Stormin’ Sooner Football Projections for 2015
By Chip Rouse
Most Improved Player
Nov 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Durron Neal (5) during the game against the Baylor Bears at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Durron Neal was the Sooners’ second leading receiver last season. His 40 receptions were 27 more than in his sophomore year, but 11 fewer than Sterling Shepard, who missed the final five games of the season.
The Oklahoma offense needs more consistency and better production from Neal in 2015, and he will have every opportunity to show what he is capable of in OU’s Air Raid offense, which will flood the field with passes distributed over a number of receivers. Neal’s experience will make him a prime target as long as he produces, and I’m of a mind set that he will thrive in the shorter routes that are the bedrock of offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley’s new Sooner offense.
Neal made some big plays a year ago, but he also dropped more balls than he should have. Of all the potential playmakers in the OU offense, the senior from St. Louis has the most upside for getter better in 2015 and the opportunity and reason to do so from the very beginning of his final season.
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