8timechamps
8/3/2013, 08:55 PM
2013 Position Preview: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
2012 Recap
A diametric opposite of the offensive line this time a year ago, the WR/TE group was considered one of the biggest weaknesses of the entire team. Coming off of graduation and suspensions, the unit was decimated with the only real positive being some unproven newcomers. A late addition of Justin Brown brought in some much needed talent and experience, and by the time the RRR rolled around, the Sooners were able to count on the services of Jalen Saunders. The WR unit looked to be a solid, productive one. By the end of the year, the WR corps proved to be a consistent unit and the depth provided some relief from what would be another round of early departures and graduation. The TE unit, faced with the same issues early that the WR unit was going through, was never able to breakthrough and remained almost absent from the team throughout the season.
2013 Preview
What a difference a year makes! (I hate that saying, but's it very true in this case) Despite several job offers in the off-season, coach Jay Norvell opted to stay on at OU and continue to recruit quality receivers. The Receiving unit looks to be solid with more experience back in 2013 than we saw returning in 2012. The Sooners have a lot of options too, whether quick, shifty play-maker types, or big bodied possession receivers, the Sooners have all options covered. The only real question left is; who will start? TE is not quite as clear, but is at least a year further in development. The Sooners should re-introduce a TE (or two) back into the offense in 2013.
Here are the Wide Receivers/Tight Ends on the 2013 roster:
Wide Receivers
#3 – Sterling Shepard (Sophomore)/WR
There’s something special about Sterling Shepard, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Being a Sooner legacy always adds interest to a player, but I think Sterling’s situation is a little different than most. Not only was his dad a standout (at a position that NOBODY really stood out in those days for the Sooners), but his father’s early death led to a special bond between Sterling and the Sooner program. If it ended there, it would be an interesting story, but the kid has talent, just like his dad, Derrick. A natural in the slot, I expect Sterling to continue to be a solid contributor in 2013, as well as a starter.
#8 – Jalen Saunders (Senior)/WR
In 2012, the Sooners were fortunate enough to find two quality transfers (Saunders, Williams) that made an immediate impact. A quick, shifty and sure-handed receiver, Saunders caused fits for most defenses in 2012. Even though he wasn't able to start the first few games in 2012, Saunders still averaged enough yards a game to make him statistically the second best returning receiver in the Big XII. For 2013, I expect Saunders to primarily be an outside receiver for the Sooners, and continue to be a play-maker. In addition to his starting receiver duties, Saunders should move into the starting punt returner position (or at least share those duties) left vacant by the graduation of Justin Brown.
#5 – Durron Neal (Sophomore)/WR
Two years ago, Doral Green-Beckham was considered the best receiver in the country, and he snubbed OU to play for Missouri. In the end, I don’t think he was the best receiver from his own state. I think that honor goes to Durron Neal. Although Neal didn’t see a ton of action in 2012, the coaching staff thought enough of him to play him out of a redshirt, and give him time in games. Neal is a solid physical receiver, with plenty of speed for separation. As a freshman, he didn't always run the cleanest routes, but expressed a good understanding of the offense. For 2013, Neal will be in the thick of the battle to earn a starting position, and whether he is named a starter, or not, he’ll seen plenty of playing time.
#17 – Trey Metoyer (Sophomore)/WR
So much was expected of Metoyer in 2012, and so little was delivered. It’s hard to understand exactly why some incoming receivers seem to make the transition so quick (Shepard), while others (like Metoyer) struggle. It was only magnified for Trey because of the hype surrounding him. A year later, and by most counts, Metoyer appears to be a lot more familiar with the offense and how to play at the collegiate level. Metoyer has said he used his lack of playing time late in the year as motivation to be a better player. All of the physical tools and talents are there for Metoyer to show why he was a 5 star recruit; the only thing left for him to do is show it on game day. If he does, he could quickly become the best receiver on the team and in the conference.
#16 – Jaz Reynolds (R-Senior)/WR
There’s not much left to say about Jaz that hasn't already been said. Fans and coaches know what he is capable of doing, and how he can help the team. The only unknown is if he’ll be given another chance, or if he will be relegated to a backup/bench role. From everything I've heard/read, Jaz has done all that was asked of him since his last suspension. In addition, it appears he has turned the corner with his maturity too (a much slower developing version of Ryan Broyles). Jaz could very easily be in the hunt to win a starting role in 2013, but it won’t be easy as he has to manage more than just on-the-field competition.
