Oklahoma football: Biggest X-factor for Sooners in 2020

The Sooners have lost wideouts Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb to the NFL the last two seasons, but a breakout from another pass-catcher could pay dividends.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a promising future, with new quarterback Spencer Rattler and head coach Lincoln Riley once again expected to field one of the nation’s best offenses in 2020. However, with star wideout CeeDee Lamb now in the NFL, there is an abundance of targets up for grabs.

Sophomore tight end/H-back Austin Stogner figures to get a great deal of those looks in 2020. A former four-star recruit, Stogner is an athletic presence who figures to play both out of the backfield and in a traditional tight end alignment.

Oklahoma football tight end Austin Stogner can be a breakout player for the Sooners

As someone who already knows the offense, his contributions should far outpace a quiet freshman season. Kegan Reneau of USA Today has compared him to fellow Sooner Mark Andrews, a statement that should have Oklahoma fans giddy.

Riley is among the nation’s most innovative offensive minds, and if Stogner can play a true H-back/tight end role, he could bring a similar element to the Sooners’ offense that Kyle Juszczyk gives the San Francisco 49ers.

While the Sooners will always field a talented pass-catching group, a chess piece with Stogner’s size is something that opponents have to plan around. Rather than simply attacking downfield, the Sooners can use Stogner as a safety valve and seam threat, adding an unstoppable wrinkle to the offense.

Of course, all of this remains idealistic. Stogner has not yet had the opportunity to perform at the collegiate level, and another year in the system combined with a move up the depth chart should change that. However, if the lights prove too bright for him, the Sooners and Rattler may have to look to other options to soak up targets.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.