As Oklahoma Searches For Impact Receivers, Gavin Freeman is 'Taking the Next Step'

NORMAN — When Gavin Freeman arrived in Norman a season ago, his role on the team was completely different.

But even after earning a scholarship, and a spot within the offense, his mindset has remained the same since day one.

The expectations surrounding the sophomore receiver have certainly increased, but his determination and chip-on-the-shoulder mentality hasn't wavered.

“Nothing about my mindset really changes," Freeman told reporters after practice on Monday. "I just wanna get after it every day and prove that I’m the best I can be. Keep getting better every day. The mindset definitely doesn’t change, I still have to keep a chip on my shoulder cause I just wanna get better.”

Freeman, a local standout from Oklahoma City, originally chose to play for Texas Tech as a scholarship player. Matt Wells saw the vision early on, and sold Freeman on the idea of being an impact player. As the fall wore on, though, and Wells was let go by the Red Raiders, the door was open.

When Brent Venables came calling in late January, all he could offer was a walk-on spot — and Freeman chose to bet on himself. The 5-foot-8, 173-pound speedster certainly made the right decision. On his first touch as a Sooner, Freeman took off for an electric 46-yard touchdown rush on a reverse out of the backfield.

Between catching passes and taking handoffs, Freeman accounted for 10 touches, 117 total yards and a touchdown. His diving catch downfield against Kansas was a big time highlight, too.

Things happen when Gavin Freeman touches the ball.#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner | @TheGavinFreeman pic.twitter.com/3ZpiL4mdxV
— 𝕺𝖐𝖑𝖆𝖍𝖔𝖒𝖆 𝖛𝖘. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖑𝖉 (@soonergridiron) October 15, 2022

At the season’s conclusion, Venables opted to put Freeman and four other players on scholarship. Headlining Oklahoma’s walk-on upgrades, it was only a matter of time for a talent like his to earn trust with the coaching staff and find a spot on scholarship.

“It was cool, you know, the best part was all my teammates getting up there," Freeman said. "They were just lifting me up and congratulating me. They’ve been on my side this whole time. Just seeing my teammates surround me when I got put on scholarship was the best feeling ever. They got my back and I got their back.”

After catching 73 passes for 1,434 yards and 18 touchdowns during his senior season at Heritage Hall, the raw talent and potential was on display. Freeman understood what he brought to the table, but just needed an opportunity to show it. After grinding through summer camp and impressing both his teammates and coaches, he got his opportunity.

Now, in year two, Freeman has suddenly gone from a freshman walk-on to a trusted, scholarship contributor that could be in line to receive a heavy amount of snaps. It’s quite the 180-degree flip for the hometown hero, but he’s continued to improve every day, no matter what his role looks like. His ascension to the top-end of Oklahoma's depth chart is even more meaningful with the loss of Marvin Mims to the NFL.

Freeman has consistency after spending a full year with Dillon Gabriel and has been working on building chemistry since the offseason first began. Oklahoma didn't quite live up to expectations a season ago, but the wide receiver room is doing its part to make sure that doesn't happen again.

“I think we’re all getting the offense way more engraved in our brain," Freeman said. "We’re understanding what the quarterbacks want, what the coaches want, what the OC wants. And what DG (Gabriel) wants for sure — we’re all focusing on fundamentals and getting out of breaks which helps with throws being on time."

He even got a shoutout from his head coach last week during media availability, highlighting his progression and growing role within the offense.

"Freeman has been really outstanding, too, through the first eight practices," Venables noted. "Taking the next step."

It's all a growing process for the Sooners' wideout who has undergone an immense amount of change over the last calendar year. With a room full unproven pass catchers, another opportunity seems to be opening up.

“Last spring, I was at a track meet eating fruit snacks," Freeman said. "My game since then has gotten so much better. Everyone around me is just pushing me to get better.”