Tag: Joe Jon Finley

Oklahoma Sooners have an emerging star in wide receiver Deion Burks

Though he’s the newcomer to the position room, Deion Burks could lead the way in receiving in 2024.

The Oklahoma Sooners are loaded at wide receiver heading into the 2024 season. They return just about every receiver from a year ago while also adding one of the more dynamic players a player in the transfer portal, [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag].

Burks could be the most impactful player the Sooners added in the portal this cycle. Burks transferred in from Purdue and has displayed elite speed and polished route running in spring camp. He’s the player many think will take over in the slot, a position vacated by [autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag], who had a career year in 2023.

Deion Burks shared how he found his role this offseason. “It has been a nice process,” Burks said. “Coming in, I knew I pretty much wanted to play the slot position. Coach (Emmett) Jones molded me into that spot. Just learning that and also learning the one and the four as well. I feel like I’ve adjusted well to it. I feel like I’m learning the defense and picking up on that quickly so I just feel like it’s going to be a great thing coming.”

While Stoops was great a season ago, Burks brings a different level of speed and athleticism to the slot. Stoops found a way to get open with his route-running ability, but what Burks brings to the table will make him even harder to cover. And like Stoops did in 2023, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Oklahoma’s slot wide receiver lead the Sooners in receiving again in 2024.

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Another transfer center expected to visit the Oklahoma Sooners per report

The Sooners are still looking up ways to shore up their offensive line as another center will take a visit to the Sooners.

It’s no secret the Oklahoma Sooners are trying to find ways to help their center position heading into the 2024 college football season. Center became a big question mark after the loss of Troy Everett, who is expected to be out until the end of fall camp.

[autotag]Josh Bates[/autotag] has stepped in but doesn’t have the experience yet. So the Sooners are looking for some starting experience to supplement the position. SMU transfer center [autotag]Branson Hickman[/autotag] is set to visit this weekend during the spring game.

On Thursday, they found out Utah Utes transfer center Kolinu’u Faaiu would be making a trip to Norman. Faaiu is 6-foot-3 and 324-pounds. His representatives told ESPN’s Pete Thamel he will be taking three visits with Oklahoma on the shortlist.

He didn’t play as a freshman but has earned more opportunities the last two seasons. In 2022, he appeared in five games on the offensive line, but only played 88 snaps. Then last season he played in 11 games, starting the last eight at center. He played more than 500 snaps for the Utes last season.

This would be a big get for Oklahoma as he would have two years of eligibility left. He doesn’t have the starts or experience that Hickman has, but he’s a much bigger player, which will help against [autotag]SEC[/autotag] defensive linemen.

As of right now, the official date hasn’t been set but that would be a big win for Oklahoma if they can pull it off.

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Oklahoma Sooners Heath Ozaeta fighting for a starting spot

The fight for a starting spot on the Sooners offensive line will go on well into fall camp and a redshirt freshman is pushing hard to take a spot.

The Oklahoma Sooners are replacing five starters from the offensive line from a season ago. This offseason they’ve brought in several transfers to add competitive depth and compete for starting roles.

But that hasn’t discouraged the young players that were already on the team. They’re also fighting for those spots and not going down without a fight. A name that has received a lot of praise this offseason is redshirt freshman [autotag]Heath Ozaeta[/autotag]. He’s primarily been working at one of the guard spots.

It was expected that transfers would occupy the starting guard spots, but Ozaeta has really impressed. So much so that people think he has a chance to start this seaon.

Ozaeta talked about how his offseason is going so far. “It’s been good,” Ozaeta said. “It’s been a grind so far. But a lot of new guys. A lot of new faces in the building. Just trying to work together, mesh together. We’ve got a good group of guys, and we like what we’ve got going.”

