OU offense boasts skill talent, but offensive line remains biggest question mark
Spring football is done for OU. The transfer portal has long been closed. You can start digging in as to what the 2024 version of the Oklahoma Sooners is going to be.
We’re going to take a look back at everything we saw from Brent Venables’ group in the spring as Team 130 embarks on its SEC journey.
The good, the bad and everything in between. It’s time to officially become SEC ready.
What we learned at OU: Quarterback
We all knew Jackson Arnold was the starter heading into the 2024 spring and that’s no different after the spring. Arnold showed growth this spring, not necessarily just as a quarterback, but also as a leader. His maturity and comfort were evident throughout spring practice. And his turnover-free performance in the Spring Game was a welcome sign.
But where we learned the most was at the backup quarterback position. Most have assumed Florida Atlantic transfer Casey Thompson to be the backup. But with Thompson missing the spring as he recovers from an ACL injury, that’s opened the door for true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr.
Hawkins was one of the highlights of the spring for the Sooners. He was impressed by the OU coaching staff with his dynamic playmaking ability and strong arm. That backup quarterback spot is now a lot more interesting heading into the fall.
OU also lost one of its quarterbacks, General Booty, to the transfer portal.
Quotable
“Very comfortable. It really helps with my confidence going in knowing that I’m the starter. Last season, Dillon was the starter. I go in for the Alamo Bowl but it’s not the same as now. Having this whole spring to get with those guys and step in and be their leader made things really comfortable for me and helped me build the confidence.” -Arnold on being OU’s starter
What we learned at OU: Running back
There’s reason to feel good about the Oklahoma running back room, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still a lot of questions. You have to start with Jovantae Barnes.
The junior back had a head-scratching second season with the Sooners. After many expected him to be the starting running back, he barely played due to injury, which we didn’t find out until after the season. Then, this spring, he was the only running back to not play in the Spring Game for no apparent reason. Barnes could be a huge help for the Sooners in 2024, but who knows if he will actually play.
What we do know is that Gavin Sawchuk is the frontrunner to be the Sooners’ starter. Sawchuk finished last season strong, totaling over 100 yards rushing in five consecutive games. But watch out for redshirt freshman Kalib Hicks, who had one of the better springs and was a standout in the Spring Game.
Oklahoma also added three running backs with UT Martin transfer Samuel Franklin and true freshmen Xavier Robinson and Taylor Tatum. Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2024 class, maany anticipate Tatum could be a contributor in first season with the Sooners. With so many unknowns in the room — other than Sawchuk — Tatum could find himself playing a big role in 2024.
Quotable
“It was just a lot to do with my foot surgery and just the timing. Me trying to rush it and making sure I can be back for the season and be out here for the coaches so they depend on me. So I just wasn’t ready and there’d be some times I’d be like, ‘OK, I feel good at practice. I feel good this week.’ And I’d go back out there and I just wouldn’t be able to burst.” -Barnes on his 2023 season
What we learned at OU: Wide receiver
The Deion Burks hype is real. The Purdue transfer wide receiver was touted as arguably the best receiver in the portal in December. And he showed the Sooners why this spring. Burks looks like the type of player who could lead OU in receptions, yards and touchdowns next season. And he’s clearly a perfect replacement for Drake Stoops in the slot. Burks was a standout in the Spring Game, totaling five receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
Burks joins an already impressive receiver room. This spring, it was clear that Jayden Gibson has also emerged as a go-to receiver for quarterback Jackson Arnold. Andrel Anthony, Nic Anderson and Jalil Farooq missed most of the spring due to injury, but that allowed someone like Gibson to step up. Jaquaize Pettaway also had a nice spring and with Gavin Freeman transferring to Oklahoma State, it would seem that Pettaway will be the backup slot.
And keep an eye on freshmen Zion Kearney and Ivan Carreon. Both had a strong spring and could push for contributing roles if others remain injured.
Quotable
“There’s talent all over. You’ve got guys from all different sizes. Kind of like a basketball room. You’ve got big guys, 6’6, you’ve got little guys, everybody’s got all different skillsets. We’re just worried about what’s going on in the room and getting better each day.” -Burks on the receiver room
What we learned at OU: Tight end
One of the most talked about players of the spring was Bauer Sharp. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer tight end stood out, getting most of the first-team reps. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds Sharp brings size and athletic ability that the tight end room has lacking.