#11 – Lacoltan Bester (Senior)/WR
Bester was a late addition to the class in the spring of 2012. An all-state/division first team player at East Mississippi JC, I viewed Bester's addition as an “insurance policy”, only to add depth to the 2012 receiving corps. Bester played special teams in 2012 for the Sooners, but saw little time at receiver and finished the year with only 3 catches for 29 yards. Fast forward to the opening of camp this year; Bester seems to have “flipped the switch” and come on very strong. So strong, that there has been considerable talk about him challenging for a starting spot in 2013. Bester has the physical presence (6’3”, 195 lbs) to be effective on the outside, but it remains to be seen if all the talk this summer was just that, talk.
#6 – Dannon Cavil (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Cavil was a top 40 WR and an ESPN top 300, 4 star receiver coming out of high school. He chose the Sooners over Texas, UCLA, Ole Miss, Baylor and others. Cavil was a highly recruited player, and he marks the first “tall” receiver the Sooners brought in (of an ongoing trend). At 6’5” - 205 lbs Cavil is a big body that can create a lot of mismatches for opposing defenses. A Texas legacy, the Sooners landed a solid WR in Cavil. As one of the early enrollees, Cavil has had a jump-start on his competition and is expected to contribute in 2013.
#12 – Derrick Woods (R-Freshman)/WR
Built in a similar mold to Sterling Shepard, Woods was another of the Sooners highly recruited receiver commits of 2012. There’s little doubt that Woods would have seen playing time in 2012 had he been healthy. A leg injury just prior to arriving in Norman forced Woods into a redshirt year and ended all possibility of playing time. Woods has all of the tools to be another weapon in the Sooner receiving corps and appears to be 100% recovered from his injury. Although he may have an uphill climb to gain playing time (with such a deep roster), Woods should be a contributor in 2013.
#83 – Austin Bennett (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Bennett was kind of an under-the-radar recruit in 2012, choosing OU over Ole Miss, Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia and others. A two way player in high school, Bennett’s best chance at seeing time in 2013 is on special teams as a returner. Bennett’s frame is built for the slot (5’11”, 170lbs), but will have to stand out if he looks to break through given the depth at that position. In 2013 I see Bennett as a probable red-shirt candidate, unless he can secure a spot as a return specialist. There is a lot of upside for Bennett, but he will need time in both the weight room and the playbook before he can make an impact for the Sooners.
#85 – K.J. Young (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Another under-the-radar prospect, Young was one of the last recruits to commit to the Sooners in 2012. Young didn't have a long, prestigious list of offers coming out of high school (Boise State, UNLV, Colorado State and UTEP), but has been mentioned by some recruiting analysts as a “hidden gem”. Young needs a lot of work in his breaks (routes), and could use time in the weight room, but he is considered to have “elite” hand/eye coordination (considered the best in the 2012 recruiting class). A coach like Norvell could mold Young into a phenomenal receiver in time. I expect Young to redshirt his freshman year.
#80 – Jordan Smallwood (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Smallwood, an instate product (Jenks High School) may or may not have been red-shirted his freshman year, depending on his ability to contribute and be consistent. Sadly, the decision was made before Smallwood had a chance to prove his value. It was recently announced (prior to camp opening) that Smallwood suffered a foot injury that was bad enough to require surgery. The specific injury is a serious one that will require Smallwood to spend the entire season rehabilitating. Hopeful, Smallwood can recover from this injury and compete for a spot in 2014.
Other rostered receivers:
#83 Cody Barrow (So.)
#89 Ashton Bennett (Fr.)
#29 Grant Bothun (So.)
#81 Austin Brown (RSo.)
#84 Don Caudill (Sr.)
#88 Cody Chancellor (Fr.)
#86 Brandon Kitchens (R.Fr)
#87 Zack Long (Fr.)
#40 Julian Winters (Sr.)
Tight Ends
#82 – Brannon Green (Senior)/TE
In 2012, Green was by far the most experienced tight end on the Sooner roster. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite at the level the Sooners have been accustomed to and that led to diminished playing time for Green. Green’s strength is his ability to be an inline blocking tight end, and in turn he was a staple in the “Belldozer” and short yardage packages. For 2013, Green should once again provide the Sooners an additional blocker in short yardage situations, with an occasional opportunity to be a pass catching tight end.
