Oklahoma football: 5 bold predictions for 2020

Oklahoma football bold prediction No. 4: Theo Howard comes in as a key offensive weapon

The Sooners were always going to have a tall task ahead at wide receiver as they need to replace CeeDee Lamb, who was their leading receiving by a wide margin last season. However, as the offseason has gone on, that task has become even more difficult. Oklahoma’s wide receiver group has continuously been bitten by the injury bug.

Former 5-star recruit and potential breakout star Jadon Haselwood is out with a torn ACL while Trejan Bridges is facing a suspension. Meanwhile, graduate transfer Theo Howard also suffered an injury that many thought might keep him out for 2020. With more information, though, it seems as if Howard may be able to play this year for the Sooners, which makes him a massively important newcomer.

Howard spent four years at UCLA, though he missed all of 2019 due to injury. In the previous two seasons, though, Howard showed he can be a reliable hand despite shaky quarterback play. He combined for 107 receptions, 1,271 yards and eight touchdowns over the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Bruins. He can get the job done in a nice way.

Charleston Rambo and Theo Wease may be the sexier options for the Sooners wide receiver corps and, frankly, they may put up bigger numbers. However, I expect the experienced Howard to be hugely important as a safety valve and possession target who keeps the offense moving and gives Rattler a reliable option who diversifies the skillset of the options in the passing attack.