The Oklahoma football program hosted its annual spring game on Saturday, wrapping up another portion of the offseason as the team continues to march towards its first season of SEC play. Last season, the Sooners had a double-digit winning campaign, their first under head coach Brent Venables. This season, they will look to build on that success and make a strong debut in their new conference. The Sooners will also have a new-look offense, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, wideout Drake Stoops, and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby no longer with the program. However, Venables and company have an answer at quarterback: former five-star mega prospect Jackson Arnold. The signal-caller’s favorite weapon next season? It might be wideout Deion Burks.
Burks and Arnold flashed brilliance in Saturday’s spring game, with the duo opening the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown pass. Arnold took a snap from the shotgun, and with a defensive offside pending, the gunslinger ripped a missle to Burks up the right hash. Burks used his explosive speed to run away from the defenders, giving the Red Team an early seven-point lead. Venables talked glowingly of Arnold and Burks after the game.
Oklahoma Football: Pass-Catching Duo of Jackson Arnold and Deion Burks Showcase Talent on Saturday
Quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Deion Burks played well on Saturday during the team’s annual intrasquad spring game. Arnold struggled with accuracy but went 10-of-20 for 233 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He regularly found Purdue transfer Deion Burks, with the wide receiver snagging five receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Brent Venables talked about the two offensive leaders in his postgame interview, which was highlighted by his praise for Arnold’s leadership via George Stoia III on Twitter.
Venables spoke highly of Arnold, saying, “(I have) been incredibly pleased with the progress, the leadership… Taking care of the football… He’s been a great leader… I expect another big jump (from him) in the summer.”
Arnold takes over as quarterback this season after two-year starter Dillion Gabriel darted for the transfer portal and eventually the Oregon Ducks. Arnold started the season finale against the Arizona Wildcats in the Alamo Bowl, going 26-of-45 for 361 yards and two scores. However, he threw three picks. Meanwhile, Venables was also happy to discuss Deion Burks in the postgame.
“Probably the best thing he does is his work ethic… incredible competitive… He’s been fantastic. He’s a tremendous playmaker… He’s done a great job of learning what we’re doing,” said Venables about Burks. The senior transferred to Norman, Oklahoma, from Purdue, where he spent the past three seasons. Burks had 47 catches, 629 yards, and seven touchdowns last year.
Oklahoma Football: Headed to SEC Next Fall
Bob NgSeptember 16Daily
The development of quarterback Jackson Arnold and wideout Deion Burks in offensive coordinator Seth Littrell’s offense is a pleasant surprise, especially with the Oklahoma football program moving to the SEC next fall. OU has spent nearly a century in the Big 12, but alongside the Texas Longhorns, will join the hyper-competitive SEC in 2024.
Head coach Brent Venables will enter his third season as the Sooners’ frontman. After a subpar 6-7 inaugural campaign, the program’s first losing season in a quarter century, the Sooners improved by winning double-digit games in 2023. Alongside Arnold and Burks, the defense will return superstar linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr.
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