That’s why many believe he could be an X factor for the Sooners. But after not catching a pass in the Spring Game, some are wondering what kind of impact he will actually have in 2024.
OU has other options at tight end, though. Oklahoma has transformed its tight end room with the additions of Sharp, Baylor transfer Jake Roberts and true freshman Davon Mitchell.
Roberts is the most experienced tight end the Sooners have and will likely be a key contributor. Mitchell has the highest ceiling of the group, with plenty of size and athleticism. He was rated as one of the top tight ends in the country in the 2024 class. He may not be ready to start next season, but he could find himself contributing in some capacity.
The two returners from last season, Kaden Helms and Kade McIntyre, are the two biggest unknowns in 2024. Both are coming off injuries in 2023, but inside the building, many believe those two could compete for a key role next season. The biggest key for them though is staying healthy. It’s clear though, OU has much more depth at the tight end position heading into next season.
Quotable
“It’s just a blessing every day. I just try not to take it for granted. I’ve just accomplished so little, but now I have so much. Just compete with these guys every day. They’re pushing me to be great. I’m thankful for them every single day… I can get better each and every day. Try to never be content, but it’s just the Lord’s blessed me with the opportunity to just make some plays here and there. I try to do that, but never be content. Just keep working.” -Sharp on his development
What we learned at OU: IOL
One of the biggest question marks heading into the 2024 season is the offensive line. And for good reason. The Sooners have to replace all five starting offensive linemen from last season. But the good news for OU is that it has done well in the transfer portal to restock its o-line, especially on the interior.
While offensive tackle is the biggest concern on the offensive line, the interior has actually come together well. The addition of SMU transfer Branson Hickman at center this spring was arguably the most necessary pickup for the Sooners of the offseason. Hickman, a three-year starter for SMU, is already one of the most experienced offensive linemen on the roster. He’s expected to start at center next season with Troy Everett out with an injury and Josh Bates still progressing as a redshirt freshman.
At guard, it appears that North Texas transfer Febechi Nwaiwu has all but locked down the right guard spot. He was arguably Oklahoma’s best offensive lineman this spring. Left guard is a bit more of a mystery though. Redshirt freshman Heath Ozaeta was impressive this spring and could start there. But junior Jacob Sexton — who many expected to compete for a starting spot at tackle — moved to left guard at the end of spring and could win that spot due to his playing experience. The Sooners also expect Geirean Hatchett, a transfer from Washington, to compete for a starting job. If not, he will likely be the backup at both guard spots and could play center if needed.
Quotable
“The first couple weeks is always kinda interesting, just like meeting anyone new. But you kind of get to know the personalities and how they are and how to talk to them, motivate them. Throughout winter workouts we got to really learn each other and figure out what’s the best way to communicate to this guy in this situation.” –Sexton on working with the transfers
What we learned at OU: Offensive tackle
If there is one position that should worry Oklahoma fans heading into the 2024 season, it’s offensive tackle. It’s no secret the Sooners’ offensive line is being rebuilt after losing all five starters. But the biggest concern up front is on the edges. Replacing Tyler Guyton and Walter Rouse — who were both just drafted in April — is not going to be easy.
OU did add a couple of guys in the transfer portal at tackle. USC’s Michael Tarquin and Michigan State’s Spencer Brown are expected to compete for the starting jobs. Tarquin has been somewhat a surprise, as many anticipated he’d be a swing backup tackle. After the spring, it’s clear he’s the frontrunner to win the left tackle spot. Brown, who many thought would be the starting right tackle, was underwhelming this spring.
That leaves a lot of questions at the tackle spot, with Jacob Sexton possibly officially moving to guard. It was anticipated that Sexton would possibly start at left tackle, but moved to left guard at the end of spring. He could still play tackle next season, after starting the final three games at right tackle last year.
Redshirt sophomore Jake Taylor started most of the spring at right tackle for the Sooners and could be the solution. But in three years, Taylor hasn’t seen the field much. Redshirt freshman Logan Howland might also enter the mix as he had a strong spring.
Quotable
“Taylor and Jacob Sexton have done really, really well. Logan Howland along with Spencer Brown and Michael Tarquin, those guys have done a really, really nice job of trying to jell together and learn. Some of the new guys learn what we need them to do.” –Brent Venables on the tackle position
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