John Mateer Compared to Baker Mayfield by NFL Scout, Has 'Big Chip on His Shoulder'

Amid his breakout season for No. 5 Oklahoma, redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer is drawing comparisons to a Sooners great.

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman spoke to an NFL scout who compared Mateer to former Oklahoma star Baker Mayfield, who went on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft and now stars for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"He does remind me a lot of Baker," the scout said. "I don't know if he throws it quite as well as Baker does, but I think he's a better runner. And he plays with that same big chip on his shoulder. I think OU needed that."

Mateer has led the Sooners to a 4-0 start while throwing for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions and leading the team with 190 rushing yards and five more scores. Feldman noted that he ranks second in the nation in total offense with 351 yards per game.

Unfortunately, Mateer suffered a hand injury in Saturday's win over Auburn that required surgery, and he's expected to be sidelined until at least mid-October. He had suffered the injury in the first quarter but didn't let it stop him from finishing the game, finishing with 271 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-36 passing while adding 10 carries for 29 yards and another score in a 24-17 victory.

Once Mateer returns to the field, he will surely be looking to continue to solidify himself as a top NFL draft prospect. A comparison to Mayfield is a good start.