Oklahoma is making a quarterback change.
Sooners coach Brent Venables introduced that true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. will begin at quarterback on Saturday in opposition to Auburn over sophomore Jackson Arnold.
Venables made the announcement on his weekly radio present “Sooner Sports activities Speak” on Monday night time.
Arnold, a former five-star recruit and one of many prime quarterback prospects within the 2023 class, was benched throughout Oklahoma’s 25-15 loss to Tennessee on Saturday night time. He entered the season because the starter after Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon within the offseason. Expectations coming into the season have been excessive for Arnold, who was considered as doubtlessly the subsequent nice OU quarterback.
By 4 video games this season, Arnold accomplished 59.8 % of his passes with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. In response to TruMedia, Arnold’s passer ranking (120.9) is 99th within the FBS and his yards per try (5.3) ranks 124th. Arnold was 7-of-16 passing for 54 yards and an interception when he was benched for Hawkins and didn’t return till late within the fourth quarter.
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Hawkins gave the Sooners’ offense a lift upon coming into and went 11-of-18 passing for 132 yards and a landing. After Saturday’s sport, Venables provided reward for Hawkins’ efficiency however acknowledged his inexperience.
“He’s assured. He’s free in the fitting methods. The second’s not going to overwhelm him,” Venables mentioned. “Issues occur quick. … He’s three or 4 steps forward of the play a number of instances. That’s going to occur, too. Actually acquired to sluggish issues down and let issues develop.
“However he’s an incredible competitor, acquired an amazing quantity of expertise, and he cares. There’s so much that you simply actually have an appreciation for Mike about.”
Requested if the offense has to vary for Hawkins as he makes his first begin, Venables mentioned on Monday night time that it’s the “similar offense” however that it needs to be higher at extra than simply quarterback.
“We’ve acquired to be higher in each means,” Venables mentioned. “We’ve acquired to be centered towards what these gamers can execute and do it at a excessive degree, preserve individuals off stability, have good play design, good play sequencing, all of these issues are actually vital.
“Each Jackson and Mike are very related in some methods and there’s a number of variations. However they’re each cellular guys and have gotten actually good arm expertise.”
(Picture of Michael Hawkins Jr.: Bryan Terry /The Oklahoman / USA At the moment through Imagn Pictures)
