Marvin Mims describes major difference Brent Venables brings to Oklahoma

At Big 12 Media Days, reporters were eager to get the scoop on how the transition has gone in Norman following Lincoln Riley’s departure and Brent Venables’ arrival from Clemson. Junior receiver Marvin Mims was quick to point out one specific difference he’s noticed at practice this offseason at Oklahoma.

“Definitely physicality,” Mims said. “The things we do in practice are way more physical than usual. That’s probably the biggest adjustment to me, just the way that we practice, running on and off the field. Everything that we do has to be elite. He’s not going to settle for anything less.”

With his roots in defensive coaching, it’s no surprise Venables is emphasizing physicality. The Sooners are getting ready to join the SEC as well. They’ll need to take things up a notch to stay as competitive as they have been in the Big 12.

On top of the physicality, Mims has discussed offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s obsession with speed. The running and level of conditioning needed to succeed have been tough for the 6-foot-0, 173-pound receiver as he’s trying to bulk up.

“As fast as we move when we’re doing drafts and stuff, you know, as a guy that’s gaining weight, it’s kind of difficult some days when you eat too much at night and then you go out there and run in the morning, but he takes care of us,” Mims added. “We’re just trying to get ready for the season and we’re getting there.”

Mims excited to play in Jeff Lebby-led offense

Along with a new head coach, the Sooners are working in a new offensive system under former Ole Miss OC Jeff Lebby.

“We’re going to play real fast, speed, speed, speed,” Mims said. “That’s the only thing he really cares about. I mean, he’ll talk about it all the time. If we’re not getting lined up fast enough he’ll get on us but I’m really excited to play in Jeff Lebby’s offense. He’s a great guy, great family, he’s just great to be around.”

Although the Sooners had spring practices to begin acclimating to Lebby’s scheme (and speed), the wideout from Frisco, Texas noted that the offense had some help. They have relied on new quarterback Dillon Gabriel to break things down further this summer.

“We only have so much meeting time that we can work with the coaches so Dillon’s calling people up to his house, doing all types of stuff,” Mims said. “We had a little retreat with the offense and we were going over the plays, Dillon knows it like the back of his hand. He’s run the offense for two years, he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s comfortable with it.”

Gabriels’ familiarity with Jeff Lebby’s system is definitely an advantage for Mims and the rest of the Sooners.