Oklahoma football: Five Sooners who will have breakout 2023 seasons
By Chip Rouse
WR D.J. Graham
D.J. Graham was ranked as a four-star Athlete prospect when he committed to Oklahoma’s 2020 class. The idea when he committed was that he would be a wide receiver. The Sooner wide-receiver room at that time, however, was loaded and deep in talent. Graham ended up being converted to defensive back, the position he has played for the past three seasons, although his personal preference has always been to play wide receiver. In high school in Ft. Worth, Texas, Graham was credited with over 2,000 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
After the 2022 season, the decision was made to move Graham back to his original recruited position, and he is listed on the preseason depth chart at wide receiver.
"“It’s something I’ve wanted to do every season of my collegiate career,” Graham said during spring practice this year. “This has always been my dream. It’s better late than never.”"
Sooner fans got the opportunity to see in the spring game this year what it might be like having Graham apply his good hands and athletic skills on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. And they weren’t disappointed. Graham led all receivers in the game with two catches for 74 yards, an average of 37 yards per catch.
Oklahoma fans may also recall the absolutely insane interception he made in the Nebraska game last season while playing in the defensive secondary. That alone served as an indication of what he was capable of as a pass receiving weapon on offense. And the Sooners are going to need some help and someone to step up at an important offensive position that has some question marks coming into the new season.
Look for Graham to show up and show out in a big way at his new position in 2023.