Tell me about ou

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

31 minutes ago, Longboard Horn said:

 

Mark Clayton…. That mother fucker was slippery! Really fun receiver to watch. 

He was. Dude caught literally anything in his vicinity. He was slippery, and ran impressive routes. God I hate him, but he was fun to watch. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

Nate Hybl

  In Hybl’s three seasons at OU, the Sooners compiled an overall record of 36-4, a winning percentage of .900, including two Big 12 championships. He was a backup to Josh Heupel on the last Oklahoma national championship team in 2000.

[statsman 5693]

I searched for an OU number 8 that could show their program in a bad light. I couldn’t find one. 
 
Evidently, it’s also difficult to find a number 8 Sooner that shows their program in a good light. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

 I had a little medical procedure today in Dallas and my lovely wife being the comic she is goes to the gift shop and picks up this little guy. I will sacrifice him tonight.

Edited August 22 by Pdawg88

[Plorant 895]

54 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

 I had a little medical procedure today in Dallas and my lovely wife being the comic she is goes to the gift shop and picks up this little guy. I will sacrifice him tonight.

A "little" medical procedure?  Vasectomy?  Oh and don't you dare hurt that guy.  

[Pdawg88 1157]

29 minutes ago, Plorant said:

A "little" medical procedure?  Vasectomy?  Oh and don't you dare hurt that guy.  

No sir, I had something growing in my vocal cords. Had it removed once in OKC, but came back. Sent me to a specialist in Dallas. Headed to our place at Texoma now for the weekend. That little fucker is getting property burial at sea tonight. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

Change of plans. I have now named him Scholz. He is going to be my new best friend. He will go on every trip I go on. Wife and I are about to go out on the boat. We are taking him with us so he can get some sun and a beer. Cheers boys, the season is almost here. 

[Longboard Horn 41350]

15 hours ago, Pdawg88 said:

Change of plans. I have now named him Scholz. He is going to be my new best friend. He will go on every trip I go on. Wife and I are about to go out on the boat. We are taking him with us so he can get some sun and a beer. Cheers boys, the season is almost here. 

Please post pics! I need to be entertained!

[Pdawg88 1157]

DeMarco Murray

 

Mr Spray tan himself (google it if you have never heard the story). One of the best running backs of all time at OU. Would have one the national championship against Florida if he would have played. 

Starred at Oklahoma from the 2007 through 2010 seasons when the Sooners won 43 games, three Big 12 championships and a pair of bowl games under former head coach Bob Stoops. 

• Played a pivotal role in the 2008 season in helping OU reach the BCS National Championship Game, which he had to miss due to injury. In his 13 games that season he rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 31 passes for 395 yards and four more scores en route to first-team All-Big 12 honors. 

• Was also a first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2010 when he rushed for career highs of 1,214 yards and 15 TDs and caught 71 passes for 594 yards and five scores.

• In addition to his OU career records for all-purpose yards (6,718; 3,685 rushing, 1,571 receiving, 1,462 return) and touchdowns scored (65), he is the school’s all-time leader in kickoff return average (27.6 yards) and ranks second in rushing attempts (759) and kick return yards (1,462), third in rushing touchdowns (50), seventh in rushing yards and eighth in 100-yard-rushing games (13).
 

Edited August 23 by Pdawg88

[Pdawg88 1157]

1 minute ago, Longboard Horn said:

Please post pics! I need to be entertained!

I was thinking about starting a different thread in a different category . I don’t want to clog the OU pages up with his adventures. Any suggestions on where?

[LTtxfan 49991]

18 hours ago, Pdawg88 said:

No sir, I had something growing in my vocal cords. Had it removed once in OKC, but came back. Sent me to a specialist in Dallas. Headed to our place at Texoma now for the weekend. That little fucker is getting property burial at sea tonight. 

Cheers to your health and to "Scholz" !!!

[Longboard Horn 41350]

6 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

I was thinking about starting a different thread in a different category . I don’t want to clog the OU pages up with his adventures. Any suggestions on where?

The Lulz section

[Pdawg88 1157]

3 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

Cheers to your health and to "Scholz" !!!

Thank you kindly sir!

['stache 22131]

14 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

DeMarco Murray

 

Mr Spray tan himself (google it if you have never heard the story). One of the best running backs of all time at OU. Would have one the national championship against Florida if he would have played. 

Starred at Oklahoma from the 2007 through 2010 seasons when the Sooners won 43 games, three Big 12 championships and a pair of bowl games under former head coach Bob Stoops. 

• Played a pivotal role in the 2008 season in helping OU reach the BCS National Championship Game, which he had to miss due to injury. In his 13 games that season he rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 31 passes for 395 yards and four more scores en route to first-team All-Big 12 honors. 

