Gabriel and Mims develop quick bond
The goal, obviously, is for every quarterback to have an outstanding connection with his top wide receivers, but that’s not always the case.
You can’t force it. If the personalities clash or values don’t mesh, it’s just not going to work. However, it looks as though this won’t be a problem for Oklahoma when it comes to quarterback Dillon Gabriel and wide receiver Marvin Mims.
The two had glowing reviews about each other throughout spring, and if anything, the chemistry has only gotten better in the months since.
“I think what’s really cool about me and Marvin is we’re very similar,” Gabriel said. “Just the way we approach football, but also the way we approach life. As we connected and continue to have conversations over the past six or seven months, I just feel really confident in the person he is. He’s a great human being and someone that I’d love to be a friend with.
“That’s why this relationship has been so smooth. So easy. And that’s not even on the field, right? What he’s been able to do on the field is elite. He’s a game changer. He’s proven it last year. But what he’s about to do this year is take it to a whole ‘nother level and I’ve seen him grow in so many ways.”
The last year has been some sort of journey for Mims. Working with Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) and Caleb Williams (USC) to now trying to be that guy for Gabriel. It took its toll on him, and he admitted he was definitely thinking about transferring following the regular season.
Adding Gabriel at quarterback and Brent Venables at head coach, though, calmed everything down. Maybe it’s not a huge surprise for Mims with his relationship with Gabriel, but it’s a great sign for all parties involved.
“I’m grateful for it, definitely,” Mims said. “It’s my third quarterback in two years, so it’s definitely been a rollercoaster ride. But at the end of the day, I’m happy to have him. He definitely wants to be here. He’s not worried about the glitz and the glamor about being at Oklahoma. He just wants to come in and play football and execute to the highest level.
“He just wants the team to play as good as they possibly can. That’s something everyone has in common. That’s why his leadership is so good.”
Mims says Wease is ready
You can get so caught up in trying to find a No. 1 receiver, but maybe it’s not actually necessary for OU if Mims and Theo Wease can both live up to their potential.
The two worked well together in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but we never got to see what the combo could do in 2021 as Wease missed the entire season with a foot injury.
Wease had no issues getting through the spring healthy, and now Mims is ready to see what the 2022 version is going to look like.
“With Theo gone, broke both his feet basically — huge player, probably one of my favorite teammates to play with,” Mims said. “Just the ideal-like mindset we have when we’re out there on the field, it’s just great to be back out there with him. Sophomore year, me and Theo are basically on the same page, it’s fun to be out there with him. Theo’s from Allen, 30 minutes from Frisco. I basically looked up to him the whole time in high school.
“Being out there, you can definitely tell his mentality’s different. He’s older. He has more on the table and less years to lose. He definitely wants it and he’s looking like it.”
Mims firing back
Mims isn’t the new kid on the block anymore. Entering his third season at OU, he’s established himself within the locker room.
And now with trash talk.
Nobody talks more than sixth-year defensive back Justin Broiles. Everybody knows that, not a bad thing or anything. But Mims has reached a point where Broiles can’t do all the talking anymore.
“As far as trash talking goes, I probably talk the most trash with Justin Broiles,” Mims said. “That dude – don’t let me get started with him.
“You know me, I’m not going to say something first. But when he says something, I’m not going to take it. Young Marvin would have taken it. I’m in year three now, not going to take it anymore. That’s just who Justin is.”
One reason why Mims can do that is he’s now 184 pounds, the heaviest he has ever been. He said it hasn’t slowed him down, though, and he’s very happy with where he’s at physically heading into preseason camp.
Gabriel happy for Thompson
As it turns out, Gabriel isn’t the only transfer from Central Florida that has come to OU. Former UCF running back BenTavious (Beno) Thompson has joined the roster as a walk-on.
Thompson rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Knights, including rushing for 604 yards and eight scores in 2019.
“In this whole thing… I think everyone just needs a believer, you know? I’m the biggest believer in Beno,” Gabriel said. “I think the coaching staff obviously was, bringing him in. For the most part, I just think he’s a downhill runner. Dude just wants to win. Love to run the ball and he’s really good at it. So I’m excited and proud of him. I’ve known him for a while and love that guy to death for sure.”
Thompson and freshman Gavin Sawchuk will guarantee the competition in the running back room does not slow down.