OU offense outlasts the defense in spring game

The Oklahoma Sooners hosted their Spring Football game April 24. 

It is a great opportunity for the fans to see some glances of the new freshman from the 2021 recruiting class. 

Only two 15 minute halves were played while the game was between the offense and the defense. The defense started the game with a 21 point lead. 

Sooners fans finally got to see five-star quarterback Caleb Williams in a crimson uniform. 

Williams put on a display and finished the game going 10-11 with 99 passing yards, 61 rushing yards, and a passing touchdown. 

“It was exciting to see Caleb Williams play,” OCCC student Conner Chambers said. 

Williams connected with redshirt freshman tight end Jackson Sumlin with a 12-yard touchdown.

Sumlin finalized the game with three catches, 33 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown.

Oklahoma returning quarterback Spencer Rattler not only finished the game with 116 passing yards but found himself another weapon in freshman receiver Mario Williams.

Williams showed off his speed and acceleration as he led the team in catches (five) and receiving yards (84).

Freshman safety Jordan Mukes led the team with six tackles but was also put on skates by junior running back transfer Eric Gray who got in the endzone for the 19-yard touchdown.

Gray finished the game with only four rushing attempts and 23 rushing yards.

Another running back who got in on the action was redshirt junior Jaden Knowles who concluded the game with three touches, 31 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. 

Redshirt senior linebacker Bryan Mead had himself a nice performance with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a tackle that led to a safety. 

Freshman quarterback Ben Harris put on a solid performance going a perfect 6-6 in the air with 42 passing yards while showing glimpses of his scrambling ability.

Looking back on the defensive side of the ball, Four-star freshman linebacker Clayton Smith had three tackles and a tackle for loss while lining up on the edge. 

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Jamal Morris was very active on the defensive side of the ball getting five tackles with a tackle for loss.

The sixth-year senior linebacker Caleb Kelly finally returned to playing football after missing the previous two seasons due to injuries. 

“And I’m pleased with him(Kelly) again, showing some production, showing that guy that we think he can be,” Sooners defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said. 

Junior defensive lineman Josh Ellison also recovered a fumble to give the defense their first forced turnover. 

“Josh has had a tremendous spring,” Grinch said. 

The Sooners offense came up with the victory over the Sooners defense 30-29.