During spring practices, Oklahoma’s offensive line faced a significant setback when projected starting center Troy Everett suffered a knee injury on March 27, necessitating surgery. On Tuesday, at the SEC’s annual spring meetings in Destin, Florida, OU coach Brent Venables offered a brief update on Everett’s recovery since his April 3 surgery.
“Troy’s mindset is that he’ll be back sometime in September and ahead of schedule,” Venables said.
This update from Venables provided a clearer timeline for Everett’s return. Previously, on April 2, Venables had confirmed the severity of Everett’s injury and surgery, estimating that the redshirt junior would be cleared to return by the end of fall camp.
Even with the initial timeline, Everett’s return for the season opener against Temple on Aug. 30 seemed unlikely. It is now confirmed that he isn’t expected back until after the season starts.
Everett’s injury left Oklahoma in a difficult position at center amid an offseason overhaul of the offensive line. With Everett sidelined, Oklahoma turned to redshirt freshman Josh Bates to take over the first-team reps for the remainder of spring practices. Bates adjusted well to the challenge and showed significant progress, particularly during the spring game on April 20. The Sooners also added SMU transfer Branson Hickman a day later.
Hickman, a three-year starter at SMU and one of the top-graded centers in college football last season according to Pro Football Focus, brings substantial experience and leadership to Oklahoma’s center position as they enter their inaugural SEC season. Hickman’s addition allows the Sooners to avoid rushing Everett’s recovery, and with Hickman expected to start at center, Everett may have the opportunity to play at guard upon his return.
Everett, who finished last season as Oklahoma’s starting center in the Alamo Bowl and was projected to start this spring, has primarily played center but also has experience at guard. Last season, he made three starts at left guard and played 247 of his 398 snaps at the position. He transferred from Appalachian State, where he appeared in 13 games and made six starts at center over two seasons.
“Troy’s still a great leader,” Venables said. “And Troy will be back.”
