Tag: Theo Wease

Mario Williams shows he can run with the first team offense vs Tulane

True freshman Mario Willaims had a solid performance in his first collegiate action. The young receiver showed the moment wasn’t too big for him and that he can help fill the void until Theo Wease returns from injury.

A win is always a win.

However, Oklahoma’s 40-35 victory over Tulane left plenty to be desired for Sooners fans as they watched their team struggle through penalties, sloppy plays, and extreme highs and lows on both sides of the football. While OU’s woes could simply be attributed to offseason rust, they must be better if they want to make a run at the College Football Playoff.

One of the biggest positives from Saturday’s game was the leg of Gabe Brkic, who set an FBS record with three 50-plus yard field goals. But another bright spot was wide receiver Mario Williams, who had a solid performance in his first collegiate action.

Although Williams found most of his production in the first half, he capitalized on the attention Marvin Mims was receiving from the defense. His six receptions led the Sooners and was one more than Mims. Just as important is Williams appears to have chemistry with quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Williams scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter off a bubble screen. He would make a guy miss before diving to the pylon behind great blocking from Jadon Haselwood.

In addition to his 37 receiving yards, Williams gave the Sooners a fresh set of downs when he completed a pass to Haselwood midway through the second quarter.

The young receiver will almost certainly have bigger games for the Crimson and Cream in 2021. But the freshman’s production in his very first game should give OU confidence he can handle extra reps until Theo Wease returns from injury.

Top storylines as the Oklahoma Sooners get set to face the Tulane

As the Sooners get set to kickoff the 2021 season with their matchup vs Tulane, what are the top five storylines heading into week 1.

Less than 24 hours from now, the Oklahoma Sooners will open the season against the Tulane Green Wave.

It sure feels good to type those words. Tomorrow, starting at 11:00 a.m. CST, the Oklahoma Sooners will finally begin their journey toward the national title.

As they get set to host Tulane’s home game, the Sooners will defer choice of uniform to the Green Wave creating the possibility the Sooners will be on their road whites on Saturday.

As “talking season” as Lincoln Riley likes to call it, comes to a close, let’s take a look at the top storylines heading into week one.

Which under the radar Sooner could make an impact versus Tulane?

Which Sooner is flying under the radar heading into 2021? And how could he make an impact versus the Green Wave?

[mm-video type=video id=01fem4wxz3emcqnqzykx playlist_id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fem4wxz3emcqnqzykx/01fem4wxz3emcqnqzykx-0dbbf792c0afd6416e8ab242cbea345a.jpg]

On Wednesday, Oklahoma revealed its first official depth chart for Saturday’s season opener versus Tulane. Its reveal confirmed a doctrine that the Sooners’ coaching staff has been preaching all fall; that regardless of position depth if a player is good enough to play, he will find his way onto the field.

The Sooners are expected to win big over the Green Wave (31.5 point favorites per Tipico). If OU can pad the lead with a couple of insurance touchdowns, it could provide quarterback Spencer Rattler a golden opportunity to throw to his new receivers during a live game.

So if you’re looking for an “under the radar” Sooner to watch this Saturday, why not wide receiver Cody Jackson?

Lincoln Riley has proven time and again that he’s unafraid to play freshman receivers. And while many believe Wednesday’s injury to Theo Wease means more snaps for fellow freshman Mario Willaims, Jackson can help carry the extra reps.

Cody Jackson arrived in Norman during the middle of last season. A consensus four-star prospect, his ability to find the endzone is already well documented. In 2019, he recorded an eye-popping 21 TDs and 1366 receiving yards for Foster High School per Sooner Sports.

Since beginning practice with the team in the spring, Jackson has garnered the respect of receivers coach Dennis Simmons. He also seems to have a new friend in Spencer Rattler.

“Cody’s probably taken the biggest jump of any receiver just from getting better and making more plays. He was a young guy coming in. He came in the spring and he was feeling everything out,” explained Rattler during last month’s media availability.

Rattler added, “In fall camp he looked super comfortable. He was making a lot of big-time plays, big-time catches, big-time runs, all of that stuff. His confidence is getting better and better and I’m happy to see him doing well.”

Jackson’s long-term role within the offense is still unknown. And it’s unlikely he becomes an immediate cornerstone in 2021. However, don’t be surprised if he makes a couple of head-turning plays versus Tulane.

Oklahoma Sooners have options at WR in wake of Theo Wease injury

The injury to Theo Wease is a loss to the Oklahoma Sooners offense, at the same time, they have a WR group that can mitigate the loss.