Cohesion is key along the offensive line. They are a talented group but they have to be able to build that chemistry to enhance what they do on the field. As the Sooners work through the offseason, Bill Bedenbaugh is tasked with finding the five players that give Oklahoma the best chance to succeed offensively. Though Ozaeta might project to be a tackle long-term, he’s finding a home at guard.

Heath Ozaeta is a very athletic offensive lineman, something that Brent Venables praised at OU Media Days back in August. But he isn’t just an athletic player, from his high school film, he looked to punish defenders.

And if Ozaeta can showcase that athleticism and physicality along the interior the Sooners offense will thrive once again in 2024.

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Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback still growing as a leader

Jackson Arnold is not a finished product as a player on the field but it’s an area off the field where he thinks he’s made the most growth.

Spring practice is just a few days away from coming to a close as it will conclude with the spring game this weekend. There have been quite a bit of questions this spring about where the offense is at and who will win some of the starting jobs.

The one position where there isn’t much controversy is quarterback. We know this is [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]’s team going forward. It is encouraging to hear the great reports about [autotag]Michael Hawkins[/autotag] and knowing a veteran like [autotag]Casey Thompson[/autotag] is there as well but this is Arnold’s job.

Arnold spoke after practice on Tuesday about how much he’s grown over this spring. “I feel like I’ve stepped up as a leader a lot more,” Arnold said. “I’ve got a lot more comfortable with this offense, the decision-making process, just all of the above. I’ve become a better player overall this spring.”

For Arnold and any of the quarterbacks who take a snap this year, it might not matter how far they’ve come if the offensive line doesn’t figure things out.

Arnold talked about what he’s seen from the offensive line this spring. “I’m really proud of those guys,” Arnold said. “They’ve really stepped up this spring. We’ve got a lot of guys injured, and a lot of different guys have had to step up to a starter role. I feel like they’ve done a great job so far. They’ve been competing their butts off this past couple of weeks. I’m super proud of them.”

Sooner fans will get to see Arnold and the offensive line in action for the first time during the Spring game this weekend.

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Sooners WR Jayden Gibson focusing on the little things in 2024

The Oklahoma Sooners are loaded at wide receiver and that means the competition is heating up.

The Oklahoma Sooners are going into the 2024 season with arguably the deepest wide receiver room in the country. There is no question it’s the deepest unit on their team.

The Sooners have a lot of wide receivers who have earned playing time like [autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], [autotag]Brenen Thompson[/autotag], [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag], [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag], [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag] and [autotag]Jayden Gibson[/autotag].

Gibson by all reports is having a big offseason for the Sooners. He’s primarily been a backup wide receiver for the Sooners but really stepped up last year to become a guy who earned a lot of playing time. In a rotational role in 2023, Gibson had 14 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 26.8 yards per reception, showing off the incredible athleticism and playmaking ability that made him a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Now, he’s looking to earn more opportunities heading into his third season with the Sooners.

With Anthony and now Farooq out until at least fall camp, Gibson’s earned an opportunity to showcase his talents with the first-team offense. And he may earn a starting role in the Sooners offense come fall.

Gibson talked about what he’s learned so far in his career. “How you do anything is how you do everything,” Gibson said. “I’ve just been trying to live my life the best way possible on and off the field. I feel like that’s what is going to allow me to have the most blessings on the field. School work, how I treat people, how I talk to people, how I come out here and talk to teammates, how I attack film, how I attack recovery, I try to get on all of that. I’m still not perfect. I’m still far from where I need to be. I still need to get extra work on the jugs. So, I’m nowhere close to where I need to be, but I’m strides further than I was.”

Gibson’s been one of the standout performers at camp when the media has been in attendance. He’s got the size and ability to be a difference maker for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024 and has all the tools that NFL scouts are looking for. Now it’s about continuing to build on the success he’s had over the last eight months.

With the spring game coming on Saturday, Gibson can further cement his role in the Sooners offense. Given the injuries the wide receiver group is dealing with, that role could be substantial come week one vs. Temple.

