NORMAN — Through all the turmoil of the 2009 season, Oklahoma discovered one very critical thing: Ryan Broyles can make special things happen when he gets the ball in his hands.
His 1,807 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns last season showed his talent ranks up there with any of the great Sooner receivers that have come before him.
It shows that OU has the definitive receiver it takes to build a passing game around.
“Ryan is natural. Ryan has natural ball skills, a natural feel for space and that what makes him special,” OU receivers coach Jay Norvell said. “As soon as he walks on the field he just does it.”
The end of the 2009 season showed it. Broyles had at least 100 receiving yards in last three games and scored five touchdowns over that span. The way he ended the 2009 season has the junior from Norman on the cusp of college football stardom.
The Sooners will need him to produce similar numbers this season. But Broyles biggest role for 2010 is likely to be one of mentor to a very young group of receivers. He knows everything he does is being watched by more than just the coaching staff.
“I can’t always say I’m the fastest guy to get places, but that’s just in my nature. Now I’m the type of guy that wants to get there a little bit early and I’m watching more guys,” he said. “It’s not just about me at practice now. I’m telling guys to get their depth and things like that. I’m kind of like the second coach.”
What could decide if the Sooners are good or great through the air this season is whether the receivers around Broyles elevate their games.
Last season, that didn’t happen on a consistent basis. Of all the returning receivers this season, none caught more than two touchdown passes last season or averaged more than Dejuan Miller’s 33.4 receiving yards per game.
Miller joins Brandon Caleb, Cameron Kenny and Jaz Reynolds as receivers who either started games last seasons or played in critical situations.
All have shown they can big parts of the offense, but struggled with consistency. Norvell believes some of the consistency issues have been addressed since last season ended.
“We really stepped up our game in terms of challenging our guys to be more detailed in every aspect. Reading defenses and studying film. Catching balls before and after practice,” he said. “They’ve been committed to doing that and they done a really good job.
Based on what happened last season, Miller could be the one best situated for a breakout season. While Broyles is the small receiver who uses his quickness to terrorize secondaries, Miller is the prototype for the big target possession receiver.
The 6-foot-4, 221-pound Miller feels like his time has arrived.
“I think confidence comes along with experience. Once you get more experience, then I think your confidence grows,” Miller said.
Miller started eight games last season, while Caleb started six and Kenney started six. They along with Reynolds will be pushed hard for playing by a recruiting class that included five receivers.
Kenny Stills has already made a positive impression since arriving in January. Stills has already moved to the top of the depth chart at one of the wide receiver spots.
“I think that maybe last year there wasn’t as much competition and some of these young guys are really pushing and I think that causing everyone to step up their game,” Stills said. “I think that will help everybody get better in the long run.”
The Sooners also have Trey Franks, Justin McCay, Sheldon McClain and Joseph Powell in camp.
OU has a lot of options, but Norvell said the goal is to have at least six ready to go every Saturday. That first option is usually going to be Broyles. The second and third options are what is going to be decided over the season.
