We'll be looking at a few, key positions for the Sooners this week.
Today: Quarterbacks. If you want to read about the running backs, click here
Last season: It was supposed to be the year of Trevor Knight. Remember? Well, at this time a year ago, Knight was coming off a spectacular performance against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. 2014 was his for the taking. Knight was even a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Instead, it turned into discomfort. Oklahoma went just 8-5 and a lot of that can be attributed to the fact the Sooners weren't great at the quarterback spot.
Knight started 10 games last season (Cody Thomas had the other two starts) and threw 14 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. And despite the fact it seems Knight is experienced, he has just a total of 15 starts in his career at Oklahoma.
Perhaps some of the blame could be assigned to the fact none of the receivers, outside of Sterling Shepard, really developed, but Knight dealt with injuries as well as shifting philosophies on offense. He was also limited by OU's lack of faith in a back-up, meaning when the Sooners did decide to run the Read Option offense, Knight wasn't allowed to keep the ball. That certainly decreased his effectiveness.
The players: Knight, Thomas, Baker Mayfield, Justice Hansen
The starter this season will be: Baker Mayfield. Mayfield seems like the natural pick, despite it being only May. There are a number of reasons, but the first is because the Sooners have brought in new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley.
Because the Sooners weren't good last year at quarterback and went 8-5 overall, coupled with knowing Riley wants to have a say in this offense, there's little risk in moving away from Knight and choosing Mayfield. Meanwhile, Mayfield and Riley have both run Riley's Air Raid offense in the past, so the fit is natural. In addition, Mayfield has been successful at Texas Tech, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
The one thing we do know about Riley's offense this season is that it will have an identity, unlike last season where the Sooners seemed to switch around often. Riley is going to want to start fresh, especially if it's with someone who already has a working knowledge of the offense. Mayfield just makes the most sense.
The player to watch this season is: Knight. It will be interesting to see how Knight would react if Mayfield does indeed get the starting job. Remember, Knight has been the designated starter the past two seasons, so how Knight would be as a back-up is curious. There's no reason to think Knight would be anything but a top-class, team player. It will also be interesting to see if Riley comes up with any packages where Knight could get some action as the back-up.
Notable: Thomas started two games last season, but he's a distant third on the depth chart. Well, actually there's no depth chart out yet, but the idea of Thomas playing at all this season seems foreign and un-natural. He struggled throwing the ball in both of his starts last season, which came against weak defensive teams Kansas and Texas Tech. Hard to imagine a scenario where Thomas would get real game action.
What will happen this season: Count on Riley to make an impression and count on Mayfield to be the starter in game one. If Mayfield plays well during the second game of the season at Tennessee, you can be assured Mayfield will be the starter the rest of the season.
OU's issues at quarterback last season centered around the fact the offense never had real direction. That won't be the case this season. Mayfield will be a pass-first, run-second kind of quarterback. Knight never got a clear directive on what he was supposed to do a season ago and it ultimately doomed the offense.
Mayfield will come in and have the benefit of a fan base wanting to see change and wanting to see the up-tempo passing offense that OU has had in the past.
Mayfield will play fast and loose. He'll take chances and he'll be like Rhett Bomar (remember him) without the attitude. Expect lots of short passes. Expect plenty of offense. Don't expect the same inconsistencies you saw last year.
Tomorrow: A look at the wide receivers.
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK
