Five questions for Oklahoma in fall camp

It’s officially football time in Oklahoma. 

The Sooners started fall camp Thursday, partaking in their first practice of the 2023 season. And after a disappointing 6-7 season in Brent Venables’ first year as head coach, there are a lot of questions heading into the 2023 season. SoonerScoop.com’s Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia broke down the five biggest questions heading into the season and what they will be watching during fall camp. 

Here are the five biggest question marks heading for Oklahoma this fall camp:

Which transfers will make the biggest impact?

Oklahoma brought in 19 transfers from the portal since the end of the 2022 season. And a handful of them may not only contribute but be starters by Week 1. The Sooners especially attacked the portal on the defensive line, with the additions of Da’Jon Terry, Rondell Bothroyd, Trace Ford, Jacob Lacey, Davon Sears, and Phil Paea. There’s a chance all of those guys play or possibly start this season. 

And on offense, Oklahoma brought in a couple of receivers in Andrel Anthony and Brenen Thompson and several offensive linemen, including Walter Rouse, who is expected to start at left tackle. There will be plenty of newcomers for Oklahoma on both sides of the ball, and the hope is that they will make an immediate impact. But how big of an impact will that actually be? And it will be enough to get Oklahoma back to its winning ways. 

Who will start next to Danny Stutsman?

One of the biggest position battles during fall camp will be at MIKE linebacker, playing alongside returning starter Danny Stutsman. It appears it will be a three-man race between Jaren Kanak, Kobie McKinzie and Ferris State transfer Konnor Near. The frontrunner for the job seems to be Kanak, who played sparingly as a freshman last season and who has a great offseason. 

But McKinzie is coming off an impressive spring. And he could win the job with a great fall camp. Near is the dark horse for the spot as the newcomer. But the coaching staff loves Near’s football IQ and experience, winning two Division II national titles at Ferris State. It’s likely all three will rotate during the start of the season, but who will claim that spot as the season progresses? And can one of them win the job right during camp? 

What is Dasan McCullough’s role?

Maybe the biggest get in the transfer portal for Oklahoma this offseason was Indiana linebacker Dasan McCullough. The sophomore has high expectations in Norman, following a freshman season in which he was named an All-American. He led Indiana in sacks a year ago and looks to play linebacker/cheetah for the Sooners. 

But Venables is being patient with McCullough, saying he still has a ways to go before becoming the star they anticipate him being. And it’s not clear where exactly he’s playing, as he’s worked at multiple positions since arriving in Norman in the spring. Can he become a starter for the Sooners in his first season? Or will he be a rotational player who plays in certain situations? 

Can Dillon Gabriel improve? 

All eyes will be on Dillon Gabriel this season, as he looks to improve from an average season a year ago as Oklahoma’s quarterback. Transferring from UCF, Gabriel had an up-and-down season in 2022, totaling 3,168 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Gabriel, though, was especially bad in situational football, ranking last in the Big 12 on fourth-down conversions when throwing. 

And the pressure will be on Gabriel this year. Last season, Oklahoma didn’t have a reliable backup quarterback behind Gabriel. That’s not the case this season, with five-star true freshman Jackson Arnold now on campus. Will Gabriel show improvement? Or will he continue to struggle, leaving the door open for Arnold to play? 

Who will step up at receiver?

There’s no position with more unknown than wide receiver. Oklahoma lost its leading receiver the past three seasons in Marvin Mims to the draft and has a handful of guys who will try to replace his production. Leading the way is junior Jalil Farooq, who many anticipate will be Oklahoma’s leader this season. 

But there are others in the room that seem to have potential, including Venables’ favorite Gavin Freeman, who has been all the talk this offseason. Nic Anderson and Jayden Gibson will also look to contribute, along with Anthony and Thompson from the portal. And could freshman Jaquaize Pettaway be a guy in his first season? Or will it be the veterans that finally take advantage of their opportunity?