#81– Sam Grant (R-Freshman)/TE
A 3-star recruit out of high school (in 2011), Grant had offers from Michigan, Arkansas, North Carolina State and others. After a redshirt season, Grant has added weight and is expected to contribute at TE. At 6’7” - 258 lbs, Grant is a massive player that continues to add bulk to his frame. Similar to Green, Grant is an in-line blocking tight end. While the Sooners are thin at TE, it’s plausible to think that in the future Grant could move to the offensive line to earn playing time. However, right now Grant remains at TE. I expect Grant to see time similar to Green in 2013, short yardage running situations.
#88 – Taylor McNamara (R-Freshman)/TE
McNamara was a highly sought after tight end in 2011, choosing Oklahoma over a long list of schools (including Michigan, Florida State, Notre Dame and USC). In 2012, McNamara suffered an injury that led to a medical redshirt. In hindsight, that may have been a blessing in disguise. McNamara was forced into action as a true freshman due to depth issues, and struggled at times in the scheme. Now, after a year to recover, hit the weight room and learn the offense, McNamara looks to be the tight end OU has missed in recent years. McNamara has the tools and physical presence (6’5” 248 lbs) to be a true play making tight end, with the only thing missing being experience, and 2013 should provide that for McNamara. I see McNamara still in a learning phase, but with each passing game, I think he will develop into the next excellent tight end to play at OU.
#89 – Connor Knight (R-Freshman)/TE
The brother of Sooner QB Trevor Knight, Connor is a walk-on player. I haven’t read/heard much about Connor’s ability at tight end, so there isn’t much I can add at this point. Connor does have the ability to be a long snapper and could challenge Austin Woods for that duty in 2013.
Projected Two-Deep:
WR: Jalen Saunders
Backup: Lacoltan Bester/Dannon Cavil
WR: Trey Metoyer
Backup: Durron Neal/Jaz Reynolds
SWR: Sterling Shepard
Backup: Derrick Woods
TE 1: Taylor McNamara
Backup: Sam Grant/Brennan Green
TE 2*: Brannon Green
*Two tight end set.
Next up: Running Backs
2012 Recap
A diametric opposite of the offensive line this time a year ago, the WR/TE group was considered one of the biggest weaknesses of the entire team. Coming off of graduation and suspensions, the unit was decimated with the only real positive being some unproven newcomers. A late addition of Justin Brown brought in some much needed talent and experience, and by the time the RRR rolled around, the Sooners were able to count on the services of Jalen Saunders. The WR unit looked to be a solid, productive one. By the end of the year, the WR corps proved to be a consistent unit and the depth provided some relief from what would be another round of early departures and graduation. The TE unit, faced with the same issues early that the WR unit was going through, was never able to breakthrough and remained almost absent from the team throughout the season.
2013 Preview
What a difference a year makes! (I hate that saying, but's it very true in this case) Despite several job offers in the off-season, coach Jay Norvell opted to stay on at OU and continue to recruit quality receivers. The Receiving unit looks to be solid with more experience back in 2013 than we saw returning in 2012. The Sooners have a lot of options too, whether quick, shifty play-maker types, or big bodied possession receivers, the Sooners have all options covered. The only real question left is; who will start? TE is not quite as clear, but is at least a year further in development. The Sooners should re-introduce a TE (or two) back into the offense in 2013.
Here are the Wide Receivers/Tight Ends on the 2013 roster:
Wide Receivers
#3 – Sterling Shepard (Sophomore)/WR
There’s something special about Sterling Shepard, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Being a Sooner legacy always adds interest to a player, but I think Sterling’s situation is a little different than most. Not only was his dad a standout (at a position that NOBODY really stood out in those days for the Sooners), but his father’s early death led to a special bond between Sterling and the Sooner program. If it ended there, it would be an interesting story, but the kid has talent, just like his dad, Derrick. A natural in the slot, I expect Sterling to continue to be a solid contributor in 2013, as well as a starter.
