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Oklahoma Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By John Buhler

Oct 29, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is seen on the field prior to action against the Kansas Jayhawks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is seen on the field prior to action against the Kansas Jayhawks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Jeff Badet (13) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Who replaces Dede Westbrook?

With the arrival of Riley’s Air Raid attack in 2015, the Sooners have had arguably the most lethal passing attack in the Big 12. Oklahoma’s decision to go spread has allowed two former wide receivers to shine in their senior years in Norman.

Sterling Shepard dominated as a slot receiver for the 2015 Sooners. He now plays on Sundays for the NFC East’s New York Giants. Last season saw the ascendance of former junior college transfer Dede Westbrook. He was a dominant vertical threat in 2016, becoming one of two Sooners that made the trip to the Heisman Trophy ceremony last season. Westbrook is entering the 2017 NFL Draft.

Westbrook filled in nicely after Shepard’s departure to the NFL. One of Oklahoma’s big questions is who ends up replacing Westbrook in 2017? Is it somebody already entrenched in the Oklahoma program or did head coach Bob Stoops have to venture outside of it?

It looks like the latter, as Stoops poached graduate transfer Jeff Badet from his little brother Mark Stoops’ Kentucky Wildcats program. Badet helped the Wildcats get to their first bowl game since the 2010 season. Maybe he can be the guy that helps get Oklahoma back to the College Football Playoff this winter?

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