The Oklahoma football program, led by head coach Brent Venables, spoke to the media on Wednesday, giving updates on the team as they head towards spring ball and, eventually, the 2024 season. Venables, the Sooners’ frontman since 2022, expressed plenty of optimism for returning players, including one of their top wideouts. Per Oklahoma football insider Dave Myrick, Venables believes wide receiver Jalil Farooq is heading into next fall as “the best version of himself.”
Oklahoma Football HC: Brent Venables: High Regard for WR Jalil Farooq
On Wednesday, Venables sat down with the media and talked highly of wideout Jalil Farooq when pressed about the receiver room. “I’ve seen the best version of Jalil Farooq.” He also called Farooq, who will return to Norman for his fourth season, “a leader and one of the hardest workers.”
Farooq, alongside underclassman Nic Anderson, will look to lead the Sooner’s pass catchers next season. Farooq caught 45 passes for 694 yards and two touchdowns last year. He also carried the ball 17 times for 95 yards.
Venables says he’s “seen the best version” of #Sooners WR Jalil Farooq this offseason. Says Jayden Gibson is also “easily at his best. I don’t think he lost a competition the entire winter.”
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) March 6, 2024
Venables also spoke about Purdue Boilermakers transfer Deion Burks, who inked with Oklahoma after three seasons in the Big Ten. “Deion Burks is one of the biggest competitors on the team.” Burks led the Boilermakers with 47 receptions, 629 yards, and seven touchdowns during the 2023 season. He also carried the ball four times for 12 yards.
Additionally, Venables talked about fellow receiver Jayden Gibson, glowingly praising his performance this offseason. He proclaimed Gibson being “easily at his best.” He continued, “I don’t think he lost a competition the entire winter.” Gibson, a former top recruit, caught only 14 passes last season but accounted for 375 yards and five scores.
Oklahoma Football: 2024 Wide Receiver Room
Alongside Jayden Gibson, Deion Burks, and Jalil Farooq, the Sooners will have plenty of depth among their receiving core. With the loss of leading receiver Drake Stoops, the Sooners will likely turn to star freshman Nic Anderson to take on a more significant role. Anderson finished last year with 38 receptions, 798 yards, and ten scores. Andrel Anthony should also receive more snaps. He posted 27 catches for 429 yards and a score in 2023.
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