New Stars Could Shine For Oklahoma This Season

The Oklahoma Sooners have a recipe for success with quarterback Spencer Rattler, a solid defense, and innovative head coach Lincoln Riley — but is it enough for a national championship?

247Sports' Brandon Drumm reports that it's too early to tell, but that the team may have found elements of a recipe for greatness.

Drumm says the OU defense is a key part of the discussion when talking about a push for a national title under Lincoln Riley.

"The depth chart is talented and not what people are accustomed to in Norman," Drumm said.

On the offensive side of the ball, mid-year enrollee Mario Williams and Tennessee transfer Eric Gray shined in the spring game.

Williams, a 5-star prospect, caught five passes for 84 yards in the annual spring scrimmage. 247Sports reports he joins a roster filled with notable receivers, including Theo Wease and Charleston Rambo.

Gray transferred to OU from Tennessee and is expected to anchor a strong running back rotation, now that Kennedy Brooks is returning after opting out of the 2020 season.

Last season at Tennessee, Gray played in nine games and started in five. He scored a team-high six touchdowns — four rushing, two receiving — ranked sixth in SEC in rushing yards per game (85.8), yards from scrimmage per game (114.0) and eighth in total rushing yards (772). He also averaged 4.9 yards per carry with a long of 33. 

"He’s probably one of the most natural catcher and receiving running backs that we have now," Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray said, per 247Sports.