The Oklahoma Sooners spring game has finally come and gone. After the month-long camp, football is put on the back burner until fall camp arrives. Many players stood out during the game such as freshman quarterback Caleb Williams and transfer running back Eric Gray. After the comeback victory for the offense led by Williams, Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman has put together his report card.
Sooners Report Card
There was plenty to discuss after the game, Sooners Wire takes a look at Tramel’s report card.
Williams Duo Stands Out
Grade: B
Two of the top three recruits of the 2021 class were among those that stood out on Saturday. While Caleb Williams accounted for 160 combined yards in the game, Mario Williams showed off his skills as the top receiver during the game. He led the team in receptions (5) and yards (84). The Williams duo looks like they could be a big problem for opposing defenses.
What Tramel Said…
Caleb Williams, a quarterback from Washington, D.C., completed 10 of 11 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also showed great mobility, particularly on option plays, gaining 39 yards on four runs. Mario Williams, a receiver from Tampa, Florida, had five catches for 84 yards, both game-highs, including a nifty 50-yard reception off a Spencer Rattler deep ball.
Drake Stoops gets placed on scholarship
Grade: A
One of the cool moments for any walk-on is finding out that you are put on scholarship. Following the game, head coach Lincoln Riley informed the team that the son of legendary OU coach, Drake Stoops was put on scholarship.
What Tramel Says…
OU coach Lincoln Riley told the squad that Drake Stoops had been placed on scholarship. The son of former OU coach Bob Stoops has been a valuable receiver for the Sooners, with 25 catches over the previous three seasons, including touchdowns against Kansas State and Texas last season.
Slowing Down Spencer Rattler
Grade: A
Going into the 2021 season, quarterback Spencer Rattler is seen as the Heisman Memorial Trophy front-runner. During the game, the Sooners defense was able to contain him. While he didn’t have the best game, it should be another learning experience for the young gunslinger.
What Tramel Says…
The Sooner defense isn’t likely to play against a better quarterback than Rattler. If it holds up against the 2021 lineup of QBs the way it held up against Rattler, OU will be in fine shape. Rattler completed just six of 14 passes, for 116 yards. He rarely found open receivers and rarely found scrambling room. The pass coverage was mostly outstanding. Rattler’s 50-yard completion to Mario Williams was half-catch, half-interception because of cornerback D.J. Graham’s inspired effort.
Defense on 3rd and Short
Grade: C
Alex Grinch’s unit has been a topic of discussion this upcoming season. They will need to help be a driving force for OU if they expect to get back into the CFP and win a game. Up front, they return Nik Bonitto, Perrion Winfrey, Jalen Redmond, and Isaiah Thomas among others. On this day, however, they weren’t up to the task of slowing down Eric Gray and company.
What Tramel Says…
The Sooner running game wasn’t great, but OU’s offense converted four of five plays that were third or fourth down, needing less than three yards. The only stop, of tailback Todd Hudson on 3rd-and-2, was followed by quarterback Micah Bowen’s 4th-and-1 scamper for 19 yards to the 1-yard line. OU’s defensive line deservedly has drawn rave reviews, but the Sooner offensive line won the short-yardage battles.
Gabe Brkic returning to form
Grade: B
Gabe Brkic didn’t have the greatest season a year ago but still one of top placekickers in all of college football. On Saturday, he was able to make both of his tries in the game.
What Tramel Says…
Gabe Brkic made two field goals (44 and 24 yards) and Zach Schmit made one (41). Each had one kickoff that landed well short of the goal line. Touchbacks can be a defense’s best friend. Reeves Mundschau had punts of 48 and 46 yards, though the rush was minimal and returns were not allowed.
Jaden Knowles leads the walk-ons
Grade: A
With the question marks surrounding the future of Seth McGowan, Jaden Knowles took full advantage of the opportunity. If McGowan isn’t on the team when the season starts, he might jump into that vacated spot.
What Tramel Says…
Tight end Jackson Sumlin, son of former Texas A&M and Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin, caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams and had three receptions for 33 yards. Jackson Sumlin is a redshirt freshman from Tucson, Arizona. But he wasn’t the only non-scholarship standout. Hudson, a 5-foot-5 tailback from League City, Texas, had a scrimmage-ending 36-yard run. Jaden Knowles, a 5-7 tailback who transferred from Southwestern Oklahoma State, had a 32-yard run.