Sooners Open Preseason Camp with Key Position Battles in SEC Transition

NORMAN, Okla. — Competition is the name of the game for Oklahoma’s preseason football camp.

Starting jobs may even be up for grabs.

Oklahoma opened camp Thursday with several key positions unsettled, including quarterback, running back, offensive line and defensive end. The coaching staff, led by coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, says the coming weeks will determine who earns starting roles.

“We lost some key components and leadership, but we’ve got a lot of guys stepping up in that role, including myself,” Arbuckle said before the first practice. “You can’t practice in walkthroughs and be ready to compete at a high level in this conference.”

Venables, entering his fourth season as head coach, acknowledged that expectations are tempered after the Sooners were picked to finish 10th in the SEC preseason media poll.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I think the talent is here. It’s just about finding out who wants it the most,” Venables said.

The Sooners must settle on a starting quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Jackson Arnold and freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. are competing for the job. Arbuckle said he is focused on building confidence at the position.

“One of my biggest jobs this camp is instilling confidence, especially at quarterback,” Arbuckle said. “We have to find the guy who can command this offense and lead us, not just move the ball.”

At running back, sophomore Gavin Sawchuk and transfer Jaedon Foreman are the top candidates to replace last year’s leading rusher. Running backs coach DeMarco Murray said depth is essential in the SEC.

“The SEC is a different beast,” Murray said. “Depth matters more than ever.”

The offensive line will look different from last season.

“It’s about finding five guys who trust each other, communicate, and play with an edge,” Arbuckle said.

Defensively, R Mason Thomas and Florida State transfer Marvin Jones Jr. are competing at defensive end. Sophomore Taylor Wein is also in the mix.

Defensive line coach Miguel Chavis said the staff is focused on generating more pressure up front.

“We want to get after the quarterback, plain and simple,” Chavis said.

The secondary features youth at cornerback. Defensive backs coach Jay Valai said the group has talent but must prove itself.

“That’s a group that has really good talent and now we need to show that we can be really good players in our league,” Valai said.

At wide receiver, Andrel Anthony Jr. is returning from injury. He is joined by transfer Isaiah Williams and several underclassmen.

Arbuckle said the coaching staff is looking for playmakers.

“Someone has to separate themselves,” Arbuckle said. “We need guys who can make contested catches and block downfield.”

Oklahoma faces Illinois State in the season opener Aug. 30, followed by a demanding SEC schedule. Venables said the team’s culture will be tested.

“We’re trying to build something sustainable, a culture where competition is the norm and not the exception,” Venables said.

Linebacker Danny Stutsman said the team is focused on internal standards. “We need to prove ourselves to ourselves first,” Stutsman said.

The Sooners’ staff expects the coming month to reveal starters and set the tone for their SEC debut.