• Was also a first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2010 when he rushed for career highs of 1,214 yards and 15 TDs and caught 71 passes for 594 yards and five scores.

• In addition to his OU career records for all-purpose yards (6,718; 3,685 rushing, 1,571 receiving, 1,462 return) and touchdowns scored (65), he is the school’s all-time leader in kickoff return average (27.6 yards) and ranks second in rushing attempts (759) and kick return yards (1,462), third in rushing touchdowns (50), seventh in rushing yards and eighth in 100-yard-rushing games (13).
 

And fumbled away a playoff game for the Dallas Cowboys. Fuck you marco.

[statsman 5693]

I have a better #7. Rhett Bomar, who Mack Brown famously offered as a sophomore. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

14 minutes ago, 'stache said:

And fumbled away a playoff game for the Dallas Cowboys. Fuck you marco.

I’m a Redskin fan so it didn’t hurt my feelings. 

['stache 22131]

Just now, Pdawg88 said:

I’m a Redskin fan so it didn’t hurt my feelings. 

God damn, you got a fetish for hate, don't you, lol!

Edited August 23 by 'stache

[Pdawg88 1157]

29 minutes ago, 'stache said:

God damn, you got a fetish for hate, don't you, lol!

Glutton for punishment 

[Scholz 12305]

Guess DGB had the same # as Dede thus the oversight. You’re welcome.

In April 2014, Dorial Green-Beckham was investigated by the Columbia Police Department in Missouri for domestic violence after allegedly breaking into the home of two women, who were friends of his then-girlfriend, and allegedly assaulting one of them and his then-girlfriend. According to the police report, on April 6, 2014, Green-Beckham, looking for his then-girlfriend, went to the women’s home and pushed open the door with such force that it made a hole in the wall. After he allegedly unlawfully entered the home, Green-Beckham allegedly pushed one woman with both hands, causing her to fall down the stairs.

[Scholz 12305]

On 8/22/2024 at 1:59 PM, Pdawg88 said:

 I had a little medical procedure today in Dallas and my lovely wife being the comic she is goes to the gift shop and picks up this little guy. I will sacrifice him tonight.

Nice. You should donate the little fella to a woman’s shelter.

[Pdawg88 1157]

7 minutes ago, Scholz said:

Nice. You should donate the little fella to a woman’s shelter.

Oh no. Little Scholz has been on a journey. I’ll start his thread later today. You will love it! 

[Pdawg88 1157]

 

Baker Mayfield

 

I love him, you love him, we all love him. The one and only Baker Mayfield. Arguably the greatest QB to ever play at the university of Oklahoma. From walk on to Heisman trophy winner and 1st overall pick. 

[closetojumping 65388]

25 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

 

Baker Mayfield

 

I love him, you love him, we all love him. The one and only Baker Mayfield. Arguably the greatest QB to ever play at the university of Oklahoma. From walk on to Heisman trophy winner and 1st overall pick. 

I really do hate that man. 

[LTtxfan 49991]

23 hours ago, statsman said:

I have a better #7. Rhett Bomar, who Mack Brown famously offered as a sophomore. 

SO GOOD !!! 🤘

 

[Frank Drebin 5834]

23 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

I really do hate that man. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

25 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

I really do hate that man. 

Take it back now!

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

On 8/22/2024 at 7:28 AM, Pdawg88 said:

Nate Hybl

  In Hybl’s three seasons at OU, the Sooners compiled an overall record of 36-4, a winning percentage of .900, including two Big 12 championships. He was a backup to Josh Heupel on the last Oklahoma national championship team in 2000.

I completely forget this guy exists 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

4 hours ago, Scholz said:

Guess DGB had the same # as Dede thus the oversight. You’re welcome.

In April 2014, Dorial Green-Beckham was investigated by the Columbia Police Department in Missouri for domestic violence after allegedly breaking into the home of two women, who were friends of his then-girlfriend, and allegedly assaulting one of them and his then-girlfriend. According to the police report, on April 6, 2014, Green-Beckham, looking for his then-girlfriend, went to the women’s home and pushed open the door with such force that it made a hole in the wall. After he allegedly unlawfully entered the home, Green-Beckham allegedly pushed one woman with both hands, causing her to fall down the stairs.

Remember when Mack was recruiting this piece of shit? Glad he picked Mizzou, transferred and never played a down for ou. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

3 hours ago, Pdawg88 said:

 

Baker Mayfield

 

I love him, you love him, we all love him. The one and only Baker Mayfield. Arguably the greatest QB to ever play at the university of Oklahoma. From walk on to Heisman trophy winner and 1st overall pick. 

Fuck this cock suckers. Fuck him for everything. Fuck him especially for QB'ing my Bucs. It's so hard to watch them when he's on the team. I never hope my team sucks, but I'll make an exception if it means he gets released. 