#8 – Jalen Saunders (Senior)/WR
In 2012, the Sooners were fortunate enough to find two quality transfers (Saunders, Williams) that made an immediate impact. A quick, shifty and sure-handed receiver, Saunders caused fits for most defenses in 2012. Even though he wasn't able to start the first few games in 2012, Saunders still averaged enough yards a game to make him statistically the second best returning receiver in the Big XII. For 2013, I expect Saunders to primarily be an outside receiver for the Sooners, and continue to be a play-maker. In addition to his starting receiver duties, Saunders should move into the starting punt returner position (or at least share those duties) left vacant by the graduation of Justin Brown.
#5 – Durron Neal (Sophomore)/WR
Two years ago, Doral Green-Beckham was considered the best receiver in the country, and he snubbed OU to play for Missouri. In the end, I don’t think he was the best receiver from his own state. I think that honor goes to Durron Neal. Although Neal didn’t see a ton of action in 2012, the coaching staff thought enough of him to play him out of a redshirt, and give him time in games. Neal is a solid physical receiver, with plenty of speed for separation. As a freshman, he didn't always run the cleanest routes, but expressed a good understanding of the offense. For 2013, Neal will be in the thick of the battle to earn a starting position, and whether he is named a starter, or not, he’ll seen plenty of playing time.
#17 – Trey Metoyer (Sophomore)/WR
So much was expected of Metoyer in 2012, and so little was delivered. It’s hard to understand exactly why some incoming receivers seem to make the transition so quick (Shepard), while others (like Metoyer) struggle. It was only magnified for Trey because of the hype surrounding him. A year later, and by most counts, Metoyer appears to be a lot more familiar with the offense and how to play at the collegiate level. Metoyer has said he used his lack of playing time late in the year as motivation to be a better player. All of the physical tools and talents are there for Metoyer to show why he was a 5 star recruit; the only thing left for him to do is show it on game day. If he does, he could quickly become the best receiver on the team and in the conference.
#16 – Jaz Reynolds (R-Senior)/WR
There’s not much left to say about Jaz that hasn't already been said. Fans and coaches know what he is capable of doing, and how he can help the team. The only unknown is if he’ll be given another chance, or if he will be relegated to a backup/bench role. From everything I've heard/read, Jaz has done all that was asked of him since his last suspension. In addition, it appears he has turned the corner with his maturity too (a much slower developing version of Ryan Broyles). Jaz could very easily be in the hunt to win a starting role in 2013, but it won’t be easy as he has to manage more than just on-the-field competition.
#11 – Lacoltan Bester (Senior)/WR
Bester was a late addition to the class in the spring of 2012. An all-state/division first team player at East Mississippi JC, I viewed Bester's addition as an “insurance policy”, only to add depth to the 2012 receiving corps. Bester played special teams in 2012 for the Sooners, but saw little time at receiver and finished the year with only 3 catches for 29 yards. Fast forward to the opening of camp this year; Bester seems to have “flipped the switch” and come on very strong. So strong, that there has been considerable talk about him challenging for a starting spot in 2013. Bester has the physical presence (6’3”, 195 lbs) to be effective on the outside, but it remains to be seen if all the talk this summer was just that, talk.
#6 – Dannon Cavil (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Cavil was a top 40 WR and an ESPN top 300, 4 star receiver coming out of high school. He chose the Sooners over Texas, UCLA, Ole Miss, Baylor and others. Cavil was a highly recruited player, and he marks the first “tall” receiver the Sooners brought in (of an ongoing trend). At 6’5” - 205 lbs Cavil is a big body that can create a lot of mismatches for opposing defenses. A Texas legacy, the Sooners landed a solid WR in Cavil. As one of the early enrollees, Cavil has had a jump-start on his competition and is expected to contribute in 2013.
#12 – Derrick Woods (R-Freshman)/WR
Built in a similar mold to Sterling Shepard, Woods was another of the Sooners highly recruited receiver commits of 2012. There’s little doubt that Woods would have seen playing time in 2012 had he been healthy. A leg injury just prior to arriving in Norman forced Woods into a redshirt year and ended all possibility of playing time. Woods has all of the tools to be another weapon in the Sooner receiving corps and appears to be 100% recovered from his injury. Although he may have an uphill climb to gain playing time (with such a deep roster), Woods should be a contributor in 2013.
#83 – Austin Bennett (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Bennett was kind of an under-the-radar recruit in 2012, choosing OU over Ole Miss, Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia and others. A two way player in high school, Bennett’s best chance at seeing time in 2013 is on special teams as a returner. Bennett’s frame is built for the slot (5’11”, 170lbs), but will have to stand out if he looks to break through given the depth at that position. In 2013 I see Bennett as a probable red-shirt candidate, unless he can secure a spot as a return specialist. There is a lot of upside for Bennett, but he will need time in both the weight room and the playbook before he can make an impact for the Sooners.
