Oklahoma Football: 3 breakout candidates for Sooners in 2021

3. Spencer Rattler, quarterback

This seems obvious. Spencer Rattler was one of the best quarterbacks in the country in the second half of the season. Rattler’s struggles had a lot to do with Rhamondre Stevenson not playing the first part of the season. In addition to not having a complementary running game, Rattler took the helm of the offense in the midst of a pandemic.

Though Rattler was in the program as a freshman, watching Alabama transfer, Jalen Hurts run Oklahoma’s offense, the reps you get as a starter are different from that as a backup. This offseason, Rattler has the benefit of a full spring and summer offseason with Lincoln Riley.

Not only can Rattler learn more on the field, but the 5-star recruit also has some of the best skill players around him. This is arguably Oklahoma’s deepest, most talented receiver room ever. Expect the Sooners to have five receivers with 20 or more catches this season.

Running back, Kennedy Brooks is back with the program after opting out last season. Joining Brooks is Tennessee transfer Eric Gray, an all-purpose back who can line up anywhere on the field.

Another Tennessee transfer, Wanya Morris, bolsters a veteran offensive line.

This is not a “Rattler can’t mess this up” situation. On the contrary, this is arguably the best Oklahoma team since the Sam Bradford/DeMarco Murray era, and Rattler is the trigger man. The Arizona native was the only 5-star quarterback in his class for a reason.

Rattler’s skill set plus the talent around him equals a huge season.