Dec 3, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Jalen Saunders (6) catches an 88 yard touchdown while defended by San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Larry Parker (29) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
The NCAA has cleared Fresno State transfer wide receiver Jalen Saunders to play for Oklahoma, Guerin Emig of The Tulsa World first reported on Wednesday via Twitter.
#Sooners WR Jalen Saunders cleared to play, Bob Stoops says
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) October 10, 2012
To quote famous Sooner Jim Ross, “Business is about to pick up!”
Saunders was an absolute stud at Fresno State last season, catching 50 passes for 1065 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was good for 30 receptions in his debut, 2010 campaign. Saunders left the program in the spring amid changes in the Bulldog football program. Tim DeRuyter replaced Pat Hill as Fresno State head coach when Hill was fired after just his third losing season in 15. Saunders had an earlier waiver appeal denied by the NCAA.
Hill, now an assistant with the Atlanta Falcons, may have had a role in Saunders being granted his eligibility with Oklahoma says Friend of the Blog and Sooner blogger Allen Kenney.
i've heard pat hill went to bat for jalen saunders with ncaa. don't know if that had anything to do with him getting cleared.
— Allen Kenney (@BlatantHomerism) October 10, 2012
The OU offense lacked punch through its first three games, but came on strong last week in a rout of Texas Tech. The Red Raiders came in boasting the nation’s best scoring defense, but had no answer for quarterback Landry Jones and his seven different receiving targets. The addition of Saunders makes for one more weapon in the arsenal as the Sooners continue to fine tune an offense seeking its identity. Bob Stoops made a call for running back Damien Williams to get more carries, and more juice in the passing game should only benefit the running attack.
Saunders give Jones a speedy option in the slot, which should complement Kenny Stills in a fashion similar to Ryan Broyles.