Every college quarterback in the Big XII relies heavily on the capabilities of their receivers with the exception of the toughest player in the conference in Collin Klein and the Kansas St. Wildcats. Over time a natural gelling takes place as it manifests itself in the QB favoring one target over the rest. This is a season where the Oklahoma Sooners and Landry Jones will have the safety blanket of the GASMAN that is Ryan Broyles, removed. It is no secret that in order to compete with the top defensive teams in the nation, the Sooners will need to implement three viable options but it does not mean that one will not be favored over the rest.
Disclaimer: This post is complete speculation as we are not sure who will be on the field at this point in time or even on campus for that matter.
Favorite - Trey Metoyer
This is a kid with a cult like following after the NCAA Clearinghouse ruled him ineligible to enroll and play at Oklahoma. He is certainly deserving of the billing as favorite though as he has an uncanny ability to maneuver his body while in the air to make the grab. Metoyer shows skills few receivers have at his age and skills many envy. It is clear to see why he was tabbed as a five star recruit and the only five star receiver to sign under Bob Stoops.
It is important to note that Metoyer successfully caught every pass thrown his way while becoming a star in the making during the Spring Game. With six catches for 72 yards, Metoyer led all receivers. While the Spring Game does not necessarily translate to on the field success during the regular season, there is something different about this kid.
"It's what you hoped he'd do, because he has practiced in that fashion for 14 days," said offensive coordinator Josh Heupel. "Was it something that was out of ordinary for him? No it wasn't." - Sooner Nation
My notion is that what we saw in the Spring Game with Kenny Stills sliding into the slot and Metoyer out wide on the same side shows what could become a reality this fall. Will Metoyer be as good or even better than Ryan Broyles? The potential is there but he will have some big shoes to fill.
Least Favorite - Taylor McNamara
This is no slight to Taylor McNamara who is an incoming freshman. Oklahoma lost all of its tight ends with experience and will need to completely reload at the position. However, it would seem that the recruiting in TEs has taken a shift to finding those who excel at blocking rather than creating mismatches in the middle with defenders. The Sooners struggled in the redzone without offensive production from the tight ends but that could change.
McNamara may be the most talented receiving tight end since Jermaine Gresham. With great hands and excellent route running, could Taylor become a big time target for Jones and the offense?
My gut is telling me no. If last season was any indicator of what is going to happent his season, we will continue to see a rare toss thrown toward a tight end. With the implementation of Blake Bell on 3rd and short or on the goal line, TEs might have less and less impact on the numbers on the scoreboard...a trend completely opposite of the NFL.
Middle of the Road - Kenny Stills
As much as it pains me to say this, Kenny Stills is looking to become the second option once again. Stills burst onto the scene with incredible deep ball snags that continuously shifted the momentum of a game. Yet, that was when Broyles was still on the field taking the majority of the attention while allowing Stills to have a one-on-one match-up.
It has become apparent that while Kenny is a great talent and big personality, he needs other receivers around him. Jaz Reynolds and Kameel Jackson were capable of taking a bit of the pressure but Stills just wasn't quite the same after an injury against the Florida St. Seminoles last season.
He has the potential to be the go to receiver, but when the opportunity arose Stills simply wasn't ready. He still has a little ways to go and while I think he could be that No. 1 receiver, I just don't see it yet. But, don't expect him not to be used as a weapon as he has shown he is capable of running under any ball thrown by Jones.