OU wanted to keep Arnold
Brent Venables said Wednesday at SEC Media Days that the Oklahoma Sooners tried to keep quarterback Jackson Arnold in Norman before he ultimately transferred to the Auburn Tigers. Venables also admitted that it was nearly impossible for Arnold to succeed in his situation at OU between poor pass blocking, receiver injuries and an offensive coordinator switch midway through the season.
“I hate that what happened," Venables said. "We wanted to keep him. We tried to keep him. But I think he just needed a fresh start. I don't want to speak for him. But he was wonderful. Never once was I disappointed in him. He handled one of the toughest moments of his athletic life in an amazing first-class way.
"I know this, without reservation, he's gonna play this game a long time at a really high level. Unfortunately for him, everything around him wasn't helping him be successful. He had no chance in some ways under the circumstances and dealt a really bad hand."
WR injury update
Venables shared some good news during SEC Media Days about transfer receiver Javonnie Gibson, who broke his leg during spring ball shortly after getting to OU from Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Gibson is a talent OU needs on the field because of his big-play ability. He had 70 receptions, 1,215 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 17.4 yards a catch last season. The Sooners struggled getting big pass plays last year, averaging just 6.11 pass yards an attempt.
Venables praises Ott
Sooner Nation should be excited about the addition of transfer running back Jaydn Ott from Cal, because Venables sure is.
“He's a home-run hitter," Venables said. "Great natural runner, got great instincts, runs well behind his pads. His yards after contact are eye-popping. He makes plays as opposed to 'take what they give you.' ...
"And that's what good players do."
Ott was hindered by an ankle injury last season, but in 2023, he led the Pac-12 with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and was named First-Team All-Pac-12.
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