Column: Assessing Oklahoma’s 2014 Quarterback Situation

Nov 7, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Trevor Knight (9) runs with the ball in the game against the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium. Baylor beat Oklahoma 41-12. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

I’ll be honest, I made many attempts to write this article discussing the QB situation at the University of Oklahoma. However, every time I would go to get started, some kind of news would break.

Baker Mayfield decided to leave Texas Tech. He ultimately decided to transfer to Oklahoma and become a walk-on quarterback. Baker Mayfield’s appeal was denied by Texas Tech, and Coach Stoops says that he isn’t interested in entertaining anymore quarterbacks.

Then the latest, Kendal Thompson has decided to graduate from Oklahoma and transfer.

So when I originally went to write this article, the Oklahoma quarterback situation seemed like it would be chaotic with 5 quarterbacks, 4 of which were competing for spots under Knight, but it has for the most part worked itself out.

With the play of Trevor Knight against the Alabama Crimson Tide, it is very safe to assume that it is his offense and the likelihood of him getting knocked off by Blake Bell or Cody Thomas is slim to none.

Oklahoma finally found its mojo on offense in what the nation perceived as an impossible game for Oklahoma to even be competitive, let alone win it.  But as the saying goes, It’s not how you start, but how you finish. 

Trevor Knight’s first season under center embodies that phrase perfectly. I don’t see any situation outside of an injury that Bob Stoops doesn’t make Trevor Knight the guy.

With the departure of Kendall Thompson, the Sooners do lose depth at the position. Baker Mayfield could very well have been useful in this situation. He played outstanding at Texas Tech, and even went on to win the Offensive Freshman of the Year in the Big 12 and was one of the ten finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy.

However, even being a walk-on at Tech, he still loses that year of eligibility because of NCAA transfer rules. Of course, I don’t know that anyone really expected Texas Tech to let a star player just go to Oklahoma and start playing.

Oklahoma still has the hero of Bedlam on the roster, Blake Bell. He is a capable back-up quarterback, though was inconsistent in 2013. He has made no plans to leave Oklahoma, as he is a redshirt junior and can academically graduate this year. Recently, however, Coach Stoops made comments possibly suggesting the Belldozer could be playing a different position next season

"“If need be. I’m not saying we’re going do that…Hopefully, we can make it work for him…We want to make it work for him,” Coach Bob Stoops said. via NewsOK"

It actually would not be a bad idea for Bell. Still have some Belldozer type packages, line him up at fullback along side Trevor Knight. Maybe even have that as a trick play–direct snap to Bell for a 70 yard strike to Sterling Shepard for a touchdown. I could totally see that happening.

Considering OU will have a potent running game with Keith Ford, and Joe Mixon, a player who could come in and make an immediate impact. You could have a 3 headed monster rushing attack – Ford, Mixon and the Belldozer. It just sounds nice. The question has to be asked though: would utilizing Bell as a runner further deplete the depth of QB? I am going to say as far as experience goes, it will hurt some.

Fans really don’t know a whole lot about what Cody Thomas can do in an actual game at this level. He will be a redshirt freshman next season.

Though he has played impressively on the scout team. Even to be called one of the best scout quarterbacks OU has ever had. His high school career was nothing to balk at, throwing 3,407 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. He also had the opportunity to go pro in Major League Baseball. So with out trying to state the obvious, Cody Thomas is talented.

Oklahoma, also, is bringing in Edmond Sante Fe HS stand out Justice Hansen. Rivals rates him as a four-star quarterback, and he is rated 100th on the ESPN 300 list. He is another dual threat QB that can run the zone read. His 2013 season he threw for 3,079 yards and ran for another 773, and threw 36 touchdowns and for 14. And he only threw nine interceptions. Not too shabby.

As said in the beginning, the QB situation appeared to be somewhat chaotic going into the off-season. Now we have some clarity.

Of course, we all know Trevor Knight should be named the starter. Kendall Thompson’s departure, as well as Baker Mayfield’s failed appeal, leaves the other 3 quarterbacks, Bell, Thomas, and Hansen in the mix.

How would they fall on the depth chart? That is the trick question. I am predicting now, that Blake Bell will be playing another position next season, though he will still be a part of the quarterback corps. Cody Thomas then becomes the primary back-up to your 2014 Sugar Bowl MVP Trevor Knight.