Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Spring look-in at Sooners’ receiving group for 2022

By Connor Pasby

Oklahoma's Marvin Mims (17) runs past Texas Tech's Malik Dunlap (8) to score a touchdown on Oct. 30.Ou Vc Texas Tech
Oklahoma's Marvin Mims (17) runs past Texas Tech's Malik Dunlap (8) to score a touchdown on Oct. 30.Ou Vc Texas Tech /
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NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 16: Tight end Brayden Willis #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners picks up 16 yards on a catch to the seven yard line against safety Nook Bradford #28 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs to set up a touchdown on the next play in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 52-31. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 16: Tight end Brayden Willis #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners picks up 16 yards on a catch to the seven yard line against safety Nook Bradford #28 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs to set up a touchdown on the next play in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 52-31. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends/H-backs

Brayden Willis

We’ve seen tight end/H-back Brayden Willis be overshadowed the past two seasons, due to Jeremiah Hall and Austin Stogner getting most of the action. Not only is Willis a strong blocker and a reliable target, he’s also a great team leader for assistant coach Joe Jon Finley’s tight-end room.

"“I’m so happy to have Brayden back — for so many reasons,” Finley said. “He’s obviously a great football player and really came on, making plays in the last couple games. But above that, he’s the type of person you want on your football team.”"

In 2021, Willis started eight games for Oklahoma and appeared in all 13 games. Willis finished the season with 177 yards and two touchdowns. Against Oklahoma State, he had a 10-yard touchdown reception, and finished the game with three receptions for 29 yards. Willis could be a sneaky player in the Sooners’ passing game and will most certainly be a dependable blocker in the running game.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker, the Missouri tight end transfer, is more of a bruising and violent blocker, but has shown to be a dependable target at Missouri. In 2021, Parker had 12 catches for 97 yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers. Despite not being a dominate threat in the passing game during his college career, Finley loves Parker’s presence.

"“He hasn’t made a bunch of catches in his career,” Finley said. “But if you talk to anybody on our football team right now, they say that guy’s someone I want to play with. I’ve got chill bumps just talking about him because he doesn’t care if he catches the ball. That’s what makes him special.”"

Freshmen tight ends/H-backs that could see playing time:

Jason Blewellyn

Kaden Helms

The excitement continues to boil up for this Sooners’ offensive attack, especially under new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. Lebby will be working with a handful of playmakers in the passing attack and forceful blockers in the run game.

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