Oklahoma football: WR Jalil Farooq still deciding on his 2024 status
By Chip Rouse
With what is returning and coming in next season through the 2024 recruiting class and the transfer portal, the Oklahoma football offense appears to have its traditional fire power.
It will be sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold's team next season, and he should have plenty of offensive weapons on the ground and through the air to choose from. That complement of talent will be even further enhanced if wide-receiver Jalil Farooq decides to come back.
Farooq acknowledged this week that he plans to play in the Sooners' bowl game against Arizona, but beyond that he's not sure about his future plans.
""I haven't decided, " the OU junior receiver told reporters this week. He tempered that, however, by saying, "I feel like I'm going to stay most likely.""
Farooq's return would be a giant addition to the Sooner offense as it begins play next season in the ultra-competitive SEC. Farooq's contributions go beyond catching passes. He returns kickoffs and also is utilized in running plays.
This season, Farooq was second on the team with 41 receptions and third in receiving yards with 637 and a couple of touchdowns. He also carried the ball 17 times in running plays, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
If Farooq ultimately decides to follow his leanings and come back for another season, the Sooners will return seven of their top-10 receivers plus the additions from the transfer portal and the incoming recruiting class, which features three four-star wide-receiver prospects (Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon and Zion Ragins) and one three-star (KJ Daniels).
Earlier this week, Oklahoma added Purdue transfer Deion Burks, an All-Big Ten second-team selection this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.