Sep 11, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) drops back to pass against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats during the second quarter at Bounce House. Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
The Sooners are doing away with Lincoln Riley’s version of the “Air Raid” and are bringing Jeff Lebby’s veer and shoot offense. It’s still the “Air Raid,” but there’s a heavy emphasis on RPO’s and inside runs primarily in a zone-blocking scheme. Lebby’s offenses have thrived since his time at UCF and Ole Miss. He’s had teams put up some absurd numbers, and it’s tough to see that stopping with the caliber of athlete Oklahoma can land and already has on their roster.
The biggest thing is getting guys to buy in, understanding new terminology, roles, timing, concepts, and getting the reps necessary to get comfortable.
Dillon Gabriel is virtually a lock for QB1, with the Sooners only having him, 2022 QB commit Nick Evers, and last year’s Penn State transfer in Micah Bowens as the only scholarship QBs. Gabriel is the only one to take any meaningful snaps at the college level.
Gabriel’s experience with Lebby and in this offense can help the Sooners expedite the transition. Getting playmakers like wide receivers Marvin Mims and Theo Wease, running backs Eric Gray and Marcus Major, and tight end Brayden Willis back will be huge for the Sooners. The veteran players will be a big part of the offense in 2022.
An underrated spring storyline is the development of Nick Evers, as he needs to be ready, considering he’s probably the likely candidate for the backup quarterback position.
