Why OT Tyler Guyton is 'Thankful' Ahead of Oklahoma's Season Opener
NORMAN — For the second straight year, offensive tackle Tyler Guyton is preparing to take Owen Field as Oklahoma’s opening day starter.
But things are a little different for the talented 6-foot-7 lineman.
Last year Guyton was keeping a spot warm for a teammate.
Wanya Morris missed the first two games of the 2022 season for OU, opening up a spot for Guyton along the line of scrimmage.
This year, Guyton has made the right tackle spot his own.
Morris was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs this past offseason, and Guyton has worked through spring practice and fall camp to establish himself as the Sooners’ next great tackle.
“It’s a different type of mindset,” Guyton said after Oklahoma’s practice on Monday. “… Different role, man. It’s not just like I’m filling in a spot this week. I’m a starter, this is my position, and this is my O-line.”
Tyler Guyton
Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports
After playing all over the field as an H-back for the TCU Horned Frogs in 2021, last year Guyton was able to develop solely as a tackle under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
Action came early for Guyton, who made five total starts last year, but this offseason demanded a different level of focus and commitment.
“I feel like I just take it a lot more serious now,” Guyton said. “I know everything. I know the ins and outs. I know the personnel. I know what I need to do, what I don’t need to do. Everything’s changed.”
Guyton’s athleticism has excited the coaching staff since he arrived in Norman. Even at his imposing size, Guyton is able to move with fluidity in space, which is required of any Bedenbaugh lineman.
The past two offseasons have allowed him to refine his technique however, as Guyton is still a relatively raw prospect as an offensive lineman.
“This is a guy that hadn’t played the position for a long time,” offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby said last week. “(He) has had limited starts at the position so he’s continuing to get better every day. I think we’re all aware of what he can be, but he’s gotta go be it.
“He’s got the right mindset about it. He’s been incredibly tough and eager to get better every day. He’s gotta continue that trend to get to where he wants to be and where we want him to be.”
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A new addition to Oklahoma’s offensive line room has helped Guyton continue to develop this offseason.
Walter Rouse, a redshirt senior who transferred from Stanford this offseason, has started 39 career games and has been able to share his experience to teach Guyton more nuances of the position.
“Just the way he goes about everything, he’s a pro,” Guyton said. “… I feel like I was a little bit of a one dimensional pass setter, but I feel like I have a little variety now, especially with my hands too. I feel like I’ve changed that up a little bit and I got that from him.”
Along with Morris, Oklahoma will also have to replace Anton Harrison and Chris Murray from last year’s starting ranks, but Guyton feels the chemistry of the new-look offensive line is in an outstanding spot headed into the opener against Arkansas State.
While he maintained all of his personal goals were team-centric, Guyton did have specific benchmarks he wants the offense to hit on Saturday.
“Zero sacks, seven yards per carry,” Guyton said. “Straight up. Dominating people, all day.”
Regardless of the unit fares against the visiting Red Wolves, Guyton was thrilled to kick off the 2023 season as Oklahoma’s starting right tackle.
“I can’t even put it into words how excited I am for this opportunity,” said Guyton, “to go put a hurt on somebody with my brothers.
“I’m really thankful for the opportunity. Need to go seize it.”
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