Senior offensive lineman Erick Wren is the last name listed on Oklahoma’s football roster. He wears jersey number 58 and has a brief bio on SoonerSports.com…very brief. Until recently that’s all that anyone knew about the walk-on center from Mesquite, Texas, if they even knew who he was at all.
That’s all changing now as Wren had such a good fall camp that he’s wrecked offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh’s plan to move Jonathan Alvarez from guard to center. A plan that was once a no-brainer has become quite the head-scratcher as Wren is proving is worth and Alvarez may end up having more value back at guard.
Who is this kid? He’s an overcomer. That’s exactly who he is. A non-qualifier out of high school, Wren ended up at Arizona Western Community College where he shredded his knee during his second season and with it the hopes of any FBS offers.
A long-time Oklahoma football fan, Wren decided to continue his education in Norman and walk-on. The 6-2/308 overachiever appeared in three games last season for the Sooners and is now on the cusp of trotting out with the starting offense against Houston on September 3rd.
He’s a powerful blocker who knows how to use his frame and push people around. That’s what has the eye of Bedenbaugh but ultimately it’s his heart, desire, and work ethic that may have him on the field in just over a week.