Wasting No Time in Norman
Oklahoma's class of 2016 is all but in the books, with many still waiting to hear from Maxs Tupai, so it's time to take a look back and realize what the Sooners may have going forward.
The measurement of any recruiting class is best made following the expiration of the group's eligibility however a gauge can be made early on by figuring out which players not only have the talent to make an early impact but also the ability.
Here we'll discuss some incoming Sooners who seem most likely to factor into things this season.
Expectation: Doucet Gets into the Two-Deep
Reasoning: This is a player that has largely, and probably unfairly, overlooked in this class and is a guy with good size mixed with athleticism to work the intermediate passing game that is so overwhelming in the Big 12. With Oklahoma needing a new starter at every linebacker position, save one, it's hard not to imagine him making some sort of on-field impact.
Expectation: Farrar in the rotation by mid-season.
Reasoning: I expect this to look a lot like Dahu Green and A.D. Miller did last year with the Sooners giving Farrar a good look and thus a chance to prove himself worthy of more playing time or continued spot duty. His size and frame make redshirting far less necessary than it might for some receivers.
Expectation: Starting by mid-season.
Reasoning: That's just how much I buy into what Jackson brings to the table. Much like Farrar his background and frame will make the role he could play easier to handle than some of his classmates. Jackson has played defensive end at a high level of prep football so moving slightly outside should make the physical aspect more easy for him to handle. This just comes down to his ability to drop into coverage and battle for a role without a single starter returning and no clear reserve proving themselves as a 'star in the making' just yet.
Expectation: Key part of the rotation from day one.
Reasoning: Jones brings a lot to Oklahoma's table and his ability to work both inside and out should make him hard to keep off the field - to forget what he could bring to the table as a return man. Jones can battle to help at a receiver position that has only Dede Westbrook and Jarvis Baxter returning with any real experience. If Jones is fully recovered from last spring's knee injury it's tough to imagine him not playing a role.
Expectation: Key rotation piece by Texas.
Reasoning: Kelly is a guy that is still long and lean so it will be interesting to see how he holds up against the run on the edge. If he can cross that off the list that expectation, in my opinion, will end up overly conservative. Regardless of that question, Kelly's athleticism and natural pass-rushing skills will make it hard to keep him off the field.
Expectation: Getting snaps from day one.
Reasoning: Oklahoma is realistic, they know that should something happen to Baker Mayfield that Kendall is their only option. And rather than simply hoping for the best, I'm guessing Oklahoma tries to get Kendall, a very likely candidate to be the starter in 2017, some snaps to see where he is and get him comfortable in Lincoln Riley's offense. It'll be a very interesting audition opportunity for Kendall.
Expectation: Starting by Texas.
Reasoning: Yeah, I'm going all in with this one. I had thought for some time that he and Parrish Cobb could make a real fight at that field corner spot by early NFL entree Zack Sanchez. However now it feels like the job could be Parker's to take as he and Sanchez have plenty in common in their game. It may take Parker a little time but he is just a very natural fit at the position and would give Oklahoma even more size and athleticism on the perimeter.
Expectation: A key reserve from the start.
Reasoning: Powers is a guy that on tape has the look of a physical mauler but there has been some early word that he still has plenty of room to grow in the weight room and could become even more violent - it's a role he'll relish. With Powers having two open spots in the middle a guy with his game is going to be hard to not factor in.