[Scholz 12305]

4 minutes ago, Funk Doctor Spock said:

Remember when Mack was recruiting this piece of shit? Glad he picked Mizzou, transferred and never played a down for ou. 

UT fans wouldn’t stand for it. Blowu fans don’t care. They’re garbage humans.

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

2 minutes ago, Scholz said:

UT fans wouldn’t stand for it. Blowu fans don’t care. They’re garbage humans.

He was labeled a generational talent, but ended up a generational piece of shit 

[Machinator 32103]

 

[Pdawg88 1157]

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown

Great overall receiver. Juco product that had a great career at OU and a decent pro career so far. 

 

[LTtxfan 49991]

 

Behind a paywall...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/08/25/casey-thompson-oklahoma-transfer-college-football/

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

46 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown

Great overall receiver. Juco product that had a great career at OU and a decent pro career so far. 

 

If he can stay healthy he can be lethal. He's only had one 1k season in 2021, but he's fast as shit. He's been hampered with minor injuries, so if he can get back to full health, he and Worthy will make a disgustingly great combo. 

But still, fuck him. 

Edited August 25 by Funk Doctor Spock

[Longboard Horn 41350]

Even though y'all won due to our second half collapse, this pic will always be funny. There's a football game going on and ole boy is busy doing gymnastics. lol 

[Pdawg88 1157]

1 hour ago, Longboard Horn said:

Even though y'all won due to our second half collapse, this pic will always be funny. There's a football game going on and ole boy is busy doing gymnastics. lol 

He was all but committed to Texas too. But his girlfriend ended up going to OU for softball. It’s still undefeated 

[Pdawg88 1157]

Jamelle Holieway

Jamelle Holieway is an American former college and professional football player who was a quarterback for the University of Oklahoma. He led the Oklahoma Sooners to a national championship in 1985. Holieway is considered one of the greatest option quarterbacks in NCAA Division I-A history.

[msucolt45 4227]

Jamelle Holieway

Jamelle Holieway is an American former college and professional football player who was a quarterback for the University of Oklahoma. He led the Oklahoma Sooners to a national championship in 1985. Holieway is considered one of the greatest option quarterbacks in NCAA Division I-A history.

Loved watching him run the option, except against my Horns, as that was what we “tried to run” in HS (late ‘80s).

Hook’em!!!

[Royale with cheese 1491]

Did this somehow turn into a fucking blOw-U board when nobody was looking? There's an "Ignore" function on this thing, and it works. Y'all know that, right? Jesus H. Christ.

Next thing you know, we'll be celebrating fuckin' aggy accomplishments. At least that'll be a one-page thread.

[statsman 5693]

On 8/24/2024 at 9:25 AM, Pdawg88 said:

 

Baker Mayfield

 

I love him, you love him, we all love him. The one and only Baker Mayfield. Arguably the greatest QB to ever play at the university of Oklahoma. From walk on to Heisman trophy winner and 1st overall pick. 

I would have gone with another QB here- Charles Thompson is much more representative of the Sooner program. He brought the “doping” into the (Switzer quote about the late ‘80s program) “too much doping, shooting and raping” description of the Oklahoma program. 

[Pdawg88 1157]

2 minutes ago, statsman said:

I would have gone with another QB here- Charles Thompson is much more representative of the Sooner program. He brought the “doping” into the (Switzer quote about the late ‘80s program) “too much doping, shooting and raping” description of the Oklahoma program. 

He is actually my son’s 7v7 coach. Great guy!

[statsman 5693]

22 minutes ago, Pdawg88 said:

He is actually my son’s 7v7 coach. Great guy!

A credit to the rehabilitative properties of our penitentiary system. At Oklahoma, he wore red and had a single digit number, when he needed to be wearing orange with a six digit number. 

Edited August 26 by statsman

[Pdawg88 1157]

6 minutes ago, statsman said:

A credit to the rehabilitative properties of our penitentiary system. At Oklahoma, he wore red and had a single digit number, when he needed to be wearing orange with a six digit number. 

Well technically both are true. He did his time and paid his dues. 

[closetojumping 65388]

OU released their depth chart last night and @Machinator posted the tweet of it here for folks. The Sooners Illustrated guys posted an article about their thoughts on it, and I have spoilered that below. 

If you've followed OU at all this offseason, it won't surprise you that they're going to be playing a fuckton of true freshmen and redshirt freshmen this year. They lost a ton from last year, their portal work has been so-so, the first two classes under Venables look largely like dogshit, and they've had injury issues. 17 true freshmen on a depth chart isn't something a normal person would laud for their program, but these are sooners and they're not going to allow themselves to see things this way. 

