[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.