Fall camp is underway across the SEC, so it’s time to get some overreactions and observations in. Your team is healthy, the schedule is manageable, and the amount of hope floating around the program is absolutely off the charts. Still, every team has some questions.
Here are three burning questions for every SEC team. Next up, Oklahoma.
1. How will the tight end rotation play out?
It’s been a minute since Oklahoma had an elite tight end torturing defenses up and down the field. It feels like that is about to change. This offseason the Sooners hired former NFL legend Jason Witten. Witten has three experienced tight ends in his room including two with SEC experience in Hayden Hansen (Florida) and Jack Van Dorselear (Tennessee). The third is a fan favorite already not just because of his ability but also his last name, Rocky Beers from Colorado State.
All three can be above average pass catchers, but helping improve the OU run game will be something that is equally expected considering their deficiencies a season ago.
2. Who can replace R Mason Thomas on the edge?
Last season Thomas had 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in just ten games. He was as disruptive as any player in the conference when he was healthy. This year it looks like his replacement will be one with projection instead of production. The Sooners have two really high level former blue chip players as options. Former five star Adepoju Adebawore and former four star Danny Okoye will vie for the spot with some other heralded recruits also pushing for playing time. The good news for the Sooners is that they have three proven pieces that make up the rest of what should be the best defensive line in the SEC.
3. Are we going to see some old school option?
This is a very selfish question to ask because like most red blooded American males who grew up watching 1980s and 1990s college football, I miss seeing teams run the option. It’s been awhile since Oklahoma’s offense wasn’t thought of as a pass happy high flying offense. But, with Brent Venables teams adopting a heavy defensive-first mentality and the athletic ability of a quarterback like John Mateer, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Plus, look what popped up on social media on Tuesday.