Injuries happen in football. Without taking into consideration the high-contact nature of the sport, collegiate and professional athletes are attempting to do things that put an enormous strain on the body. It’s why we see non-contact injuries at every level. But that’s why a team never shies away from an opportunity to add talent to its depth chart.

The Oklahoma Sooners depth chart took a hit on Wednesday as it was reported that Wide Receiver Theo Wease suffered a lower body injury that was likely to keep him out for several weeks.

With Wease out, the Sooners will be without one of their top pass catchers. Wease tied for the team lead in receptions in 2020 with Marvin Mims.

With Mims starting in the slot, it looks like it will be Mike Woods and Jadon Haselwood starting on the outside in Wease’s absence.

Haselwood, the former five-star recruit hasn’t had the smoothest career for the Sooners. 2020 was derailed by injuries, but he looks poised to have a big season for the Sooners in 2021.

Woods comes to the Sooners from Arkansas where he averaged 19.3 yards per reception in 2020 with the Razorbacks. Despite his production, Woods is coming into a much better situation with Lincoln Riley, Spencer Rattler, and the Sooners than he had in Fayetteville. Even before Wease’s injury, Woods was a player that had a chance to become a star in 2021.

And then there’s Mario Williams who’s had a standout Spring and Fall and has thrust himself into the wide receiver rotation. Among the freshman trio that also includes Cody Jackson and Jalil Farooq, Williams has shown he’s ready to run with the first-team offense.

Unlike the running back position, which lost two important depth options last week, the wide receiver room looks more equipped to handle the loss of one of their starting wide receivers. Between Haselwood, Woods, and Williams, the Sooners have talented options that can step in and fill the void left by Theo Wease.

It’s never good losing a player with as much experience as Theo Wease but the Sooners are well stocked with options to carry the weight until he returns.

[listicle id=34604]

REPORT: Oklahoma WR Theo Wease suffers injury in practice

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Theo Wease injured in practice just three days from the season opener against Tulane.

We are less than 4 days away from the Oklahoma Sooners starting their 2021 season. Unfortunately, they will likely be starting the season down a man in their wide receiver corps. Junior receiver Theo Wease suffered an injury in practice per John Hoover of All Sooners on Sports Illustrated.

According to Hoover’s report the injury is a lower body injury that is expected to sideline him for at least a few weeks.

There are no concrete specifics on the exact location or full severity but it looks like Wease will not be suiting up with the rest of his teammates for the season opener against Tulane. The matchup was recently moved to Norman amid concerns over the impact of Hurricane Ida on Louisiana.

Wease was being counted on for stability as another veteran option for a receiver group that needs to take a step forward after a decent but not great year last season as a collective.

The likes of Jadon Haselwood, Arkansas transfer Mike Woods, highly touted freshman Mario Williams, Drake Stoops and the Sooners collection of tight ends will have to complement super sophomore Marvin Mims in Wease’s absence. The entire group of pass catchers looks to build on last year’s performance.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions.

[listicle id=34604]

Oklahoma Sooners’ WR Mario Williams earns ESPN All-Freshman honors

Lincoln Riley has made it a habit of finding production from true freshmen over the years and Mario Williams looks to be the next productive first-year player for the Sooners.

Sooners’ wideout Mario Williams has been named to ESPN’s 2021 preseason true freshman All-America team (subscription required). A consensus four-star recruit from Tampa, Florida, Williams cracks ESPN’s list just three days after being named to 247Sports’ true freshman team.

The attention Williams is receiving is well deserved. The first year Sooner has spent training camp carving his way into an offense that also features Marvin Mims (a member of ESPN’s 2020 preseason true freshman All-American team – subscription), Theo Wease, and a healthy Austin Stogner.

While his exact role within such a talented offense is yet to be determined, Lincon Riley’s track record with true freshmen receivers has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Although he’s tied with Major Nelson as the smallest receiver on the roster, Williams possesses tremendous field awareness. He finished his career at Plant City High School with 41 touchdowns. Receivers don’t post those numbers without knowing how to work the sideline.

Williams will attract attention no matter where he lines up on the field. This is great news for Oklahoma’s more established receivers.

The route concepts that Lincoln Riley could insert him into should be terrifying for OU’s opponents to think about. A safety or corner covering Williams on an out-breaking route will have to blanket him all the way through the sideline, rendering them unable to help with Mims or Wease in the middle of the field.

