Stormin in Norman
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Four Telltale Takeaways From Sooners’ 2017 Spring Game

By Sixto Ortiz

Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops yells to his players during the spring game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops yells to his players during the spring game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles with the ball during the first half of the spring game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles with the ball during the first half of the spring game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Depth Is Outstanding

During the 2016 season, an injury to Baker Mayfield would have proved catastrophic. Mayfield’s backup was true freshman Austin Kendall, who was thrust into that position because Texas A&M transfer Kyler Murray, a former five-star quarterback, was obligated by NCAA rules to sit out the 2016 season.

Nothing against Kendall, who is a talented quarterback, but coming in for an injured Mayfield and keeping the Sooner offense rolling would have been a tall order. Thankfully, that scenario did not transpire.

Heading into 2017, Oklahoma is enjoying considerably more depth at quarterback behind starter Mayfield. Kendall is now a sophomore with another year in Lincoln Riley’s offense and the electric Murray is finally free to play.

Add talented four star recruit Chris Robison into the mix, and Riley has an appealing menu of options at his disposal should the need arise.

Kyler Murray was definitely the star of Saturday. He was 9 of 13 for 144 yards and one score, including a beautiful 70-yard strike to Jefferey Mead.

Murray, who also is playing on the Oklahoma baseball team this spring, was poised in the pocket, stepping into his throws and delivering passes with plenty of zip. And when he had to run, Murray showed the Sooner faithful that he has dazzling speed.

Mayfield, surprisingly, saw plenty of action but seemed rusty. He was 11 for 20 for 99 yards and had a pass intercepted.

Both Kendall and Robison saw action as well, although not as much as Murray and Mayfield. Both Kendall and Robison showed nice mobility and good touch on passes.

At the end of the day, in 2017 Sooner Nation can look forward to a strong situation at quarterback behind Mayfield. Based on his Spring Game performance, it appears Murray will be the likely backup to Mayfield, with Kendall relegated to third string. A lot can happen between now and September, but right now it looks like the backup job is Murray’s to lose.

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