‘He’s in another solar system’ – Brent Venables can’t help but spill the beans on the jump a second-year player has made
Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners have seen a huge jump by defensive back Michael Boganowski
A lot of those guys who were forced into action in 2024 due to the massive amount of injuries that the Oklahoma Sooners had are going to play crucial roles in 2025. And, they will be better in 2025 because of what they went through in 2024.
One of those players has to be Michael Boganowski, who was a freshman defensive back last season, but primarily played safety when he was on the field playing defense. When he wasn’t, he was on special teams, making some pretty vicious hits.
And, sure, he made some mistakes last year, but he was a freshman — we have to remember that aspect of it all. I mean, the kid can play; he was a highly rated recruit, a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3, ranked as high as the No. 22 safety nationally. Boganowski picked OU over offers from schools like Florida State and Kansas.
He finished with eight tackles, five solo, three assisted, with his best game being three tackles against Maine on November 2. He also had tackles against Auburn, Texas, Houston, and Temple. Though not a starter, he competed in a deep safety group including Robert Spears-Jennings, Peyton Bowen, and Billy Bowman. In 2025, he could see his role increase drastically.
The biggest thing, though, is that Boganowski has taken such a big leap from last year to this year.
Brent Venables says Michael Boganowski has taken a huge leap during fall camp
“Wherever he was a year ago, he’s in another solar system. He’s always played wide open, really fast, he’s always been an elite effort guy, super physical, but man, now he has a process.”
The Sooners really need a big season from Boganowski, too. He has a real chance to get on the field, as he’s next in line behind either Peyton Bowen or Robert Spears-Jennings. And, if one of those goes out with an injury, Boganowski is next up.
So, his taking a leap is huge for him and the Sooners. And with how much potential we have heard he has, it’s hard not to get excited when you hear Brent Venables talk about Boganowski the way he has.
