Tag: Marvin Mims

Sooners wide receiver named true freshman with ‘Best Hands’ by ESPN

The Sooners have an experienced group at the top of their wide receiver depth chart, but freshman Mario Williams will have a big impact.

There’s a lot of excitement about the Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver group heading into 2021. With Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, and Jadon Haselwood returning, Spencer Rattler has a solid and experienced group of players to throw to. One player that will get a ton of snaps but may not start wowed observers during the spring with his playmaking ability: true freshman Mario Williams.

Williams, the five-star wide receiver in the 2021 class, stood out in the spring game with a highlight contested-catch win over D.J. Graham. He looks to be a contributor early on for the Sooners.

Earlier this week, ESPN Staff Writer Craig Haubert handed out “superlatives” for college football’s true freshman (link requires subscription), and wide receiver Mario Williams made the list because of his impressive hands.

There’s a reason Williams is the No. 1-ranked wideout. Within this receiver class, the Oklahoma signee is neither the biggest nor the overall fastest, but he has always stood out as a great competitor with sharp technique as a route runner and excellent ball skills. A top-20 player nationally, Williams has consistently exhibited strong, quick hands to snatch the ball out of the air, whether he’s wide open or contested by a defensive back. Having great hands also includes a seamless transition upfield after the catch, and Williams excels at that, too. – Haubert

Having reliable hands will always endear a player to a coaching staff and, more importantly, a quarterback. Showing consistency when the ball is thrown your way is the easiest way to earn playing time.

Mario Williams will attempt to have a similar impact as a true freshman that fellow receiver Marvin Mims had in 2020. Like Mims (fourth in wide receiver snaps in 2020), Williams may not get a ton of snaps, but he’s a player who will make the most of his opportunities when he is in the game.

Oklahoma Sooners 2021 offensive depth chart projection 3.0

With the departures of three skill position players and an offensive lineman, the Oklahoma Sooners depth chart has seen some turnover in recent months.

Over the last couple of months, the Oklahoma Sooners offensive depth chart has been hit by players getting dismissed from the program. Back in May, it was Trejan Bridges and Seth McGowan on the way out. Yesterday, the University of Oklahoma dismissed Mikey Henderson from the program after an alleged incident involving all three.

Stacey Wilkins entered the transfer portal, and while it doesn’t appear that he’s found a new home yet, it’s likely he’s playing elsewhere in 2021.

While it’s a loss for the program on the depth chart, it creates new opportunities. In particular, a guy like Marcus Major benefits greatly from sliding up the depth chart. Overlooked a bit because of Seth McGowan in 2020 and still a bit because of LSU transfer Tre Bradford, Major has an opportunity to find a role as the team’s third running back.

Much of the depth chart remains unchanged, though the Spring Game gave us more insight into how the center competition is unfolding. Andrew Raym looks to be leading the pack at this point, but with Summer workouts ongoing and camp around the corner, the competition is still up for grabs. Don’t count Robert Congel or Chris Murray out just yet.

Even with the departure of Trejan Bridges, the Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver group looks incredibly deep. They return their leading receivers from 2020 in Marvin Mims and Theo Wease on the outside. Jadon Haselwood, who figures to get time at all three wide receiver spots, could be a big slot for Lincoln Riley and the Sooners’ offense. His size and athleticism would be a huge mismatch for slot corners or safeties.

The Sooners will likely rotate each of their starters through the slot to keep defenses off-balance and exploit mismatches.

Though Henderson was making the switch from H-Back to running back this offseason, he would have still been able to give you some snaps behind Jeremiah Hall. Now that will fall to Brayden Willis or Austin Stogner, who are more traditional tight ends.

Oklahoma Sooners selected to Pro Football Focus’ All-Big 12 Team

Pro Football Focus released their preseason All-Big 12 team and the Oklahoma Sooners were heavily featured with nine selections in all.

As we get closer to the start of the 2021 season, major media publications will begin releasing their preseason awards and all-conference teams. The Oklahoma Sooners figure to be featured quite prominently on many All-American and All-Big 12 squads. And that was the case as Pro Football Focus released their All-Big 12 team.

In all nine Sooners made the squad, headlined by quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Could Jadon Haselwood surprise and lead the 2021 Oklahoma Sooners in receiving?