Watching him develop over the years has been one of the more fun things to see both on and off the field. It’s why he’s got a real shot at not just starting but being one of the top receivers in 2024.

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Bauer Sharp looking to be the guy at tight end for Oklahoma

The Sooners needed to rebuild the tight end room after last season and they may have found their guy in the process.

It’s no secret that tight end was one of the weakest positions on the roster for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2023. That’s no shot at [autotag]Austin Stogner[/autotag] because the room would have been a lot worse had he not been there. It simply wasn’t very productive.

Due to injuries and a lack of experience, it was a weakness of the offense. That’s why it was so important for the Sooners rebuilt the tight end depth chart this past offseason. They added transfers [autotag]Jake Roberts[/autotag] and [autotag]Bauer Sharp[/autotag] and signed one of the top tight ends in the 2024 class, [autotag]Davon Mitchell[/autotag].

But the rave reviews this offseason haven’t been about the extremely talented Mitchell or the guy with the most experience in Roberts. Instead, it’s been all about the former FCS quarterback turned tight end, Bauer Sharp.

“You can get better each and every day,” Sharp shared with the media after practice recently. “I try not to be content. The Lord has blessed me with an opportunity to make some plays here and there so I try to keep doing that but never be content and just keep working for these guys.”

Sharp has been a standout of the spring, with observers raving about his toughness and playmaking ability. He’s got a great mindset to go along with his plus athleticism. It’s a big reason why people think tight end will be among one of the most improved groups on the team.

And if Sharp and the tight ends can provide that toughness and playmaking, it adds another weapon to Jackson Arnold’s and Seth Littrell’s arsenal this fall.

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‘I don’t think that’s going to happen to Oklahoma’: On3’s J.D. PicKell on if OU will get dominated in the trenches

The Oklahoma Sooners are heading into a new conference but one person from On3 says they will be just fine up front.

The Oklahoma Sooners are about to wrap up spring ball with just under two weeks to the Spring game. Still, there are a lot of question marks that need to be answered. The same is true for every team in the nation.

One of the biggest question marks for Oklahoma is how well will they hold up in the trenches in the SEC. The offensive line has been a major question mark since losing five starters from a year ago. The interior of the defensive line is talented but very young.

On3’s J.D. PicKell said he doesn’t think Oklahoma will have any problem holding up inside.

You bring back 79% of the production on defense from a year ago, which is massive. Brand new quarterback in Jackson Arnold. The thing about Oklahoma, I really think the defense is going to be okay. I think the defense is going to be more than fine to hold up their end of the bargain going into the SEC. I know that’s kind of the punchline for a lot of folks. ‘Ah, get ready for the SEC trenches. Get ready for those big boys up front, they are going to take you to the woodshed.’ I don’t think that’s going to happen to Oklahoma. – On3 Sports

PicKell went on to say he feels Oklahoma’s success will be directly tied to [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]. We obviously saw the good and the bad from Arnold in last year’s bowl game. He’s going to have to take care of the football.

I get where PicKell is coming from, but that’s too much optimism that I’m not ready to buy into just yet. I want to see it vs. SEC teams. I think the offensive line has talent but they have to gel. That’s the most important part. If they can be an average SEC offensive line, I think Oklahoma can have a big season.

But we haven’t seen that just yet. Also, if it’s a weakness of the team, the offensive coordinators can scheme up ways to cover it up so it’ll be interesting to see if they can do that.

I love the optimism from Pickell, but I’m not ready to buy stock in that just yet.

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Oklahoma Sooners defense continues to develop in year three with Brent Venables

The defense will be one of the most experienced in college football next year and it’s time for them to take that massive leap.

Spring practice number seven is officially in the books for the Oklahoma Sooners. We are now a little more than two weeks away from the spring game on April 20, 2024.

Once again, a big topic for the Sooners this offseason has been the competitive depth. Brent Venables mentioned it in his post-practice press conference on Tuesday and there have been a number of reports about how deep this team looks compared to teams in the past.

