Andrel Anthony emerging at receiver for Oklahoma

Entering fall camp, one of the biggest question marks for Oklahoma was at receiver. Replacing Marvin Mims is a tall task and there are a handful of players who could make a case to be the Sooners’ top receiver in 2023.

But one that has started to emerge with only a few fall camp practices remaining is Andrel Anthony. The Michigan transfer is standing out in practice and in scrimmages, making two touchdown grabs in Saturday’s scrimmage and running with the first team at Wednesday’s scrimmage. It appears Anthony is starting to assert himself as a serious contributor.

“He’s done well. Had some big plays in the scrimmage, had another big play out here today,” coach Brent Venables said Monday. “He’s gaining more and more confidence every day that he practices. Emmett (Jones) has done a nice job of getting him involved. And teaching him and getting him to learn how to play fast, utilize his skillset and be competitive in tough situations. Third down, third and medium, you’ve got to have a play. Making tough, competitive plays when the defense is in position. And he’s done that, as well as other guys. But Andrel has had a nice camp.

“Andrel is going to be a major part of the offensive system.”

When Oklahoma recruited Anthony out of the transfer portal, it was always believed by the coaching staff he could help them immediately. While he wasn’t very productive at Michigan — catching only 19 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons — some believe he was underutilized in Ann Arbor.

Michigan is a run-first team with little downfield passing game. Oklahoma, under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, loves the long ball.

“It’s been a big adjustment just coming from Michigan,” Anthony said Tuesday. “Like, we didn’t have the choices like we do here. So just getting an understanding and better IQ of the offense and just knowing defensive coverages more. Coach Jones really has helped me with understanding the game a lot more. Just being more than a receiver, being a complete football player. That’s where you can use the leverage to kind of manipulate them, and that helps with routes as well.

“The opportunity, the fast pace and just the trust the coaches have in us as players to be able to run like 80-something plays a game. We get an explosive play, we’re already lined up again for the next play. And it’s a deep shot for instance. The trust really is a huge thing.”

Anthony is known for his speed and has shown it in practice, catching a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dillon Gabriel during Saturday’s scrimmage.

“I’d just say that the quarterback play really played a big factor into it. Just because the balls were like — you couldn’t ask for a better pass,” Anthony said of the scrimmage. “That’s going to be huge moving forward. I’d say I give credit mostly to the quarterback because I might have a step, but he’ll put it to where only I can get it. I can’t ask for anything else.”

Anthony said he and Gabriel have started to grow a close relationship on and off the field. It’s clear they are trying to build chemistry, which could be pivotal for Oklahoma’s offensive success this season.

“It’s definitely progressed a lot over the summer, just those player-led (practices), those workouts,” Anthony said. “We’ll do stuff on the weekends, after practice. It’s just the timing and all that is really coming together right now.”

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