Special teams have always been a cornerstone to Oklahoma’s success. Throughout the last six seasons, the Sooners have been dominant at football’s third phase. During that time the Sooners have placed four special teams players on all-conference tams.
Last season, however, the Sooners were not very consistent. Kicker Trey DiCarlo struggled with his field goals and wound up being replaced by Garrett Hartley after 10 games.
Punt returner Antonio Perkins set records throughout his career, but missed nearly half the season with a knee injury.
The Sooners always put a heavy emphasis on special teams and it will be a crucial area this season.
Hartley has only attempted one field goal in his short career. Punter Cody Freeby has yet to punt in an actual game. Of the players OU has been working at the returner spots, only senior wide receivers Jejuan Rankins and Travis Wilson have been called upon before. Rankins averaged 6.3 yards over nine punt returns last season. Wilson averaged 15 yards on nine kickoff returns.
There’s only specialist considered a veteran. Senior deep snapper Jacob Rice, a Norman High product, has not missed a snap over the last three seasons, a string of 423 plays without a misfire.
It’s that type of consistency the Sooners will be striving for at every special teams position, beginning with Hartley.
The sophomore from Southlake, Texas, was solid in his limited attempts last season. He made his first appearance in OU’s regular-season finale against Baylor and was a perfect 12-for-12 on PATs against the Bears, in the Big 12 championship and Orange Bowl.
He has a strong right leg and a could be a major weapon in the Sooner arsenal.
“Kicking is about routine,” Hartley said. “My eyes aren’t as big as they were last year. I’m coming out there levelheaded and with a straight mind of what I need to do to help the team.”
What he needs to do is produce. The Sooners were never in a position where a field goal would have decided a game. This year, it could happen.
Rice believes Hartley is eager to for that kind of opportunity.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him nervous one bit,” Rice said. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders and he’s really confident.”
At least Hartley picked up some experience last season. OU won’t have that luxury in the punting department.
For the first time since 1997, the Sooners won’t have a Ferguson to turn to on fourth down. Jeff Ferguson handled the duties from 1998-2001. For the last three seasons, his brother Blake handled the chores.
OU was confident it would be an easy transition into the Cody Freeby era. Freeby was a high school All-American when he arrived in 2003.
He waited two years to take over, but a back injury in the spring left the coaching staff nervous enough to recruit Mike Knall to compete for the job.
Freeby has been the more consistent punter since preseason practice began and appears to have claimed the job.
As far as return specialists, the field is wide open. Rankins has worked on both kicks and punts, while Wilson has worked with kicks.
Special teams coordinator Kevin Sumlin believes others will be in the mix.
“Lendy Holmes has really started to come back and Reggie Smith and a couple of these new guys will figure into it, too,” he said.
Sumlin is also on the hook. This is his first season to direct special teams.
“Kevin will pull that all together,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “And I think with his proven track record in those positions that he’ll do a good job with it.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
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Sooners looking for consistency
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