams, Lane Johnson, Creed Humphrey, Daryl Williams, and Orlando Brown.

Jacob Sexton, Jake Taylor, Tyler Guyton, or Aaryn Parks will be looked at to fill the void left by Anton Harrison’s departure.

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Story originally appeared on Sooners Wire