Brent Venables reveals Wanya Morris dealing with 'off-the-field' issues

Oklahoma got off to a hot start this season, opening with a dominant victory over UTEP. However, there was one significant player missing. Offensive lineman Wayna Morris was not spotted on Saturday and after the game, head coach Brent Venables provided an update.

Per Venables, Morris is dealing with an off-the-field issue. The left tackle has been practicing and not expected to play against UTEP, Venables says everything should be figured out soon. Morris is expected back “in the next several games.”

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“Wanya is going thru some things,” Venables said. “We’re trying to help him grow on and off the field and hopefully in the next several games we’ll get everything buttoned up. He’s been practicing.”

Morris was a huge addition from the transfer portal for Oklahoma last season but only saw action in six games in a backup role. He played left tackle under former head coach Lincoln Riley and was expected to do the same this season under Venables — although in a starting role.

Oklahoma was not in need of his services on Saturday, getting a comfortable victory. With Venables saying the situation should be cleared up within the next few weeks, his status before the Sooners begin Big 12 play is unknown.

Dillon Gabriel scores first touchdown of Brent Venables era

If anyone was going to score the first touchdown of the Brent Venables era for Oklahoma, it was going to be transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He has been the leader of the program throughout the coaching transition and keeping the tradition of high-powered offenses alive.

However, where the surprise might come is how he scored. Instead of getting one in the air, Gabriel did it himself with his feet. All it took was just over a minute and the Sooners were on the board against UTEP.

You can watch the full play below.

THE FIRST OKLAHOMA TD OF THE SEASON BELONGS TO DILLON GABRIEL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tHrWNqqprr

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 3, 2022

Gabriel ended up having a monster night, having three total touchdowns. In the air, the former UCF quarterback had 233 yards and two touchdowns. He is just getting going under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, with Nebraska and the Big 12 schedule on the horizon.

Add in the fact that Morris is not there to protect the blindside yet and we’ve not seen Oklahoma at full strength quite yet. Special things are happening in Norman.