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College football 2018 preview: 15 freshmen poised to make instant impact

By Cody Williams

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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FRISCO, TX – JULY 17: The Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the Big 12 Media days on July 17, 2018 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX – JULY 17: The Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the Big 12 Media days on July 17, 2018 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Brey Walker, OT, Oklahoma

When talking about the major losses that every team in college football will have to contend with this season, perhaps the biggest departure that any team will have to cope with is the Oklahoma Sooners dealing with Baker Mayfield now being in the NFL.

Obviously, we’re talking about a player who was worthy of being selected with the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft, but he’s also a one-of-a-kind leader on the field that will be incredibly difficult to replace. However, he’s not the only player that the Sooners will be missing on offense.

In front of Mayfield helping to make his life easy last season was the behemoth at left tackle, Orlando Brown. While he’s not a great athlete, he was a wall in front of his quarterback that was able to use his massive frame to keep the Oklahoma offense functioning properly without disruption. Now that he’s in the NFL, though, there has to be someone to replace him. While he may not be a direct one-for-one replacement in terms of position, Brey Walker will help with that.

The 6-foot-7, 320-pound 5-star recruit is an absolute monster of a man with the talent to be able to perform right away as he comes to Norman. He likely won’t be taking over Brown’s spot at left tackle, but he could certainly slot in at right tackle and take up that role right out of the gate. With a new quarterback also taking over in Kyler Murray, they’ll need help up front and Walker can provide that.