The Sooners have made a habit of getting production out of freshman pass catchers over the years. They’re primed to continue that trend into 2021 and beyond.

Just yesterday, the Oklahoma Sooners secured a commitment from five-star prospect Brandon Innis. Innis, like Williams, is also from Florida and is ranked the No. 1 receiver in the class of 2023 by ESPN and Rivals.

The Oklahoma Sooners are deep at the wide receiver position, but with the way he’s impressed in spring and fall camp, Mario Williams may force his way onto the field in 2021.

[listicle id=34604]

Top 21 players for the Oklahoma Sooners entering 2021

As the Oklahoma Sooners get set to continue their reign atop the Big 12 and contend for a national title, here are the top 21 players for 2021.

Heading into the 2021 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country. On both sides of the ball, the Sooners have great players throughout the lineup that will make big impacts on Saturdays this fall.

On offense, the Sooners are led by Heisman Trophy front-runner Spencer Rattler and a high-powered passing attack. On defense, the Sooners have four guys that can create havoc in both the running game and rushing the passer.

This is a team that should be one of the more exciting teams to watch with their blend of big-play offense and suffocating defense. With just 15 days until kickoff, let’s take a look at the top 21 Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2021.

Oklahoma Sooners top Number One-Ranked Show’s Preseason Top 10

RJ Young of Fox Sports dubs the Oklahoma Sooners number one in his preseason top 10.

With a Heisman hopeful quarterback, a top-20 defense, and a treasure trove of pass-catching talent, it’s no surprise the Oklahoma Sooners are expected to make noise during the 2021 season.

The buzz around OU’s season has officially reached a fever pitch. Fox Sport’s RJ Young dubbed the Crimson and Cream the best in the nation on the “Number One Show” late Monday afternoon.

Young credits Spencer Rattler as the primary key to Oklahoma’s success.  Rightfully so, the redshirt sophomore ran roughshod on his way to 34 combined touchdowns in his first full season at the helm of the Sooners.

The Fox Sports host also points to the dizzying amount of firepower in Rattler and Lincoln Riley’s arsenal. Not only does Rattler return his favorite receivers in Marvin Mims and Theo Wease (tied for the team lead in receptions), but he also welcomes back Austin Stogner and Jadon Haselwood from injuries that caused them to miss significant time in 2020.

Finally, Young claims a competent defense is all Oklahoma needs to back up his lofty No. 1 claim.

The Sooners have failed to score 30 points just six times in the last four years. If the defense can put together another season similar to 2020 – where they ranked third in interceptions and seventh in sacks per game, then OU could become the most complete team in college football.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.

[listicle id=34604

Spencer Rattler talks Theo Wease and Jadon Haselwood return

Spencer Rattler discusses Theo Wease and Jadon Haselwood entering 2021.

There are high expectations placed on Oklahoma’s receiving corps entering 2021. Theo Wease and Jadon Haselwood return in key roles in Spencer Rattler’s supporting cast.

OU receivers dropped nine passes in the end zone in 2020, and Lincoln Riley vocalized his disappointment in the unit’s production after the season. Gone are the days of household names CeeDee Lamb and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. New rising stars in Crimson and Cream now have opportunities. Players will have to step up.

Haselwood missed the majority of the 2020 season after suffering an ACL injury. His contested catch ability is elite, and he will make an impact in Oklahoma’s passing attack come fall. Haselwood’s return will elevate OU’s vertical attack.

Wease emerged last season despite the drops. He notched 37 receptions for 530 yards and four touchdowns. Wease made several splash plays working the middle of the field and turned short routes into big gains with his elusive yards-after-catch ability.

Rattler has been working with both former five-star recruits throughout the offseason to build camaraderie for the 2021 season.

“Theo and Jadon have been great this offseason. Jadon coming back from his ACL; he looks amazing. Theo is back, and he looks great as well. Those are two guys that can go make big plays for us. They got the speed. They got get-offs at the line. They do a lot of great things for our offense, and, you know, I have been specifically working with those guys a lot this offseason in seven-on-(seven) and stuff like that just to get our chemistry back with being away for a month or so after the season.”

With the load of talent in the room — Marvin Mims, Mario Williams and Drake Stoops are in the mix with Wease and Haselwood — the upcoming season will be a tremendous year for Oklahoma’s passing game. With consensus Heisman front-runner leading the charge and numerous weapons at his disposal, the sky is the limit.

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.