A look at Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jadon Haselwood’s outlook in 2021. Could he lead the team in receiving?

2020 was a weird year for the Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver corp. Charleston Rambo was the guy expected to take a leap in production with the departure of CeeDee Lamb to the Dallas Cowboys. Yet it was true freshman Marvin Mims who led the way for the Oklahoma Sooners.

In a shortened season due to COVID-19 that limited the out-of-conference schedule for the Sooners and the rest of the country, the production at wide receiver dropped off from what we’ve become accustomed to. Mims led the way for Oklahoma with only 39 receptions and 627 yards. While his touchdown total (9) would have been fantastic in a typical year, the reception and yardage total left a bit to be desired.

Heading into 2021, Marvin Mims looks to be the odds-on favorite to lead the way for the Sooners in many receiving categories yet again. His chemistry with Spencer Rattler and deep threat ability give him a shot to surpass the 1,000-yard mark and be the Sooners leading receiver.

However, there’s another player that isn’t being talked about enough as a possibility to lead the Sooners—third-year wideout Jadon Haselwood.

I know what you’re thinking. Unfortunately, Haselwood hasn’t played much, and his two years with the Sooners haven’t lived up to expectations.

His first year with the Sooners was pretty solid in 2019. He totaled 19 receptions for 272 yards and a touchdown as a freshman. I’m not sure you could expect more than that on a run-first team under Jalen Hurts and with CeeDee Lamb leading the way at wide receiver.

In the spring of 2020, when he was expected to be a huge part of the passing attack, he tore his ACL and was out until November.

First of all, the fact that he could make it back in less than eight months is absolutely incredible. That’s a testament to his work ethic and desire to be on the football field.

He had limited opportunities after his return to the field in 2020. Still working his way back, Haselwood had only four receptions for 65 yards. Still, he showed the raw athleticism that makes him such an intriguing weapon.

Heading into 2021, he’ll have a shot at more big plays. At 6-2, 208 pounds, his size gives him the opportunity to out position smaller defensive backs. In addition, his athleticism and ability to win contested catches will help him make some huge plays in the Sooners’ passing offense this season.

Haselwood’s playstyle fits really well with quarterback Spencer Rattler. As we saw in 2020, Rattler has a gunslinger mentality and is more than willing to throw the ball into contested areas. In 2020, that got him into trouble because he didn’t have players adept at winning 50/50 balls down the field. Marvin Mims and Theo Wease are good wide receivers, but their strengths lie in their ability to create separation using their route-running ability. Lincoln Riley isn’t expecting these guys to win jump balls down the field.

But that’s where Haselwood can thrive. He has enough route-running ability to create separation, but his athleticism allows him to win his matchups in a way that the rest of the wide receiver depth chart can’t. And that will suit Spencer Rattler just fine.

Spencer Rattler doesn’t shy away from double or triple coverage if he thinks he can make the throw. Unfortunately, that got him into trouble last year, and the benching was evident that his decision-making needed improving. However, Jadon Haselwood is the player that can erase a bad decision with his ability to win contested catches.

As we’ve seen in his last two outings, against Iowa State, and in the spring game, Haselwood’s catch radius, athleticism, and size give Spencer Rattler much bigger windows in which to throw the football. Jadon Haselwood’s traits will pay huge dividends for Rattler and the Oklahoma Sooners offense in 2021.

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Three Oklahoma Sooners named to Walter Camp preseason All-American team

Three Oklahoma Sooners named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation preseason All-American team.

With the college football season approaching in less than 82 days, the preseason award watch lists and All-American teams are being announced. The Walter Camp Football Foundation has released their first and second-team preseason All-American team with three Oklahoma Sooners being named. Top defensive star for Alex Grinch’s defense, Nik Bonitto is leading the charge as the lone first-team nominee.

First-Team Defense:

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Nik Bonitto, Linebacker

The top defensive player for the 2021 squad is Nik Bonitto. Last season he led the team in sacks, quarterback pressures and quarterback hurries from his rush linebacker spot. He along with Isaiah Thomas should provide a lot of pressure on quarterbacks for the upcoming season. Bonitto has all the tools to get the job done and could be a top NFL prospect along with Perrion Winfrey on that side of the ball.

