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In recent years, punt returns have played a major role in the outcome games especially for the Oklahoma Sooners. Now without Jalen Saunders the question turns to: Who will OU rely on in the return game? While the debate has yet to be settled, we now know which players have worked out as the return man during camp.
Returning punts in #Sooners camp: Sterling Shepard, Zack Sanchez, Michiah Quick, Tito Windham.
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) August 11, 2014
Of course, Sterling Shepard was listed on the two deep last season and is the odds on favorite at this point in time to take over in 2014. However, Toby Rowland warned us last week not to sleep on Zack Sanchez who possesses a shiftiness lacking in the other candidates. Now, it looks as though reports are backing up the statement from The Voice of the Sooners. The current notion is that both will be given a solid look before the Sooners hit the meat of their schedule.
Looking for an example of how the Big Mo can change in an instance due to an electric punt return man?
In 2012, the Sooners found themselves trailing their in-state rival, the Oklahoma St. Cowboys headed to the fourth quarter. Looking for a momentum during roller coaster ride that was the Bedlam Game, Oklahoma forced Quinn Sharp to take the field once again. A beautiful punt was only outdone by the return as Saunders weaved his way to pay dirt from the 19 yard line for an 81 yard return. OU would go on the win the game in epic fashion behind a Brennan Clay score in OT.