Oklahoma Sooners freshman star of the future turning heads with starters in fall camp thanks to sudden opportunity

Ryan Fodje turning heads

Four-star freshman Ryan Fodje worked with the first-team offense on Friday over at right guard. Starting right guard Febechi Nwaiwu missed the day for a "personal reason", and it opened up an opportunity for Fodje to work with the ones.

Fodje quickly rose up the depth chart throughout the offseason, demonstrating the talent that made him such a coveted recruit. He moved inside to guard, likely to boost the depth in the room and get on the field sooner, but will seemingly be in their future plans outside at tackle.

According to several people at camp, Fodje looked like he belonged with the starters and more than held his own despite the sudden move up with the starters. He's always been a physical specimen, with tremendous footwork and power, but it's always about understanding the mental side that will determine his outlook.

Still, this might have been a glimpse into the future for the Sooners. Nwaiwu wasn't outright the weakest link on the offensive line last season at right guard, but he didn't play well enough for me to believe that his job is completely set in stone for the whole season. It wouldn't surprise me if Fodje got some playing time as a starter at some point later on this season.

If Fodje and Fasusi keep climbing at the rate they are, I feel like it's only a matter of time before the freshman duo earn the starting jobs this season. If so, they can be two elite building blocks for the Sooners for the next few seasons.