It is no secret or surprise that head coach Lincoln Riley was vocal on his displeasure with the receiving corps in 2020. The group did not meet his expectations and frankly dropped the ball, pun intended. According to Pro Football Focus, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler had the most dropped touchdown passes in the end zone (9).
“I think we led college football in most dropped touchdowns, if I’m not mistaken,” Jadon Haselwood described to media. “I don’t know, something like that. That’s not us. We’re better than that…a lot of stuff we can’t control. We control what we can. And I’m sure like the world’s going to see what this unit can do. Coach Riley even challenged us earlier this year. So we’re accepting this challenge. We’re just going to hit it full force as a unit.”
Rattler’s supporting cast is starting fresh with a new season in view. In Riley’s spread offensive attack, receivers are rotated and utilized in a variety of roles. Chemistry and comradery built during the offseason will translate to the field in the fall. An inch of separation or effective break inside can impact ballgames and make the difference between seven points and a field goal.
The team landed wideouts Mario Williams and Cody Jackson in the 2021 class to boost the unit. Both will compete for snaps with Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, Arkansas transfer Mike Woods, Austin Stogner, Drake Stoops, Jeremiah Hall and Brayden Willis.
Mims is entering his sophomore year after becoming Rattler’s go-to target deep downfield last season. Theo Wease will have a large role again, especially after the dismissal of Trejan Bridges who was expected to be among Rattler’s favorite weapons over the middle of the field. Nightmare mismatch Austin Stogner also will have many passes thrown his way after emerging as Rattler’s reliable target on third downs last season.
Slot receiver Drake Stoops emerged at times throughout last season and is hoping to have his role continue to grow. With his new scholarship as validation, he will likely have a heavier workload in 2021 to accelerate the team’s short passing attack. Jeremiah Hall became a weapon in the screen game out of the backfield and Willis creates a threat in the passing game.
The talent is certainly there but the question is the execution. The Sooners have the capacity to be one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in 2021 with the firepower at Rattler and Riley’s disposal. In order to reach a coveted national championship, the receiving corps will have to step up.
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