Few transfers make an immediate impact, as wide receiver Deion Burks made on Sooner Nation. Burks exploded onto the scene in Norman this past spring in the Red-White game. The Purdue transfer had 5 receptions for 174 yards (34.8 avg) and two touchdowns. Both scores showcased Deion Burks's big play ability as they were 64 and 50-yard touchdown catches, respectively.
Burks comes to Norman through Purdue University, where he was a student. In 3 years with the Boilermakers, Burks totaled 63 receptions for 804 yards (12.8 avg) and 7 touchdowns. He was the leading receiver for the Boilermakers last season, and he has the potential to be the same for the Sooners this fall.
Burks' big-play ability will be massive in Seth Littrell's air raid offense. He should line up mainly in the slot and be featured often in the Sooners' quick passing attack. Burks will excel in the deep ball, evidenced by his spring game connection with Jackson Arnold.
Burks reminds me of former Sooner Hollywood Brown. He's a straight-line speed threat who can gash a defense in zone coverage and make long yards-after-catches when he catches short drags underneath. His speed is his biggest strength, and he will mix nicely with the other receiver threats in the Sooners' offense.
Jackson Arnold to Deion Burks. That's a thing. Nice first impression. pic.twitter.com/6joPD1KVYw
— Eddie Radosevich (@Eddie_Rado) April 21, 2024
Burks will line up underneath with Andrel Anthony. Outside them should be a combination of Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Jayden Gibson, and Jaquaize Pettaway. It will be nearly impossible for linebackers to cover him in man coverage, and it is also dangerous to dedicate safety to in-man coverage. He's simply too fast.
If defenses dedicate a corner to Burks, which is probably the safest option, that will leave either a backer or safety to cover Farooq or Anthony underneath, which is very risky. Burks's addition to the Sooners' offense has college football's media giants buzzing because they realize the potential mismatch nightmare posed by their receiving corps.
Jackson Arnold may already have his most steady connection in Deion Burks. If he can build upon this connection early in the season, it will result in excellent chemistry before entering the season's SEC slate.
Jackson Arnold is exciting, the running backs are solid, and the receiver room overall is a potential SEC best. However, there may be no higher excitement and buzz for this Oklahoma football roster than that of Deion Burks.