Sooners' tight end Bauer Sharp speaks to the media on March 6, 2023.
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00:00 >> Going from FCS to playing SEC for the Falcons.
00:04 >> The fans, most definitely.
00:06 I don't think the speed of the game will be any different,
00:10 cuz there's some dogs at FCS.
00:12 There's great athletes, it's just kinda in the trenches where it gets a little
00:16 different, not even that different.
00:18 But probably the atmosphere of the SEC, going to Auburn,
00:24 that's gonna be a big one I'm looking forward to.
00:27 All the families are gonna be there, so super fun.
00:30 >> Were you surprised that you got in the portal with so
00:32 many power five programs, were you showing interest in yet?
00:36 >> I was at first, but ultimately I knew that I belonged to this level, and
00:39 I could play at this level for sure.
00:41 Once I just got confidence behind myself and made a couple plays, so it's been fun.
00:45 >> The fact that Joe John Finley obviously has a history coaching tight end,
00:51 playing tight end, now he's the offensive coordinator.
00:53 Did that factor into your decision to come to OU at all?
00:55 >> Yes, it sure did.
00:57 He just gives the confidence to our whole room of what it is to be a tight end.
01:03 He explains the offense very well to where we understand it in a very simpler
01:06 term, but just to know that he has played tight end just
01:11 makes it even a better relationship between me and him.
01:14 >> And so what's it been like getting to be actually coached by him now that you're
01:18 here in Norman instead of just being recruited by him?
01:20 >> Yeah, it's awesome.
01:22 I mean, I feel like we hit it off from the jump.
01:24 He was just a great guy.
01:25 That's kinda why I made this decision to come here, was him and Coach Luttrell, and
01:29 how authentic and real they were.
01:31 For once, I've gotten in the tight end room and he's starting to coach me.
01:34 It's just been super fun, it's super real, and he just gets to the point.
01:37 >> You mentioned the tight end room.
01:39 What's your relationship like with those other guys?
01:40 Have you been able to kind of meet them and stuff like that?
01:43 >> Heck yeah, they're awesome.
01:44 I mean, Josh, Kane, Devon, Jake, Kane, Bray, Ham, they're some freak athletes.
01:51 And it's so fun.
01:51 They bring the best out of me, and I know I bring the best out of them.
01:54 But just to compete with every one of them and work every day with them is super fun.
01:58 >> So I've talked to some people at your former school, and
02:00 I've watched the film, of course.
02:01 But from your perspective, what do you bring to OU's offense?
02:06 >> I think that I'm very versatile as a tight end.
02:08 I don't think I'm the regular tight end that's gonna put his hand down and
02:11 block the whole game.
02:12 I feel like you can use me in different ways.
02:14 I played bobcat QB at my old school, and I feel like it's a huge part of my game, and
02:18 what I can do running up the middle.
02:19 But I'm just happy to help his offense any way I can.
02:23 You know what I'm saying?
02:25 Whatever they need me to do, special teams, anything on offense, block it.
02:29 I'm doing that.
02:29 I'm blocking for my teammates.
02:31 I just wanna win.
02:32 >> And so you kinda touched on that you played quarterback a little bit at
02:35 your former school.
02:35 I know that you were a quarterback in high school.
02:37 What was that transition like?
02:39 >> It was super awesome.
02:40 I mean, I was kinda raw mentally in the QB room, but it was super fun.
02:44 Just my roommate was actually our QB, and so I had a special relationship with him.
02:50 It was easy, kinda knowing coverages of where to sit in that zone or
02:55 break off higher, lower, man.
02:57 Just concepts kinda clicked for me once I started playing tight end.
03:01 >> So how's your relationship with Brent Venable has been since you got here?
03:04 What's it like getting coached by him?
03:06 >> Man, it's a blessing having a coach like him.
03:09 He is truly the same person no matter what.
03:11 It doesn't matter who you are, and where you catch him, what time you catch him,
03:15 he is gonna give it to you real 100% all the time.
03:17 I love that.
03:18 >> And what about Coach Schmidt in the weight room?
03:20 How's that been?
03:21 We kinda hear that his workouts are pretty tough.
03:24 What's your take on that?
03:25 >> Yeah, I love it.
03:27 I have aspirations of being in the weight room all the time.
03:31 I'm a big strength guy.
03:32 I could see myself being a strength coach one day.
03:34 Who knows when that'll be when the Lord has that plan, but man,
03:37 he will bring the best out of you, and it's super fun.
03:40 It's no slacking.
03:41 You get in there, it's time to work.
03:42 >> And so I know you kinda touched on it.
03:44 Being from Alabama, you obviously play in the University of Alabama here in
03:48 Norman, going to Auburn.
03:49 What does that mean to you?
03:50 Does that excite you at all?
03:51 >> Yes, it's unbelievable.
03:54 It's a blessing.
03:55 All my family will probably still be going for Alabama, just pulling for me.
03:59 You know what I'm saying?
04:00 Kidding.
04:00 Well, no, family's always been a diehard Alabama fans.
04:04 The Lord just had me somewhere, someplace else.
04:06 So it's gonna be surreal playing them, but I hope we get it done.
04:09 >> Are you excited to play in the SEC?
04:10 Is that something that will affect you in your decision at all?
04:12 >> Yeah, 100%.
04:13 I just wanted to play at the highest level.
04:14 I knew I belonged at this level.
04:16 I just want to win a championship in the SEC, that's what we plan to do.