How Tyler Guyton Can Become Oklahoma's Next Lineman to Make the Jump
NORMAN — Over the years, coach Bill Bedenbaugh and the Oklahoma Sooners have developed quite the reputation for sending offensive linemen to the next level.
With a strong junior campaign, Tyler Guyton could be the next rising prospect from the system.
A season ago, Guyton’s first in Norman, he played in 10 games and made five starts at offensive tackle. The physically gifted Guyton transferred in from TCU after the 2021 season and found a way to make an immediate impact. He started the year playing left tackle and ended up penciled in as the starting right tackle by season’s end, showcasing his extreme versatility.
“I feel like it just gave me game experience,” Guyton told the media Monday evening after practice on Owen Field. “Playing in a game and playing in practice is way different. Faster, different looks, you don’t know when anyone is rushing. It just gave me game experience, knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do.”
With an increased, consistent role on the field, Guyton has also seen his voice in the locker room grow. After spending a year learning from Bedenbaugh and training in Jerry Schmidt’s strength and conditioning program, he understands what the coaching staff is looking for and how he can help set an example for an unproven unit.
“I’m way more vocal with this role I’ve taken on,” Guyton explained. “Gotta become a leader, gotta level up everything I do now. I love it, I’m embracing every part of it.”
Considering the departures of Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris, the door is wide open for Guyton to step in and shine. At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, the projected right tackle has all the physical tools to succeed at the next level. With added strength and increased physicality, Guyton should be well on his way to spearheading the Sooners’ inexperienced offensive line and boosting his NFL Draft stock.
Since 2018, Oklahoma has produced seven NFL Draft picks across the offensive line. Overall, the Sooners tallied three All-Pro blockers in 2022 behind Lane Johnson, Trent Williams and Creed Humphrey. At the end of April, Harrison will seemingly be next in line to hear his name called high, and Morris will get his chance at the next level too.
For Guyton, learning from two future pros during his first season in Norman was the best possible scenario. Both Harrison and Morris waited in the wings before seizing their on-field opportunity when the timing was right.
“They definitely helped me with actual football technique,” Guyton said. “I wasn’t the best technically. But they just gave me good leadership skills, they told me how to be the one. How to be the next one up, how to lead the youth — everything. They’re my guys, I love y’all.”
Now, with a full season under his belt, he has confidence and consistency in his role. With the guidance of Harrison and Morris, and the coaching of Bedenbaugh, Guyton has all the tools to be the next one up.
