Brent Venables expresses appreciation for Gavin Freeman and Justin Harrington following their exits from Oklahoma.

Brent Venables addresses the departures of wide receiver Gavin Freeman and defensive back Justin Harrington, highlighting them as the significant losses from Oklahoma’s spring transfer portal activity this offseason.

During this year’s spring transfer portal activity, Oklahoma experienced a relatively subdued period compared to the initial December window. However, they did secure two significant acquisitions along the line of scrimmage: Branson Hickman, a former SMU center, and Damonic Williams, a former TCU defensive tackle. Despite this, there wasn’t much movement in terms of players leaving the program, with only a couple of notable departures being wide receiver Gavin Freeman and Cheetah/defensive back Justin Harrington, who entered the portal on April 30 and April 19, respectively.

Addressing these departures during the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables remarked, “Those are byproducts of the system that we have right now. One, guys can just move whenever they want. Two, whether that’s to try to make a little more money or maybe a clearer path—everybody has different reasons. —but those are two great guys, great teammates, great work ethic as players.”

“People aren’t interested in hearing my personal views; there are much worse things that have happened to other people.”

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Neither Freeman nor Harrington seemed likely to secure starting roles for Oklahoma this upcoming fall, given the depth at their respective positions as the program transitions to the SEC.

Freeman, who initially walked on for the Sooners, made a notable impact in his freshman year with a memorable rushing touchdown. Despite earning a scholarship and contributing both on offense and special teams, he decided to transfer to Oklahoma State. Throughout his time at Oklahoma, Freeman displayed versatility but also faced challenges with punt returns, ultimately opting to move to a rival school.

Harrington’s journey was marked by setbacks and resilience. After starting in junior college and facing injury early on at Oklahoma, he eventually rejoined the team as a walk-on under Venables’ leadership. Despite earning playing time and starting at Cheetah, another ACL injury halted his progress. Despite being granted an extra year of eligibility, Harrington chose to transfer to Washington, seeking a fresh start for his final season. Throughout his tenure at Oklahoma, he showcased his defensive skills but also battled injuries.

Freeman and Harrington were not projected to start for Oklahoma this coming fall as the team transitions to the SEC, given the depth at their respective positions.

Both players have since found new teams. Freeman, who was behind Deion Burks and Jaquaize Pettaway at the slot, transferred to Oklahoma State on May 5. Harrington, recovering from an ACL tear, was competing for playing time at Cheetah but decided to commit to Washington on April 30.

Freeman, who initially walked on for the Sooners, made an impact as a freshman with a 46-yard rushing touchdown. Despite earning a scholarship and contributing on offense and special teams, he transferred to Oklahoma State. Harrington, who began in junior college, faced setbacks with injuries but showed resilience by rejoining Oklahoma as a walk-on under Venables’ leadership. Despite starting at Cheetah, another ACL injury led him to transfer to Washington for his final season of eligibility.

Throughout their careers at Oklahoma, both Freeman and Harrington displayed talent and determination, despite not securing starting roles.

“I appreciate the time we had coaching them and how they contributed to our growth,” Venables expressed. “I’m looking forward to seeing them chase their dreams.”