NORMAN — There’s a different level of anticipation surrounding OU’s season opener in 2022.
With Brent Venables at the helm, new systems on both sides of the ball, a flood of incoming transfers and plenty of question marks, there’s no shortage of intrigue with this team as the Sooners look to get back to the top of the Big 12.
No. 9 OU opens the season against UTEP at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family —Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Here’s a look at the 10 most important players —not the best players, but those most important to success —for the Sooners in 2022:
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1. Dillon Gabriel, quarterback
There’s little question about this one. Gabriel was brought in because he already knew Jeff Lebby’s system and for the success he had at Central Florida —especially during his time under Lebby. Quarterback is, fundamentally, the most important position on the field, but with the lack of Division I experience behind Gabriel, the importance of the redshirt junior is perhaps even bigger.
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2. DaShaun White, linebacker
White has mostly been a middle linebacker during his tenure with the Sooners, with 51 appearances and 36 starts over the last four seasons. Now, White has been tabbed the starter at the “cheetah” position in Venables’ defense. The position is a hybrid of a strongside linebacker and nickelback, and gives the defense more flexibility. Of course, that requires the players at the position to be versatile. White will get a chance to flash some new skills at the spot. If he’s successful, the path to significant defensive improvement would be much more smooth. It opens up opportunity not only for White but for players like Danny Stutsman and David Ugwoegbu —who were battling for one spot before White moved to the cheetah.
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3. Marvin Mims, wide receiver
Mims has been the Sooners’ most productive receiver over the past two seasons, with a combined 69 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns. Though there’s plenty of other talent at the position, experience is lacking here, too. OU needs Mims to be the No. 1 receiver he’s shown he’s capable of being. Take care of that, and things start to fall in place behind him.
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4. Billy Bowman, strong safety
When asked about individual players, Venables often speaks in generalities. But Venables recently singled out Bowman as having the best preseason camp among OU defenders. Bowman showed promise last season before a mid-season position switch dropped him out of the rotation. The Sooners need Bowman to play an important role against both the pass and the run this season.
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5. Jaden Davis, cornerback
After having success early in 2020, Davis fell out of the starting lineup. He started six games last season due to injuries elsewhere but didn’t light the world on fire with his performance. Davis entered preseason camp battling D.J. Graham for the starting cornerback spot opposite Woodi Washington, and Davis ultimately won out. Washington has been steady since emerging in 2020, but the Sooners have been looking for consistency at the other cornerback spot.
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6. Eric Gray, running back
There’s a reason why Gray is at the top of the depth chart at running back for the second consecutive season. Gray’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make plays in space makes him a strong fit in Lebby’s offense. Plenty of other running backs figure to get carries for the Sooners, but Gray’s skillset puts him at the top of the list of important players at the position.
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7. Wanya Morris, offensive tackle
Morris was expected to play a major role last season after transferring from Tennessee, but that never materialized. But Morris earned the starting right tackle spot in preseason camp. If Morris finally blooms into the player the Sooners expected last season, it goes a long way toward OU's offensive line becoming a strength once again.
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8. Jalen Redmond, defensive tackle
Redmond isn’t at the top of the depth chart —he’s listed as a co-starter with Jordan Kelley —but when healthy, it’s clear which has more upside. Redmond has been productive when he’s been on the field, with 48 tackles and 10 sacks in 24 career games. Bringing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks is going to be one of the biggest keys for OU’s defense this season, and having a healthy Redmond would make the path to improvement much easier to map out.
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9. Brayden Willis, tight end
The tight end/h-back has played a big role for the Sooners in recent years. The role for the position changes in Lebby’s offense, putting Willis and the other players at the position in more of a traditional tight end look. Willis has 36 catches for 484 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons, and will take on an even bigger role with the departure of Jeremiah Hall.
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10. Reggie Grimes, defensive end
The edge has been a spot where the Sooners have had success in bringing pressure in recent years. While Ethan Downs has been on a consistent upward trajectory since Venables’ arrival, Grimes gets the nod for importance. He took a step back at times last season but said he’s much more confident heading into this season than he was at any time during his sophom*ore campaign. Grimes’ ability to bring pressure and set the edge makes him a versatile —and important —figure in this season of transition.