There are more "Or" notations on this thing than we saw in the Mack Brown Era, which is saying something. 

Jayden Jackson, who OU bought on a bid far and away higher than what Texas or Ohio State were willing to do, has been named a starter at DT. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing for OU, but I do know that Venables knows good front 7 personnel when he sees it. He has interesting comments about Jackson quoted in the article and some are interpreting the comments as a shot across the bough for David Stone. Stone came in more highly regarded, but also as a giant shit talker. If Stone and Arnold don't hit, Venables will be a robust 0-fer on 5 stars over his first 3 years. The DE from last year's class barely garners a 3rd string mention on the DC. This is after he was breathlessly touted ahead of last season as someone who could be a big disruptor as a true freshman and a future star. 

Similarly, Jaren Kanak barely registers on the DC as a 3rd stringer at LB. For those who don't follow his journey, he was a highly touted recruit committed to Clemson when Venables took the OU job. Venables, in a show of dramatic honor, publicly announced that he wouldn't be taking any commitments from Clemson in his first class. Kanak, however, could not handle the thought of life without Brent, and he insisted on coming to OU, threatening to walk-on if BV wouldn't give him a scholarship. Eventually, the noble Venables was practically forced to take the guy, much to Dabo's chagrin. Afterwards, Kanak was immediately touted as an early impact player for BV's new gig. Since then, the guy has shown up repeatedly out of position and mostly just running from point to point in the wrong direction at the speed of Lehman. 

Notice a theme? 

Other items of note:

-Piecemealing the OL together, looks like 4 probable starters are transfers and no one has ever played together

-Brenen Thompson is being touted as an answer at WR and "really tough for his size". Nic Anderson has a nagging injury issue that they're not being transparent about, hence the touting of Thompson.

-Damonic Williams, who OU went nuts on NIL for, is having trouble beating out 6th year mediocrity Da'Jon Terry at NG.

Spoiler

NORMAN — The biggest surprise about Oklahoma's season-opening depth chart may have been when it was released.

It was somewhat expected that the Sooners would unveil their official depth chart for their Week 1 matchup with Temple (which is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with ESPN carrying the broadcast) sometime Monday morning before Brent Venables held his weekly press conference. Instead, the program rolled out the depth chart at 5 p.m. sharp Sunday evening.

Aside from that surprise drop, there weren't too many surprises on Oklahoma's initial depth chart for the 2024 season. Still, there was plenty to glean from the depth chart as the Sooners head into Year 3 under Venables and the program's first season in the SEC.

Now that we've had some time to digest the depth chart — as well as hear some reaction from Venables during his weekly radio show that took place Sunday night — here are Sooners Illustrated's takeaways from Oklahoma's Week 1 depth chart…

Jayden Jackson is different

This was by far the biggest piece of news to come from Oklahoma's depth chart reveal, as true freshman Jayden Jackson was named the Sooners' starter at defensive tackle, between Ethan Downs at defensive end and Damonic Williams/Da'Jon Terry at nose tackle. Not only is Jackson the lone freshman to be named a starter entering the year; he isn't even sharing the starting job with any other player on the line. The 6-foot-2, 312-pounder is by himself on the top line at defensive tackle.

It's a culmination of an impressive eight months on campus for Jackson, a former four-star prospect who enrolled early and has opened eyes throughout the spring and fall. It's also a testament to the work he has put in since arriving in Norman, as well as his compelling upside at the position.

"Since Jayden got here, he really has shown a different level of maturity," Venables said on his radio show. "He plays beyond his years. He shows up every day—just how he lives his life; everything's pretty clean for him, not messy. He makes good decisions. He's got incredible discipline, and to me, everything starts with discipline. He knows what he wants. He's willing to sacrifice things that don't help get him what he wants. He just lives a really disciplined lifestyle. That's kind of a prerequisite in order to earn an opportunity to play at a consistent level. He's really there because he's worked for it, and really excited about what he can become."

Some clarity to the kicker situation

Oklahoma's starting kicker job has been up for grabs throughout the offseason, and while it's not quite settled yet, there is some clarity to how the Sooners will handle that aspect of the game. FSU transfer Tyler Keltner and returning starter Zach Schmit were listed as co-starters at kicker, but Venables said on his radio show that Keltner will get the first opportunity to attempt field goals and extra points during the season opener against Temple. Schmit, meanwhile, will handle kickoff duties and get a chance on place-kicks, with Venables noting that the incumbent kicker — who has missed six field goal tries in each of the last two seasons — connected on 90% of his field goals during preseason practices.

(Photo: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports)

Offensive line all but settled

So much attention has been placed on Oklahoma's offensive line this season, and understandably so: The Sooners were replacing all five regular starters from last year's unit, as well as some other key contributors up front. They brought in five veteran transfers to help rebuild that unit under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, along with a solid 2024 freshman class in the trenches. Now, entering Week 1 against Temple, that offensive line appears mostly settled.

