Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle immediately knew his plans for his newest weapon, running back Jaydn Ott, before either even got to Norman.
Ott earlier this week met with local media for the first time since transferring from California and revealed that he will also play in the slot some for the Sooners this season, not just running back. It was news to media and fans, but it was a plan that had been in the works for years.
Ott reveals he will also play in slot this season
The Sooners landed Ott out of the Transfer Portal this spring. He was the No. 1 running back available after everything he accomplished with the Golden Bears. An ankle injury slowed him down last season, but when he was healthy in 2023, Ott led the Pac-12 with 1,315 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
That same 2023 season, Arbuckle got to watch the Jaydn Ott Show during his first year as Washington State's offensive coordinator. Arbuckle left the Cougars for Norman this offseason and brought his quarterback, John Mateer, with him. Mateer was a backup during that game behind future No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Cam Ward, but he still found the end zone with a rushing TD.
Ott rushed for 167 yards and a TD on 27 carries in Cal's 42-39 win over Washington State. He also caught three passes for 18 yards and another score.
“He had his way with us that day, so I knew he was a talented kid," Arbuckle admits now.
One play, though, stuck with Arbuckle as he watched an opposing player. Late in the second quarter, Ott lined up in the slot, just barely off the edge. He ran a drag route and quarterback Fernando Mendoza found Ott underneath before Ott sprinted into the end zone untouched.
The first play in this highlight video was the image that never left Arbuckle.
Best Win of 2023: Cal
— Just Means Less ACC (@FQACC) August 8, 2024
In the win that sparked a 3 game winning streak to get the Golden Bears bowl eligible, Cal made Cam Ward pay in 42-39 win over the Washington State Cougars. pic.twitter.com/V2r4O7BKvQ
Almost two years later, when Arbuckle was already at OU and Ott was still deciding where he should play his final season, Arbuckle showed Ott this highlight during his visit to Norman. Then, Arbuckle revealed the Sooners had the same play in their playbook. They just needed the player now.
"The game is changing and running backs have to be more versatile than ever," Ott said. "I feel like that's what I bring to the room."
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