The Oklahoma Sooners haven’t been shy about adding talent to their depth chart via the transfer portal over the last two offseasons. They’ve been active on both sides of the ball.
Two of their more recent additions were dubbed perfect fits for the Sooners by Hawkeyes Insider at 247Sports writer Brandon Sonnone. Among his list of perfect fits were defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd and wide receiver Andrel Anthony.
This is a projection of upside, but Andrel Anthony to Oklahoma makes a lot of sense. If players were stocks, buy low on Anthony after he amassed only 19 catches for 328 yards and four scores in 22 career games.
Anthony has the smooth aspect to his game, and that should be utilized well in Jeff Lebby’s super spread system. The idea of getting Anthony in space or isolated in 1 vs. 1s on deep shots is super intriguing. – Sonnone, Hawkeyes Insider
Anthony provides a big-play threat for the Oklahoma Sooners. As a true freshman in 2021, Anthony averaged 20.7 yards per reception for the Michigan Wolverines. That number dropped considerably in 2022, but depending on his usage, the Sooners could have a new big-play threat to replace Marvin Mims on the outside.
One of the things the Oklahoma Sooners have to figure out this offseason is their pass rush. The pass rush had a couple of really strong games in wins over Nebraska and Oklahoma State and in the first half of their loss to West Virginia. In an effort to find a more consistent pass rush, the Sooners added Bothroyd.
In terms of scheme fit, this might be one of the best matches that we’ve seen so far this pgortal cycle. Rondell Bothroyd is listed at 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, but he might be a little closer to 280. That size, combined with his strength made him a movable piece in Wake’s 4-man front this past season, and it could lead to him being an ideal defensive end in the 3-man Tite Front that Brent Venables has popularized.
Boyd brings pass-rush juice (14 sacks over two seasons) and is solid versus the run. He had some experience lining up over the tackle at Wake Forest, but figures to do that a ton at Oklahoma. His versatility will be a plus. – Sonnone, Hawkeyes Insider
In addition to Bothroyd, the Sooners added Trace Ford, Dasan McCullough, Jacob Lacey and Davon Sears to their defensive front. Bothroyd is easily the guy on the defensive front with the most production. If he can bring that to Oklahoma and the Sooners can get a guy like Ethan Downs to improve upon his strong finish to the 2022 season, Oklahoma mighty have the answers it is looking for rushing the passer.
For the Sooners to get back to the top of the Big 12 standings, they’ll need big-time contributions from their transfer portal additions. And if Anthony and Bothroyd are indeed perfect fits for the Sooners, they should have a big season in Norman.
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