Four of the five spots along the line had a solidified starter listed on the depth chart, with only one position still up for grabs: left tackle, where redshirt sophomore Jake Taylor and sixth-year senior Spencer Brown, a transfer from Michigan State, were listed as co-starters. Taylor, Venables said, has been Oklahoma's most improved offensive lineman this fall.

The rest of the starting offensive line is in line with what we expected: USC transfer Michael Tarquin at left tackle, junior Jacob Sexton at left guard, SMU transfer Branson Hickman at center and North Texas transfer Febechi Nwaiwu at right guard. Venables added that Sexton can play both guard and tackle, Nwaiwu has been "ready to raise the standard every day," and Washington transfer Geirean Hatchett is capable of playing any position along the line.

Youth movement

Oklahoma's season-opening depth chart featured 17 different true freshmen listed at 20 different positions (Michael Hawkins, Liam Evans and Reggie Powers III each appeared twice on the depth chart). That number increases to 24 when you include redshirt freshmen — guys who appeared in four or fewer games last season.

The Sooners have seven true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen on the defensive depth chart. The true freshmen include Jackson at starting defensive tackle; five-star freshman David Stone and four-star freshman Danny Okoye on the third lines at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively; and defensive backs Powers (listed on the second line at strong safety and third line at Cheetah), Eli Bowen (second line at corner), Michael Boganowski (second line at free safety) and Jaydan Hardy (second line at strong safety). Redshirt freshman defensive linemen Taylor Wein (third line at defensive end) and Ashton Sanders (second line at nose tackle) also appear.

On the offensive side, the only true freshmen on the depth chart are Hawkins, running back Taylor Tatum, wide receivers Zion Kearney, KJ Daniels and Jacob Jordan, and offensive linemen Eddy Pierre-Louis, Eugene Brooks, Isaiah Autry-Dent and Josh Aisosa. The redshirt freshmen on offense include running back Kalib Hicks, tight end Kade McIntyre and offensive linemen Logan Howland, Heath Ozaeta and Joshua Bates.

On special teams, kicker Liam Evans makes an appearance, while Hawkins is also in the mix at holder.

Depth in the secondary

This preseason Venables mentioned how Oklahoma is deeper at cornerback than it has been in either of his first two seasons, and that was apparent on the season-opening depth chart, which featured five players listed at the two starting spots in the secondary. Kani Walker and Woodi Washington are co-starters at one cornerback spot, while Dez Malone, Gentry Williams and Jacobe Johnson are all listed on the other side.

"I don't feel like we have five guys who are the best version of Deion Sanders; we're not there yet, but we're dang good.... We're playing with good consistency there."

(Photo: SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports)

More ORs than a Viking ship

Oklahoma's Week 1 depth chart included the word "OR" 22 times—meaning players are still competing for those spots, whether it's a starting job or backup role. Ten of those were for starting positions, including at running back (Gavin Sawchuk OR Jovantae Barnes), tight end (Bauer Sharp OR Jake Roberts), outside wide receiver (Brenen Thompson OR Nic Anderson), right tackle (Jake Taylor OR Spencer Brown), nose tackle (Damonic Williams OR Da'Jon Terry), WILL linebacker (Kip Lewis OR Lewis Carter OR Dasan McCullough), left cornerback (Kani Walker OR Woodi Washington), right cornerback (Dez Malone OR Gentry Williams OR Jacobe Johnson), free safety (Peyton Bowen OR Robert Spears-Jennings) and kicker (Tyler Keltner OR Zach Schmit).

Another note on special teams

Veteran safety Billy Bowman Jr. is listed as the No. 1 option on kickoff returns. Bowman averaged 15.3 yards on nine kick returns as a sophomore in 2022, but he did not return a kickoff last season. Of course, he showed his open-field ability and navigation skills last season with his interception returns while leading the nation with three pick-sixes and 238 return yards—both of which were Oklahoma single-season records.

On punt returns, Peyton Bowen was listed as the primary option there. Bowen spoke this preseason about how much he desired one of the starting jobs in the return game, and it shouldn't be much of a surprise that he was able to earn one. It will be a bit of a different special teams role for Bowen than a year ago, when he was a wizard of a punt blocker (two blocked punts as a freshman last season), but it's another opportunity for the former five-star defensive back to impact contests in that phase of the game.

