Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke knows what it's like going from the bottom to the top. Heinecke has spent three seasons in Norman, playing sparingly his first two years.
The former walk-on totaled 11 tackles and no tackles for loss or sacks. However, in 2025, he broke out and eventually became one of the biggest contributors on a top-10 defense. Heinecke totaled 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Heinecke's career is the perfect example of perseverance. After barely seeing the field during his first two seasons, he took advantage of his opportunities and became a major piece of Oklahoma's defense in 2025.
While speaking to the media on Friday, Heinecke told a story about the message he had to send ot a young player discouraged
over the reps he was getting in practice.
"I said, 'Hey, you know, don't be so upset about the reps,'" Heinecke said via SoonerScoop's YouTube channel. "You can be angry about it, but make the reps that you do have count. And you know, I promise these coaches are fair. They're going to give you the reps when you deserve them.'"
Heinecke's journey is particularly valuable for younger Oklahoma players who may find themselves buried on the depth chart. Playing time isn't always guaranteed, but the opportunity to improve is available every day in practice.
The linebacker has already experienced the payoff of staying patient and continuing to work. Now, he's passing that lesson along to the next generation of Sooners, reminding them that when their opportunity finally comes, they need to be ready.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Owen Heinecke shares a message every young Sooner should hear
