Three Quick Takeaways From Oklahoma’s Spring Game

NORMAN — Brent Venables lastly made his on-field debut as Oklahoma’s head coach on Saturday.

In entrance of 75,360 followers for the Spring Recreation, the Purple Group defeated the White Group 21-17 at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

There’s nonetheless an extended street between now and when OU kicks off the 2022 season on Sept. 3 towards UTEP, however there have been some notable performances in Oklahoma’s spring finale.

Dillon Gabriel Debuts within the Crimson and Cream

Oklahoma’s subsequent quarterback obtained loads of run in entrance of his new fanbase on Saturday.

Taking part in all-time quarterback for a majority of the primary half, Dillon Gabriel confirmed command of Jeff Lebby’s offense.

Gabriel completed finishing 19-of-28 passes for 250 yards and one landing, throwing only one interception.

Taking part in behind divided offensive traces for each groups, Gabriel additionally confirmed he was comfy evacuating the pocket to choose up yards on the bottom.

The Hawaiian additionally appeared to have early connections with Marvin Mims, Drake Stoops and Theo Wease, usually focusing on the trio of skilled playmakers.

Gabriel has already drawn rave critiques from his teammates as a result of his calm demeanor behind the scenes, and it’s straightforward to see how that’s helped him stay unfazed when the reside bullets are flying in an precise recreation.

Brent Venables’ Protection Has Arrived

Lengthy the envy of Oklahoma followers since his departure, Venables’ protection is again house in Norman.

In only one spring scrimmage, Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof confirmed extra selection than the protection did most of final 12 months, throwing loads of totally different seems at Lebby’s offense all afternoon lengthy.

The brand new workers introduced a clean slate to the protection, and there have been a number of beneficiaries of that on Saturday.

Cornerback Joshua Eaton had a pleasant day, getting in on a number of move defenses and ending with a deal with.

True freshman Jaren Kanak additionally made his debut in entrance of the OU crowd, lining up on the newly dubbed “Cheetah” spot for the Purple Group.

Kanak had no bother protecting the sphere sideline-to-sideline, recording one deal with on the afternoon.

Marcus Stripling and Ethan Downs additionally flashed on Saturday, because the Sooners will look to interchange Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas in 2022.

Barnes Exhibits Out

True freshman operating again Jovantae Barnes has drawn rave critiques thus far this spring, and he confirmed why on Saturday.

Barnes carried the ball 17 instances, speeding for 60 yards and two touchdowns in his Spring Recreation debut.

Although his longest carry was a 13-yard acquire, Barnes saved his legs churning after contact and pushed the pile on a few performs.

With Marcus Main a non-participant on the day and Eric Grey simply getting restricted run, Barnes took benefit of his alternative to point out why he must be an element within the operating again rotation within the fall.

Fellow true freshman Gavin Sawchuk will hyperlink up with the crew this summer time, giving Lebby and DeMarco Murray a pleasant steady of 4 backs who ought to have the ability to carry the load on the bottom this 12 months for Oklahoma.

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