Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Five reasons OU will win the Big 12 championship in their final year

By Brandon Self

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass before a Bedlam game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass before a Bedlam game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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D.J. Graham emerges as WR1

OU defensive back D.J. Graham (9) walks away after a Texas touchdown during a 49-0 loss Oct. 8 in Dallas.oufoot — cover
OU defensive back D.J. Graham (9) walks away after a Texas touchdown during a 49-0 loss Oct. 8 in Dallas.oufoot — cover /

Going out on another limb here… D.J. Graham will emerge as the Oklahoma Sooners’ official WR1 before the OU-Texas game.

Perhaps the most incredible interception in college football history was made by this talented pass catcher as a defensive back. Multiple reports out of Norman this Spring have been raving about Graham’s hands. In fact, superstar recruiting frontman and Sooners receiving coach Emmett Jones said that Graham “has some of the strongest hands I’ve ever seen. Suction cups.”

D.J. Graham has seen his time in Norman from the defensive backfield. A spot he chose to play because he believed it would get him on the field the fastest, and he was right. However, according to Graham, his first love has always been the receiver. Coach Venables recognized this and made Graham switch to offense, landing him on the scout team midway through last season. The happiest man in the Switzer Center was Graham. Graham displayed the ultimate humility and worked harder than any other Sooner on the roster. He committed himself to learning the offense and the nuances of the receiver position. He was just happy to be back on offense.

NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 25: Cornerback D.J. Graham #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners gets set for a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 16-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 25: Cornerback D.J. Graham #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners gets set for a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 16-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Graham has arguably been the Sooners’ best receiver this Spring. He’s home. Graham has more than hands. However, his speed and immense physicality will propel him into the WR1 position vacated by now-Denver Bronco Marvin Mims. Graham will be the deep-play threat the Sooners’ offense needs in 2023. He can also play the slot when needed. His athleticism will produce several key pickups for the Sooners’ offense on third downs.

I look for D.J. Graham to be the Sooners leading receiver in 2023. That’s with Jalil Farooq, Drake Stoops, and incoming freshman Jacquaize Pettaway on the field with him. Out of these receivers, if D.J. Graham turns out to be the most productive, that means the Sooners’ offense is clicking. He (Graham) is a very talented athlete and a phenomenal pass catcher. His deep play talent will be another reason I see the Sooners winning the conference this season.

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