Brenen Thompson earned OU football starting nod at receiver with more than speed

NORMAN — Brenen Thompson has waited since his junior year of high school to become a starting receiver.

At Spearman High School in Texas, Thompson played safety, cornerback, quarterback, running back and some receiver. After registering just one catch and injuring his hamstring during his freshman year at Texas in 2022, he transferred to the OU football program, where he finished with seven receptions and two touchdowns in six games in 2023.

Thompson’s name showing up as an “OR” alongside Nic Anderson — who caught 10 touchdown passes a season ago — was one of the most notable surprises on the Sooners’ initial depth chart released Sunday evening.

“I was fortunate to have a good camp,” Thompson said after practice Monday. “Along with the rest of the guys, definitely came out on top. I’m excited.”

Since he didn’t spend much time before college as a receiver, Thompson has had to learn how to play the position on the fly. A former track and field star, he was mostly known as a deep threat speedster who could run go routes and fades and blow by defensive backs.

More: Our five boldest OU football predictions for 2024 season

Oklahoma’s Brenen Thompson during a practice for the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) football team in Norman, Okla., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.

It was his willingness to learn how to become a well-rounded receiver who isn’t afraid to get physical and who mastered route-running that earned him a starting nod in OU’s Week 1 game vs. Temple. That work ethic to improve led him to record the most yardage of any receiver throughout the Sooners’ preseason camp.

“He’s become one of our best leaders,” head coach Brent Venables said Monday. “Incredibly vocal. Really bright young guy that really cares about his teammates. He can run the entire route tree. He’s focused on not being labeled as just a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/brenen-thompson-earned-ou-football-100941415.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-08-27 10:09:41

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