Which Oklahoma football players have most to gain as Sooners start spring practice?

NORMAN — Spring football practice gets underway for OU on Monday.

The Sooners return plenty from last season’s 10-3 team, but with the offensive line undergoing an overhaul, Jackson Arnold taking over for Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, and Zac Alley taking over as defensive coordinator, there is plenty of intrigue on both sides of the ball as OU makes the leap into the SEC.

Sooners beat writers Ryan Aber and Colton Sulley answer some of the biggest questions ahead of the Sooners’ spring start:

More: What OU football coach Brent Venables said about Zac Alley, spring practice, SEC move

Which OU offensive returner has the most to gain this spring?

Sulley: Jaquaize Pettaway, WR

The Sooners’ wide receivers room is loaded with returners such as Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Jayden Gibson and Brenen Thompson, and newcomers like Purdue transfer Deion Burks and early enrollee freshman Zion Kearney.

But I think Jaquaize Pettaway, a former four-star in the 2023 recruiting class, has a chance to take a significant leap in 2024.

He appeared in just nine games last season, finishing with 11 catches and 70 yards but his talent popped each time he touched the ball. His speed and agility alone makes him dangerous in open space, which could come in handy with Andrel Anthony still nursing a knee injury and the loss of veteran Drake Stoops.

Brent Venables said Wednesday during his press conference that Pettaway was “really good” during winter workouts. If OU gets the best of Pettaway in the spring, the wide receivers room could be a legitimate threat in the SEC.

Aber: Jackson Arnold, QB

I think Pettaway’s a strong choice, as he has the opportunity to go from a guy on the fringes of the rotation to a guy who can be a consistent contributor.

But it’s got to be Arnold.

He got a taste of being QB1 in the lead-up to the Alamo Bowl, and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-football-players-most-gain-110619889.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-03-11 11:06:19

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