One of the groups with the most experience returning is the defense. It should be one of the more experienced groups in the country. While it is never perfect, Venables believes it’s getting to where he wants it.

“At spots it is,” Venables said. “Overall, we do have another year in the system. I just look at all of the systems, and I think it’s important, starting with the excitement that you need to have, the passion that you need to have, the focus intensity that you need to have whether you are in segment meetings, team meetings or you come to this practice field. Whether it’s a walkthrough or it’s a two-minute drill to win the game. All of it should have the same level of passion, intensity and focus. Having a group of guys that are obsessed with the physical toughness, that are obsessed with developing our team, that are obsessed with the details, obsessed with having the right mindset every single day.”

Venables mentioned the linebacker and cornerback rooms as two groups he feels are in the best shape since he’s gotten here. Both positions are full of depth and it has many wondering how they are going to figure out who to play.

In the era of the transfer portal, you worry about guys transferring if they aren’t getting enough playing time, but you would rather have that issue of too many talented guys than not enough. Especially heading to the SEC.

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Brent Venables says Sooners quarterback room in best position since his arrival to Norman

“We’re in the best position that we’ve been in since we’ve been here.” Brent Venables likes what he sees from the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback group.

The last two years have been the [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] show under center at the University of Oklahoma. But now we are heading into a new era, the [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] era.

The last time we saw Arnold in action, he had one month to prepare against a really good team with a new playcaller. He made some plays that made you say, “Wow” but he also made some plays that left you scratching your head. It was a very typical first start for a true freshman.

While most want to focus on the three interceptions, he also threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 65 yards on five carries if you take out the sacks.

Now Arnold has an entire offseason to prepare to be the Sooners starter on their way into the SEC.

But it’s not just him that’s impressed the coaches this offseason. Brent Venables shared with the media what he’s seen from his group of gunslingers.

“The whole position is doing really good,” Venables said. “[autotag]Brendan Zurbrugg[/autotag] has gotten lots of reps, too. But between Jackson, Mike (Hawkins), Brendan, and (General) Booty, Casey’s (Thompson) taking every mental rep. He’s right there next to me when we’ve got the team settings. I feel great. We’re in the best position that we’ve been in since we’ve been here.”

That has coincided with a lot of what we’ve heard about how impressive Hawkins has been this spring. A lot of people were worried about the depth there because Arnold only has started one game and Thompson has the only real experience but is coming off an ACL injury.

Venables’ words say a lot about the quarterback situation. There’s a lot of talent there, and in just a few months, Arnold and the rest of the quarterbacks will have a chance to prove it.

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More experience with the defensive coaches could be the biggest difference in Year 3

Brent Venables believes the experience of the Sooners defensive staff making a difference this spring.

It is crazy to think just three years ago, Brent Venables was gearing up for his first season as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. It feels like yesterday we were watching him get off a plane at Max Westheimer airport.

His first year showed his inexperience as a head coach. No, he didn’t have a great roster but his game management wasn’t what it needed to be. Year two showed a ton of growth as a head coach. His game management was much better, and his roster was better, too. They developed players well but also found gems in the portal and in high school recruiting.

So, what has Venables noticed about Year 3 so far?

He spoke about it with reporters after practice Tuesday. “I think there is more depth from an experience standpoint of myself, Zac (Alley) and our other defensive coaches than maybe what we had before. So, there is a different level of trust and understanding. Zac thinks more like me and does a good job no matter what it is. Whether it’s the fundamentals, if it’s areas of weakness, if it’s development drills, or if it’s scheme-wise and situationally. We work through a lot before we come out to practice.”

Combine the experience of the coaches with the experience of the defensive players, and you can see why so many are excited about how good the defense can be next season. They still have areas of weakness, like every team, that will need to be addressed. But if they turn their bring their weaknesses along, they could be a special group in 2024.

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