QB2

Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. solidified himself as Oklahoma's backup quarterback behind sophomore Jackson Arnold, while seventh-year senior Casey Thompson was listed as the No. 3 on the depth chart. Hawkins has been impressive since the spring as a true dual-threat quarterback who can dazzle with his arm and his legs, and he is regarded highly within the OU program. Thompson should still be able to provide a veteran presence in the quarterback room, and I don't think it would be surprising to see him take the field as a steady and experienced option if something were to happen to Arnold in the middle of a game.

Brenen Thompson's rise

As mentioned earlier, former Texas transfer Brenen Thompson was listed as a co-starter at wide receiver along with the Sooners' leading returning receiver, Nic Anderson. That's in part because Anderson is "day-to-day" with a nagging injury that Oklahoma has monitored throughout the preseason, but it's also a testament to the progress Thompson has made this offseason after an injury-hampered first year with the Sooners.

"Man, he has developed into a fantastic receiver," Venables said. "He's incredibly fast; he's a legit 10.2(-second) 100-meter guy, but he plays really big, and he can run the route tree. He's not just a go-ball guy, and he can go. Don't get me wrong, he can definitely go, but he'll run the curls, the overs, the digs, the mesh route — and he plays tough, so I'm really excited about where he is. He's one of the smartest guys we've got."

 

[BigHornedLurker 2162]

Starting a bunch of freshman for a freshman tour of the SEC seems like a unique meth-influenced recipe for success 

Edited August 26 by BigHornedLurker

[statsman 5693]

1 hour ago, closetojumping said:

OU released their depth chart last night and @Machinator posted the tweet of it here for folks. The Sooners Illustrated guys posted an article about their thoughts on it, and I have spoilered that below. 

If you've followed OU at all this offseason, it won't surprise you that they're going to be playing a fuckton of true freshmen and redshirt freshmen this year. They lost a ton from last year, their portal work has been so-so, the first two classes under Venables look largely like dogshit, and they've had injury issues. 17 true freshmen on a depth chart isn't something a normal person would laud for their program, but these are sooners and they're not going to allow themselves to see things this way. 

There are more "Or" notations on this thing than we saw in the Mack Brown Era, which is saying something. 

Jayden Jackson, who OU bought on a bid far and away higher than what Texas or Ohio State were willing to do, has been named a starter at DT. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing for OU, but I do know that Venables knows good front 7 personnel when he sees it. He has interesting comments about Jackson quoted in the article and some are interpreting the comments as a shot across the bough for David Stone. Stone came in more highly regarded, but also as a giant shit talker. If Stone and Arnold don't hit, Venables will be a robust 0-fer on 5 stars over his first 3 years. The DE from last year's class barely garners a 3rd string mention on the DC. This is after he was breathlessly touted ahead of last season as someone who could be a big disruptor as a true freshman and a future star. 

Similarly, Jaren Kanak barely registers on the DC as a 3rd stringer at LB. For those who don't follow his journey, he was a highly touted recruit committed to Clemson when Venables took the OU job. Venables, in a show of dramatic honor, publicly announced that he wouldn't be taking any commitments from Clemson in his first class. Kanak, however, could not handle the thought of life without Brent, and he insisted on coming to OU, threatening to walk-on if BV wouldn't give him a scholarship. Eventually, the noble Venables was practically forced to take the guy, much to Dabo's chagrin. Afterwards, Kanak was immediately touted as an early impact player for BV's new gig. Since then, the guy has shown up repeatedly out of position and mostly just running from point to point in the wrong direction at the speed of Lehman. 

Notice a theme? 

Other items of note:

-Piecemealing the OL together, looks like 4 probable starters are transfers and no one has ever played together

-Brenen Thompson is being touted as an answer at WR and "really tough for his size". Nic Anderson has a nagging injury issue that they're not being transparent about, hence the touting of Thompson.

-Damonic Williams, who OU went nuts on NIL for, is having trouble beating out 6th year mediocrity Da'Jon Terry at NG.

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NORMAN — The biggest surprise about Oklahoma's season-opening depth chart may have been when it was released.

It was somewhat expected that the Sooners would unveil their official depth chart for their Week 1 matchup with Temple (which is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with ESPN carrying the broadcast) sometime Monday morning before Brent Venables held his weekly press conference. Instead, the program rolled out the depth chart at 5 p.m. sharp Sunday evening.

Aside from that surprise drop, there weren't too many surprises on Oklahoma's initial depth chart for the 2024 season. Still, there was plenty to glean from the depth chart as the Sooners head into Year 3 under Venables and the program's first season in the SEC.

Now that we've had some time to digest the depth chart — as well as hear some reaction from Venables during his weekly radio show that took place Sunday night — here are Sooners Illustrated's takeaways from Oklahoma's Week 1 depth chart…

Jayden Jackson is different

This was by far the biggest piece of news to come from Oklahoma's depth chart reveal, as true freshman Jayden Jackson was named the Sooners' starter at defensive tackle, between Ethan Downs at defensive end and Damonic Williams/Da'Jon Terry at nose tackle. Not only is Jackson the lone freshman to be named a starter entering the year; he isn't even sharing the starting job with any other player on the line. The 6-foot-2, 312-pounder is by himself on the top line at defensive tackle.

