Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs after a reception against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Receivers
A glaring weakness in the Oklahoma offense last season could prove to be its biggest turnaround in 2015. Sterling Shepard is one of the best wide receivers in college football. He missed the final five games of 2014 after suffering a groin injury. That contributed mightily to the Sooners’ declining production in the passing game over the second half of the season. Junior-college transfer Dede Westbrook, the No. 2 receiver available in the 2015 recruiting class, will be a valuable addition to what is expected to be a more prolific passing attack under new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley.
OU will probably go with four wide receivers on the field on most offensive plays, plus they will have added receiving weapons coming out of the backfield. Senior Durron Neal was the Sooners second leading receiver a year ago, and he will be counted on for an even bigger contribution in 2015. Beyond Shepard, Westbrook and Neal, sophomores Michiah Quick and Jeffery Mead are good bets to see plenty of action, along with another sophomore Jordan Smallwood, who is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to miss the first couple of games.
Freshman John Humphrey is another newcomer with good potential, and the Sooner coaches also like what they have seen from freshman tight end Mark Andrews. Grade: B
Next: Offensive Line