#85 – K.J. Young (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Another under-the-radar prospect, Young was one of the last recruits to commit to the Sooners in 2012. Young didn't have a long, prestigious list of offers coming out of high school (Boise State, UNLV, Colorado State and UTEP), but has been mentioned by some recruiting analysts as a “hidden gem”. Young needs a lot of work in his breaks (routes), and could use time in the weight room, but he is considered to have “elite” hand/eye coordination (considered the best in the 2012 recruiting class). A coach like Norvell could mold Young into a phenomenal receiver in time. I expect Young to redshirt his freshman year.
#80 – Jordan Smallwood (Incoming Freshman)/WR
Smallwood, an instate product (Jenks High School) may or may not have been red-shirted his freshman year, depending on his ability to contribute and be consistent. Sadly, the decision was made before Smallwood had a chance to prove his value. It was recently announced (prior to camp opening) that Smallwood suffered a foot injury that was bad enough to require surgery. The specific injury is a serious one that will require Smallwood to spend the entire season rehabilitating. Hopeful, Smallwood can recover from this injury and compete for a spot in 2014.
Other rostered receivers:
#83 Cody Barrow (So.)
#89 Ashton Bennett (Fr.)
#29 Grant Bothun (So.)
#81 Austin Brown (RSo.)
#84 Don Caudill (Sr.)
#88 Cody Chancellor (Fr.)
#86 Brandon Kitchens (R.Fr)
#87 Zack Long (Fr.)
#40 Julian Winters (Sr.)
Tight Ends
#82 – Brannon Green (Senior)/TE
In 2012, Green was by far the most experienced tight end on the Sooner roster. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite at the level the Sooners have been accustomed to and that led to diminished playing time for Green. Green’s strength is his ability to be an inline blocking tight end, and in turn he was a staple in the “Belldozer” and short yardage packages. For 2013, Green should once again provide the Sooners an additional blocker in short yardage situations, with an occasional opportunity to be a pass catching tight end.
#81– Sam Grant (R-Freshman)/TE
A 3-star recruit out of high school (in 2011), Grant had offers from Michigan, Arkansas, North Carolina State and others. After a redshirt season, Grant has added weight and is expected to contribute at TE. At 6’7” - 258 lbs, Grant is a massive player that continues to add bulk to his frame. Similar to Green, Grant is an in-line blocking tight end. While the Sooners are thin at TE, it’s plausible to think that in the future Grant could move to the offensive line to earn playing time. However, right now Grant remains at TE. I expect Grant to see time similar to Green in 2013, short yardage running situations.
#88 – Taylor McNamara (R-Freshman)/TE
McNamara was a highly sought after tight end in 2011, choosing Oklahoma over a long list of schools (including Michigan, Florida State, Notre Dame and USC). In 2012, McNamara suffered an injury that led to a medical redshirt. In hindsight, that may have been a blessing in disguise. McNamara was forced into action as a true freshman due to depth issues, and struggled at times in the scheme. Now, after a year to recover, hit the weight room and learn the offense, McNamara looks to be the tight end OU has missed in recent years. McNamara has the tools and physical presence (6’5” 248 lbs) to be a true play making tight end, with the only thing missing being experience, and 2013 should provide that for McNamara. I see McNamara still in a learning phase, but with each passing game, I think he will develop into the next excellent tight end to play at OU.
#89 – Connor Knight (R-Freshman)/TE
The brother of Sooner QB Trevor Knight, Connor is a walk-on player. I haven’t read/heard much about Connor’s ability at tight end, so there isn’t much I can add at this point. Connor does have the ability to be a long snapper and could challenge Austin Woods for that duty in 2013.
Projected Two-Deep:
WR: Jalen Saunders
Backup: Lacoltan Bester/Dannon Cavil
WR: Trey Metoyer
Backup: Durron Neal/Jaz Reynolds
SWR: Sterling Shepard
Backup: Derrick Woods
TE 1: Taylor McNamara
Backup: Sam Grant/Brennan Green
TE 2*: Brannon Green
*Two tight end set.
Next up: Running Backs