Oklahoma Football: 10 Things to Expect from the Red-White Spring Game

The Oklahoma Sooners have been sweating it out long enough, and it's about that time to showcase what they've improved on throughout those spring practices. The spring game will take place on April 14 and is a chance for every player to prove themselves in a game-like atmosphere what they're capable of.

The spring game is just a warmup for the team to see what they need to work on and where their strengths are. It's also a chance for players at the bottom of the depth chart to improve their ranking on the team. Overall, it should be very beneficial for everybody and answer a few questions head coach Bob Stoops and company had going into it.

Here are 10 things to expect for the Oklahoma Sooners spring game.

Wide Receivers to Step Up

The Oklahoma receiving corps was one of the best in the country last season; that was, until Ryan Broyles went down with an injury. Before the leading wide receiver went down for the remainder of the year, the Sooners had went over 400 passing yards a total of four times. In the three of the four games he missed, Oklahoma didn't even surpass 300 passing yards.

Now with Broyles entering the NFL draft, they'll have to learn to work without him for an entire year.

"We were figuring out what to do with different people in different positions and now I feel like the spring’s helped us figure out what we want to do," wide receiver Kenny Stills said.

It's not like the wide receiver corps isn't lacking talent; players just need to step up and emerge as leaders on the football field. Expect to see a better performance from the receivers, as they have something to prove heading into the regular season.

Trey Metoyer Will Make Your Jaw Drop

One of those receivers that will make a name for himself is wide receiver Trey Metoyer.

We talked about Metoyer a little bit here, and he looks to be such a huge part of the Sooners offense that he deserves even more credit. Oklahoma coaches can't stop praising this guy, as he looks to become one of the better receivers in the country eventually.

"He's got a good feel like Kenny did when he came in," said wideout coach Jay Norvell. "He does a lot of things well naturally."

When you combine a natural feel for the game with speed, size and strength, you end up with a heck of a receiver. Look for Metoyer to become a huge part of this offense and make a few great players in the spring game to give Sooner fans just a taste of what he's capable of.

A Different R.J. Washington

R.J. Washington was a top recruit coming out of high school in 2007, but never quite fitting in with the team and having a few issues to deal with, he just never lived up to expectations. Now that he heads into his senior season, he's looking to turn things around and become the starter to fill in the role of Frank Alexander who's no longer around.

"To be honest with you, it really, really bugged me my first couple of years," Washington said. "Just because everyone is like, 'Man you should be starting.' People even to this day say, 'Weren't you the No. 1 recruit in the nation? Shouldn't you already be starting?' And the only thing you can really do is change your attitude."

Washington has changed his attitude and could surprise some people with his play this season, as he'll finally get a chance to start full-time. Look for him to become one of the starting defensive ends and make a huge impact for this defense, and a great spring game would be a fantastic start.

To See a New Javon Harris

We all remember what happened to safety Javon Harris in the loss to Baylor last season. It was bad enough that the performance was what he was remembered for despite having 47 tackles and three interceptions on the year.

“I think this spring I've been more focused,” Harris said via Scout.com “Just coming here knowing I pretty much lost my spot after the Baylor game and, you know, I have a chip on my shoulder. You know, and I think that's one thing I came in here doing.”

Harris also says that it helps that there is a new defensive coordinator in Mike Stoops, which will help make forgetting the past much easier.

“You know, getting a new coach I think we all start with a blank sheet of paper,” Harris said. “It's all about starting over, coming out here and starting strong.”

That's what we expect from the senior safety, who should end up getting the starting nod come the regular season. He's received a lot of criticism throughout the offseason; you can bet he'll come into the spring game with something to prove. 

Gabe Lynn to Play Well at Safety

Gabe Lynn played in 10 games last season at the cornerback position, but entering his junior season, it looks like he'll earn one of the safety positions. At 6'1", 180 pounds, Lynn has the size and coverage awareness to make an easy transition. Head coach Bob Stoops has also been pleased with Lynn's play thus far.

"We're very pleased with how he's come along,” Stoops said.

Lynn finished last season with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and broke up two passes in limited playing time.

The Cornerback Battle to Continue

With some of the secondary looking fine as the Sooners head into the spring game, there are a couple of question marks. Demontre Hurst is already a lock to be named one of the starting cornerbacks. Now the question is, who will be the starting corner on the opposite side?

“Our young corners need a lot of work,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “We have to continue to get better at the other corner position.”

There are a bunch of players that are candidates for this position, and that's why this question won't be answered in spring ball. If I was a betting man I'd lay my money on Joe Powell or Lamar Harris, who have both been receiving a lot of love throughout the spring.

To See the Trey Millard Hype

Trey Millard is entering his junior season, and judging by his stats, you wouldn't think he's as good as these coaches are making him sound. After all, in his first two seasons, he only has 48 combined rushes for 243 yards and five touchdowns. But yet, head coach Bob Stoops described him in a way that may surprise you.

“The new guys, Mike and Tim Kish, have made the statement on more than one occasion that he might be the best player on the team,” Bob Stoops said. “He’s a great athlete that can do so many things.”

Yes, some have claimed him to be the best player on the team. He was recruited as a middle linebacker, so he has the size of a defensive player but can run the football with solid speed. It's about time the Sooners unleash this guy and see if the can fulfill these huge expectations that were recently put on him.

Punt Return, Anybody?

We've talked about the impact wide receiver Ryan Broyles had on this offense already, but he was also the punt returner for this team as well. Now the Sooners are left trying to find somebody to fill this role.

Wide receiver Kenny Stills is the likely favorite to replace Broyles, but Roy Finch and Brennan Clay will also have an opportunity to get back there and make some plays.

“I feel I'm the most comfortable person back there right now,” Stills said. “I'm just trying to improve on those skills ... I really like it. It's a lot of fun. It's easy to make people miss. They're coming at you full speed, out of control.”

Oklahoma was fourth in the Big 12 last season, averaging eight yards a return, and Stills returned a total of 19 punts last season for a total of 38 yards. He'll likely continue the roll of returning kicks, but things could get interesting with the elusive Finch back there as well.

Tony Jefferson to Lay Somebody out

With the defensive backfield having a few issues, former linebacker Tony Jefferson will move to the safety position. He is a very physical and strong player who finished his sophomore season with 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 4.5 sacks.

“That’s where we feel like we can utilize his abilities and his strengths,” said new defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. “Tony is a very, very talented player. He can be good anywhere he plays. He’s very easy to coach, highly instinctual and is a tremendous tackler.”

Tremendous tackler he is, and with him already getting comfortable at his new position, it's safe to say he'll lay somebody out before the spring game is over.

Should Be an Exciting Practice

There are still a few questions with this team that must be answered, but overall, this is one of the more complete teams in the country. There are exciting players on both sides of the ball and talented, young players that should help fill a few of the holes the Sooners have.

Expect to see a few offensive players stand out and a few defensive players make a name for themselves, as there are a lot of positions up for grabs. Overall, I expect to see a very exciting spring game that includes a lot of players stepping up and providing depth for this team as they try to accomplish what they fell short of last season.