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Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (9) runs past Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Tyre West (42) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma Sooners made a tough call at the quarterback position in their loss to Tennessee. Jackson Arnold’s three turnovers didn’t leave them a whole lot of choice. The Sooners turned to true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins, who will start this week for the Sooners.
Hawkins rewarded the Sooners with a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma a little hope down the stretch. Brent Venables wasted little time in naming Hawkins the starting quarterback this week against the Auburn Tigers. The Sooners’ coaching staff believes he gives them the best chance to find more consistency and production on offense.
Instead of going into this week with a quarterback competition, the Sooners powers that be saw enough in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee to feel comfortable moving forward with Hawkins.
“Maybe this will give us a better chance moving forward,” Venables said of making the switch to Hawkins. “Believe in Mike. Made that announcement for lots of reasons. Certainly didn’t want a decision like that to hang over anyone’s head. We’ve gotta get better. Sometimes, maybe change is good.”
Change, for change’s sake, wasn’t the goal. They had a comfort level with Hawkins after watching him for the last nine months in practice, in workouts, and in the meeting rooms. And his play supported the buzz we’d heard during all offseason.
“He’s a very talented guy, not a really experienced guy, but he has certainly shown that he’s got the right stuff to do it at different times since he’s been here,” Venables said during his Tuesday press…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/brent-venables-believes-michael-hawkins-190006269.html
Author : Sooners Wire
Publish date : 2024-09-26 19:00:06
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