1. Sterling Shepard, Wide Receiver
Dec 7, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs for yards during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Rowe-USA TODAY Sports
2013 Stats: 603 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns
Call him the new Jalen Saunders. Last year, I’d argue Saunders was the MVP of Oklahoma’s football team. He did it all. In the punt return game, in the receiving game, he was Oklahoma’s scoring catalyst.
Sterling Shepard enters 2014 as the one guy with experience at receiver, and Oklahoma will need him to step up in Saunders’ place.
Oklahoma is very young at receiver, which opens the door for some freshmen and sophomores to compete for playing time. But unless Dorial Green-Beckham gets his waiver, Shepard should be the main target for the Sooners.
He certainly has the athleticism, which he has showcased since day one. While he’s not the biggest receiver, and maybe he’s not the second coming of Ryan Broyles, Sterling Shepard has the weight of the wide receivers on his shoulders.
He has plenty of greats come before him, but it’s time for Sterling Shepard to take over and be Oklahoma’s playmaker. Without him, OU will be lost without a proven receiver.
So tell us what you think. Who do you think is the team’s most valuable player? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter: @StorminInNorman.