College Football

Three Oklahoma players who need to establish themselves

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:07 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Baker Mayfield has proven himself, in his very short amount of time at Oklahoma.

Two games in and Mayfield is pretty much a hero around Norman, Okla., after rallying the Sooners for two fourth-quarter touchdowns last week on the road at Tennessee.

Now, that doesn't mean there isn't more for Mayfield to do, but for now, Mayfield is beyond scrutiny.

However, there are some others at OU who need to establish themselves.

Here are three:

1. Samaje Perine -- Yeah, seems weird, doesn't it? As a freshman, he rushed for a Big 12 leading 1,713 yards. As a sophomore, Perine hasn't gotten going. That will probably change on Saturday against Tulsa, which sports one of the weakest defenses in college football. Expect Perine to get a lot of work, Mayfield to get an easier second half than he did a week ago, and the Sooner offense to rely on the run.

2. Durron Neal --This is a last shot for Neal. We've sort of alluded to it in the past, but now, as a senior, Neal has to become the No. 2 receiver for the Sooners behind Sterling Shepard. Neal has always shown potential, flashes and moments of greatness, but perhaps with a healthy Shepard Neal can put together the kind of season he has been expected to have in 2015. 

Neal is off to a decent start with six catches through two games for 99 yards. He had 42 catches last year, but this year, Neal should get above 50. If he can do that, the Sooners, Mayfield and the passing game will be in better shape.

3. Frank Shannon --Two seasons ago, Frank Shannon led the team in tackles from his linebacker spot. Now, after sitting out a season, Shannon is back, but is he really?

The senior didn't play last week at Tennessee. He played and had five tackles at Akron, but didn't start. Shannon should get some time against Tulsa, if he doesn't, perhaps it's a message we won't be seeing much of him this season.

share

Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

College Football

Oklahoma Sooners