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Second-Team Offense:

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Rattler, Quarterback

No bigger name on the Oklahoma football team than that of quarterback Spencer Rattler. Viewed as a top NFL draft prospect and Heisman Trophy front-runner. In 2020 he was much better following his benching against the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry game. The team soared all the way to another Big 12 Championship. With his growth and development under Lincoln Riley, Rattler could prove to be the best quarterback in all of college football when the dust settles in 2021.

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Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

Marvin Mims broke out in 2020 as a freshman. The team needed him after CeeDee Lamb took his talents to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. Mims would finish out the year leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his first season. Mims could be the security blanket for Rattler once again as he leads a talented group of wide receivers for the Sooners. Keep your eyes on No. 17 at all times.

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Three Oklahoma Sooners named to Walter Camp preseason All-American team

Three Oklahoma Sooners named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation preseason All-American team.

With the college football season approaching in less than 82 days, the preseason award watch lists and All-American teams are being announced. The Walter Camp Football Foundation has released their first and second-team preseason All-American team with three Oklahoma Sooners being named. Top defensive star for Alex Grinch’s defense, Nik Bonitto is leading the charge as the lone first-team nominee.

First-Team Defense:

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Nik Bonitto, Linebacker

The top defensive player for the 2021 squad is Nik Bonitto. Last season he led the team in sacks, quarterback pressures and quarterback hurries from his rush linebacker spot. He along with Isaiah Thomas should provide a lot of pressure on quarterbacks for the upcoming season. Bonitto has all the tools to get the job done and could be a top NFL prospect along with Perrion Winfrey on that side of the ball.

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Second-Team Offense:

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Rattler, Quarterback

No bigger name on the Oklahoma football team than that of quarterback Spencer Rattler. Viewed as a top NFL draft prospect and Heisman Trophy front-runner. In 2020 he was much better following his benching against the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry game. The team soared all the way to another Big 12 Championship. With his growth and development under Lincoln Riley, Rattler could prove to be the best quarterback in all of college football when the dust settles in 2021.

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Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver

Marvin Mims broke out in 2020 as a freshman. The team needed him after CeeDee Lamb took his talents to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. Mims would finish out the year leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his first season. Mims could be the security blanket for Rattler once again as he leads a talented group of wide receivers for the Sooners. Keep your eyes on No. 17 at all times.

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Four Sooners among PFF’s highest-graded returning Big 12 players

Four Sooners crack PFF’s highest-graded returning Big 12 players list.

As the program atop the Big 12 hierarchy, there are high expectations on the Oklahoma Sooners entering 2021. With a talent-filled roster, the team is poised for a championship. With key playmakers on both sides of the line of scrimmage, several cornerstones landed on PFF’s highest-graded returning Big 12 players. Among the premier compilation, quarterback Spencer Rattler, wide receiver Marvin Mims, edge Nik Bonitto and defensive end Isaiah Thomas cracked the list.

Spencer Rattler and Marvin Mims are one of the best QB/WR duos across the college football landscape. Rattler’s tight-window accuracy and electrifying off-platform throws combined with his favorite deep threat in Mims, that pair will be lethal in 2021. Mims’ flashes in OU’s vertical and screen game elevates Lincoln Riley’s offensive attack. Those two will set the tone come fall.

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On the opposite side of the ball, Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas have helped create Alex Grinch’s formidable front in Norman. Bonitto’s burst off the edge from a two-point stance collapses pockets and disrupts opponents’ passing game. On the other end of the line, Thomas has assumed a leadership role and was named the “MVP of the defense” by Grinch following his impressive 2020 campaign. His production in the trenches helped solidify the D-line and he has position flexibility, penetrating from the interior in Grinch’s one-gap scheme. Both will be key components donning Crimson and Cream this upcoming season.

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18 Sooners among Athlon Sports’ 2021 Big 12 All-Conference Team

18 Oklahoma football players featured in Athlon Sports’ 2021 All-Big 12 first, second, third and fourth team projections.

It is beginning to look a lot like football.

Athlon Sports honored the best in the Big 12 conference with a release of the first, second, third and fourth all-conference teams for 2021. The 2021 All-Big 12 team is led by 18 selections from Oklahoma.

The listing is based on projected production of elite players this upcoming season. This is a compilation of the greatest individual assets to teams in the conference with the programs not playing a role in the ranking and the Sooners lead the pack. Oklahoma is poised for a college football playoff berth and the ultimate goal, a national championship with the talent on both sides of the football. Here is a look at which Sooners that made the cut.

First-Team Offense 

QB Spencer Rattler

WR Marvin Mims

OL Marquis Hayes

First-Team Defense 

DL Perrion Winfrey

DL Isaiah Thomas

LB Nik Bonitto

First-Team Specialists 

K Gabe Brkic

Second-Team Offense 

RB Kennedy Brooks

TE Austin Stogner

OL Wanya Morris

Second-Team Defense 

LB Brian Asamoah

CB D.J. Graham

Third-Team Specialists 

PR Marvin Mims

Fourth-Team Offense 

RB Eric Gray

WR Theo Wease

OL Tyrese Robinson

Fourth-Team Defense

DL Jalen Redmond

S Delarrin Turner-Yell

Other Big 12 conference selections in Athlon’s 2021 All-Big 12 Team:

Baylor (10), Iowa State (17), Kansas (4), Kansas State (6), Oklahoma State (14), TCU (14), Texas (12), Texas Tech (9), West Virginia (10).

Oklahoma receiving corps: ‘The world’s going to see what this unit can do’

A look into how Oklahoma’s receiving corps currently stands heading into the 2021 season.

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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Marvin Mims: “He made the most competitive catches of the group”

Coming off a stellar 2020 campaign, coaches and players discuss the potential of Marvin Mims during spring football.

Marvin Mims emerged in 2020 as one of Oklahoma’s most dangerous vertical threats. Even more impressive considering the fact that he had very little face-to-face interaction with coaches or time to gain camaraderie with Spencer Rattler as a true freshman due to COVID-19 protocols.

Despite a lack of offseason a year ago, Mims put on a show between the hash marks. He led the Sooners with 610 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 37 receptions (16.5 average) in 11 games. Mims became the first receiver in OU history to earn FWAA Freshman All-American status. That is a telling note considering the prolific wide receiver products that have donned Crimson and Cream.

The former four-star recruit was willing to fight for the football in traffic and possessed superb body control to contort his body in order to make the catch. Head coach Lincoln Riley discussed his impeccable ball skills with media on Wednesday via zoom.

” He [Marvin Mims] made the most competitive catches in the group. Really, it was him and then probably our two guys in the tight end room- Jeremiah Hall and Brayden Willis. Those three guys had the most competitive catches and made the most competitive plays consistently of anybody in the group. That was honestly the biggest factor for him. He made the ones he was supposed to make and for the most part, made several that were competitive balls. That’s honestly a lot of times what separates elite players and he was able to pick it up mentally and kept producing. We honestly probably should have played him a little more than we did.”

Mims stepped into his role on the outside and exceeded expectations with his catch-radius. He helped move the chains and produced critical catches that built up trust with Rattler. The two quickly became a lethal combination for defenses.

“Couple of those guys that you just click with better than others and Marvin [Mims] was one of those that stood out to me when we started fall camp last year. Great player, does his job on all occasions, can do it all- fast guy and comes to do his job. Gives it his all.” – Spencer Rattler told local media

Many of Mims predecessors have made legendary catches that have been immortalized by the top collegiate program, but No. 17 left his own mark in 2020. But one thing is certain, Mims is not satisfied with being comfortable. The Texas native strives to grow in every area of his game, because in one-one-on-one matchups with cornerbacks, predictability gets you beat. Evolution is essential to success and Mims talked about his goal with the press.

“Yeah, I had a great year last year but I want to keep building on it. Anything lower than that in my eyes would be- if I did the same stuff I did last year- then there is no growth. So, I want to keep growing as a player and as a leader on this team.”

On top of his chemistry with Rattler, Mims thrives in Riley’s spread attack. He created separation from CBs to make himself available and became Rattler’s favorite target off play-action. Mims attributed his success to Riley’s system.

“Really it is just the way the offense is conducted with Coach Riley. Spencer would put the ball in areas he expected me to be and with the route and the way that we have to run it, the combinations, I’d be there. It is just going out there and doing the things we were taught to do.”

Coming off his stellar 2020 campaign, the expectations are greater for Oklahoma’s star receiver in 2021. With Mims’ vertical speed, fluid route-running, elusiveness after the catch, and ability to make acrobatic catches, he is on track to stardom.

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