100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #64 Joshua Bates By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: June 30, 2023

Player Profile

Position: Offensive Lineman

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 301

Class: Freshman

Seasons at OU: 0

Hometown: Durango, CO

The Path to Norman

Joshua Bates came to Norman out of Durango, Colorado. Bates was an early commit in the 2023 class back in the summer of 2021. The lineman received his OU offer during an unofficial visit that summer. Although he held offers from Oregon, Michigan State, USC, and others at the time, that list grew longer over time as more heads turned to pay attention to the young man. By the end of the cycle, he was a top-five center per ESPN and 247. However, the Sooners already had him locked up.

TFB’s Charlie spoke with him after his committment. Bates told him that ‘OU is everything I want in a program. The culture and tradition are exactly what I am looking for”. He continued by saying “I’m super excited to build my relationship with Coach B over the next two years and I cannot wait to get to work.’

Boom News! | ’23 OL Joshua Bates commits to Oklahoma!

Highlights

This Season

Although he has worked a little at guard this spring, Bates is primarily a center. The center spot has a host of guys right now; returning starter Andrew Raym will lead the pack, with Nate Anderson and transfer Troy Everett providing depth. Bates will likely have the opportunity to redshirt this season before competing for the starting center job in 2024.