Thanks to OU’s media blackout, I couldn’t watch the Red-White Game yesterday. However, based on the media reports, there was one really big story: Kenny Stills.
The freshman wide receiver, an early enrollee from San Diego, earned MVP honors, hauling in six passes from quarterback Landry Jones for 84 yards. Stills’ big day included a 31-yard touchdown grab.
As I mentioned previously, you can’t put much stock in spring games. In this case, though, Stills’ performance indicates that he has put himself in position to be a major contributor in the upcoming season.
Ryan Broyles has firmly entrenched himself as OU’s No. 1 receiving option and could compete for All-America honors. Otherwise, the situation at receiver remains pretty fluid. Dejaun Miller and Jaz Reynolds are listed as the other starters on the latest depth chart. Yet, if Saturday is any indication, Stills will play a prominent role in the passing game this fall.
Other thoughts:
*With DeMarco Murray and Jermie Calhoun both sitting out, we didn’t learn much about the running game. Fullback Marshall Musil played the role of bell cow for the White team, asserting himself as the frontrunner to take over for Matt Clapp.
*Sounds like the placekicking candidates continued to struggle. When will OU find a reliable kicker?
*The Sooners are loaded at linebacker. Sounds to me like Tom Wort will get the call in the middle. Ronnell Lewis will be on the strong side, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony Jefferson ends up seeing his fair share of playing time in the hybrid safety-linebacker spot when OU is facing teams that primarily operate out of the spread.