On a team with so many offensive weapons, it can be really hard to separate from the pack. However, Oklahoma Sooners tight end Austin Stogner of is poised to do just that. David Hale of ESPN listed his ten breakout candidates and Austin Stogner makes the list.
Why exactly does Hale think he’s poised for a breakout?
Stogner was off to a terrific start to 2020, topping 70 yards in four of seven games with three touchdowns, before a knee injury and a dangerous infection forced him to miss the final two regular-season games and the Big 12 title game. He’s worked his way back into shape, however, and he has a chance to be one of the most perplexing matchup problems in the country. His versatility makes him a problem as both an outside receiver and coming out of the backfield, but at 6-6, he’s genuinely one of the best blockers in the country, a rare perk for offensive-minded tight ends. – Hale
To this point in his career Stogner has posted 33 receptions for 488 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Per Hale, Austin Stogner had 11 explosive plays in the games he did play in 2020. That was better than Braden Galloway of Clemson(9), Arik Gilbert(8) who now plays for Georgia, and Michael Mayer (7) of Notre Dame. Those are some of the premiere names at the tight end position across the country and Stogner stacks up quite well against them in terms of big play production.
The Sooners will gladly take Stogner’s explosive plays, blocking and his versatility to help round out an offense that is looking to build off of what they accomplished last year.
Austin Stogner occupying the middle of the field should open things up for the running backs underneath and guys like Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, Jadon Haselwood, Arkansas transfer Mike Woods and freshman Mario Williams on the outside.
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