It's a culmination of an impressive eight months on campus for Jackson, a former four-star prospect who enrolled early and has opened eyes throughout the spring and fall. It's also a testament to the work he has put in since arriving in Norman, as well as his compelling upside at the position.

"Since Jayden got here, he really has shown a different level of maturity," Venables said on his radio show. "He plays beyond his years. He shows up every day—just how he lives his life; everything's pretty clean for him, not messy. He makes good decisions. He's got incredible discipline, and to me, everything starts with discipline. He knows what he wants. He's willing to sacrifice things that don't help get him what he wants. He just lives a really disciplined lifestyle. That's kind of a prerequisite in order to earn an opportunity to play at a consistent level. He's really there because he's worked for it, and really excited about what he can become."

Some clarity to the kicker situation

Oklahoma's starting kicker job has been up for grabs throughout the offseason, and while it's not quite settled yet, there is some clarity to how the Sooners will handle that aspect of the game. FSU transfer Tyler Keltner and returning starter Zach Schmit were listed as co-starters at kicker, but Venables said on his radio show that Keltner will get the first opportunity to attempt field goals and extra points during the season opener against Temple. Schmit, meanwhile, will handle kickoff duties and get a chance on place-kicks, with Venables noting that the incumbent kicker — who has missed six field goal tries in each of the last two seasons — connected on 90% of his field goals during preseason practices.

(Photo: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports)

Offensive line all but settled

So much attention has been placed on Oklahoma's offensive line this season, and understandably so: The Sooners were replacing all five regular starters from last year's unit, as well as some other key contributors up front. They brought in five veteran transfers to help rebuild that unit under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, along with a solid 2024 freshman class in the trenches. Now, entering Week 1 against Temple, that offensive line appears mostly settled.

Four of the five spots along the line had a solidified starter listed on the depth chart, with only one position still up for grabs: left tackle, where redshirt sophomore Jake Taylor and sixth-year senior Spencer Brown, a transfer from Michigan State, were listed as co-starters. Taylor, Venables said, has been Oklahoma's most improved offensive lineman this fall.

The rest of the starting offensive line is in line with what we expected: USC transfer Michael Tarquin at left tackle, junior Jacob Sexton at left guard, SMU transfer Branson Hickman at center and North Texas transfer Febechi Nwaiwu at right guard. Venables added that Sexton can play both guard and tackle, Nwaiwu has been "ready to raise the standard every day," and Washington transfer Geirean Hatchett is capable of playing any position along the line.

Youth movement

Oklahoma's season-opening depth chart featured 17 different true freshmen listed at 20 different positions (Michael Hawkins, Liam Evans and Reggie Powers III each appeared twice on the depth chart). That number increases to 24 when you include redshirt freshmen — guys who appeared in four or fewer games last season.

The Sooners have seven true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen on the defensive depth chart. The true freshmen include Jackson at starting defensive tackle; five-star freshman David Stone and four-star freshman Danny Okoye on the third lines at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively; and defensive backs Powers (listed on the second line at strong safety and third line at Cheetah), Eli Bowen (second line at corner), Michael Boganowski (second line at free safety) and Jaydan Hardy (second line at strong safety). Redshirt freshman defensive linemen Taylor Wein (third line at defensive end) and Ashton Sanders (second line at nose tackle) also appear.

On the offensive side, the only true freshmen on the depth chart are Hawkins, running back Taylor Tatum, wide receivers Zion Kearney, KJ Daniels and Jacob Jordan, and offensive linemen Eddy Pierre-Louis, Eugene Brooks, Isaiah Autry-Dent and Josh Aisosa. The redshirt freshmen on offense include running back Kalib Hicks, tight end Kade McIntyre and offensive linemen Logan Howland, Heath Ozaeta and Joshua Bates.

On special teams, kicker Liam Evans makes an appearance, while Hawkins is also in the mix at holder.

Depth in the secondary

This preseason Venables mentioned how Oklahoma is deeper at cornerback than it has been in either of his first two seasons, and that was apparent on the season-opening depth chart, which featured five players listed at the two starting spots in the secondary. Kani Walker and Woodi Washington are co-starters at one cornerback spot, while Dez Malone, Gentry Williams and Jacobe Johnson are all listed on the other side.

"I don't feel like we have five guys who are the best version of Deion Sanders; we're not there yet, but we're dang good.... We're playing with good consistency there."

