If the biggest challenge coming in was to keep Oklahoma a popular destination for quarterback and offensive skill players as ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg writes, then consider new OU offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s first month and change a success thus far.
OU flipped and signed 2022 four-star quarterback Nick Evers away from the Florida Gators. Then, Lebby landed one of the most highly-regarded quarterbacks out of the transfer portal in UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel.
To top it all off, Lebby and Oklahoma also added a commitment from class of 2023 four-star quarterback Jackson Arnold out of Denton Guyer in Texas.
Rittenberg said Oklahoma provides Lebby with “a new degree of autonomy” as he’s paired up with a defensive-minded head coach in Brent Venables as compared to Art Briles, Josh Heupel and Lane Kiffin.
But Oklahoma also had to offset the impact of Riley’s departure for its offense. The Sooners need to remain an attractive program for quarterbacks and other offensive playmakers, which is why Lebby’s hiring will be so significant. Lebby has been part of dynamic offenses at Baylor, UCF and most recently Ole Miss. He has coordinated top-four offenses in each of the past three years. But he also has worked alongside offensive-minded head coaches (Art Briles, Josh Heupel and Lane Kiffin).
Oklahoma provides him a new degree of autonomy.
Lebby’s arrival is off to a promising start. Oklahoma added quarterback transfer Dillon Gabriel, who initially committed to UCLA but switched to OU after Caleb Williams entered the transfer portal. Gabriel played under Lebby at UCF in 2019, passing for 3,653 yards and 29 touchdowns. Lebby also has helped fortify Oklahoma’s quarterback room for the future. Oklahoma landed ESPN 300 quarterback Nick Evers, a Florida commit, just before the December signing date, and recently added Jackson Arnold, ESPN’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback and No. 43 overall junior for the 2023 class. Lebby inherits an offensive depth chart that took several hits after Riley’s departure, but if he can get through 2022, better days are likely ahead.
He also should benefit from Oklahoma retaining four offensive coaches from Riley’s staff, including longtime Sooners assistants Bill Bedenbaugh (started as offensive line coach in 2013) and Cale Gundy (has coached OU’s wide receivers or running backs since 1999). – Rittenberg, ESPN.
With the talented quarterbacks that Oklahoma has brought into the program, it’s apparent that Lebby can land highly sought-after signal-callers. While OU lost the commitment from 2023 wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., it looks like the Sooners may soon be adding a commitment from 2023 wide receiver Ashton Cozart based on recent recruiting projections.
The continuity with the coaching staff helped the Sooners retain and sign running back Gavin Sawchuk and wide receiver Nicholas Anderson. Oklahoma also flipped and signed wide receiver Jayden Gibson from Florida, so the early returns are that OU is going to continue to find talented skill talent.
The best way to remain an attractive destination to quarterbacks and offensive skill talent? Recapturing the Big 12 title, making a College Football Playoff return and doing so with an explosive offense.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
[listicle id=53235]