(Photo: SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports)

More ORs than a Viking ship

Oklahoma's Week 1 depth chart included the word "OR" 22 times—meaning players are still competing for those spots, whether it's a starting job or backup role. Ten of those were for starting positions, including at running back (Gavin Sawchuk OR Jovantae Barnes), tight end (Bauer Sharp OR Jake Roberts), outside wide receiver (Brenen Thompson OR Nic Anderson), right tackle (Jake Taylor OR Spencer Brown), nose tackle (Damonic Williams OR Da'Jon Terry), WILL linebacker (Kip Lewis OR Lewis Carter OR Dasan McCullough), left cornerback (Kani Walker OR Woodi Washington), right cornerback (Dez Malone OR Gentry Williams OR Jacobe Johnson), free safety (Peyton Bowen OR Robert Spears-Jennings) and kicker (Tyler Keltner OR Zach Schmit).

Another note on special teams

Veteran safety Billy Bowman Jr. is listed as the No. 1 option on kickoff returns. Bowman averaged 15.3 yards on nine kick returns as a sophomore in 2022, but he did not return a kickoff last season. Of course, he showed his open-field ability and navigation skills last season with his interception returns while leading the nation with three pick-sixes and 238 return yards—both of which were Oklahoma single-season records.

On punt returns, Peyton Bowen was listed as the primary option there. Bowen spoke this preseason about how much he desired one of the starting jobs in the return game, and it shouldn't be much of a surprise that he was able to earn one. It will be a bit of a different special teams role for Bowen than a year ago, when he was a wizard of a punt blocker (two blocked punts as a freshman last season), but it's another opportunity for the former five-star defensive back to impact contests in that phase of the game.

QB2

Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. solidified himself as Oklahoma's backup quarterback behind sophomore Jackson Arnold, while seventh-year senior Casey Thompson was listed as the No. 3 on the depth chart. Hawkins has been impressive since the spring as a true dual-threat quarterback who can dazzle with his arm and his legs, and he is regarded highly within the OU program. Thompson should still be able to provide a veteran presence in the quarterback room, and I don't think it would be surprising to see him take the field as a steady and experienced option if something were to happen to Arnold in the middle of a game.

Brenen Thompson's rise

As mentioned earlier, former Texas transfer Brenen Thompson was listed as a co-starter at wide receiver along with the Sooners' leading returning receiver, Nic Anderson. That's in part because Anderson is "day-to-day" with a nagging injury that Oklahoma has monitored throughout the preseason, but it's also a testament to the progress Thompson has made this offseason after an injury-hampered first year with the Sooners.

"Man, he has developed into a fantastic receiver," Venables said. "He's incredibly fast; he's a legit 10.2(-second) 100-meter guy, but he plays really big, and he can run the route tree. He's not just a go-ball guy, and he can go. Don't get me wrong, he can definitely go, but he'll run the curls, the overs, the digs, the mesh route — and he plays tough, so I'm really excited about where he is. He's one of the smartest guys we've got."

 

Sounds like the depth chart of a team looking to 2025, coaches by a guy who had his contract extended in the last off season. 

[closetojumping 65388]

Just now, statsman said:

Sounds like the depth chart of a team looking to 2025, coaches by a guy who had his contract extended in the last off season. 

I'm curious what our resident sooners think, but the general offseason tone from the OU guys I listen to or read is basically just uncertainty. I think most of that pivots around the OL and Arnold. Almost every sooner appears to really believe that their defense is going to be elite. I don't really understand that logic. The safeties and Stutsman, sure. The CBs are a mess, the DL looks like a mess, and the other backers aren't scaring anyone. It seems more about "Trust Brent Venables on defense" and I can understand a certain logic to that. 

Venables is an interesting person to follow. The sooners basically packed his bags for him when he left Norman the first time. I didn't think he was particularly the problem as it was the landscape changing and Stoops + Venables needing to catch up. He then goes to Clemson and is a key player during their run. As part of that, he was able to build round a constant stream of highly regarded DTs and DEs that flowed into Clemson and out to the NFL. Does he have that at OU, yet? And if he doesn't, is there still merit to "trust Brent Venables on defense"? 

I feel like the answer to the first question is "no", although he's clearly added some dudes. I won't know the answer to question 2 until watching them this season.

[HenryJames 67326]

1 minute ago, closetojumping said:

Almost every sooner appears to really believe that their defense is going to be elite.

Maybe Venables has stolen everyone's signals.

[Funk Doctor Spock 13282]

5 hours ago, Pdawg88 said:

He was all but committed to Texas too. But his girlfriend ended up going to OU for softball. It’s still undefeated 

If that's Billy Bowman, I really do think he'd overrated. Not because he's at ou, but because he didn't reach the height I thought he would. Good player, but not great by any means (not that you or anybody else said so).