Oklahoma spring game: Caleb Williams makes statement at QB and more takeaways

The Oklahoma spring game gave newcomers like quarterback Caleb Williams and running back Eric Gray a platform to impress.

Saturday was Oklahoma’s moment in the spring game spotlight.

The Sooners offense in white and defense in red battled in a 30-29 slugfest to finish out spring camp practice.

What conclusions emerged from Norman?

Caleb Williams is for real

Oklahoma fans got to see exactly why Caleb Williams was the No. 6 player in the 247Sports composite for 2021.

The early enrollee quarterback looked like a natural in the Sooner backfield.

By the Oklahoman’s unofficial tally, Williams was 10-of-11 for 99 yards a touchdown and 42 yards on five carries.

Reminder: That’s a true freshman with just 15 practices under his belt doing that.

The possibility of Spencer Rattler losing his job to Williams is still slim, but Williams looks ready to put the pressure on.

Eric Gray’s future looks bright

The Sooners welcomed Eric Gray from Tennessee with hopes of the transfer taking over for departed leading rushers Rhamondre Stevenson and T.J. Pledger. Gray looked right at home in his Oklahoma uniform.

That 19-yard score was the highlight of the day for Gray, who also made a mark catching passes out of the backfield.

Oklahoma should be just fine at running back.

The defense gets better and better

When Alex Grinch took over Oklahoma’s defense in 2019, it was clear he had a lot of work to do. The Sooners are steadily showing the fruits of his labor.

Having allowed 33 points per game in 2018, OU gave up 27.3 in 2019 and 21.7 in 2020 as proof of Grinch’s impact.

The spring game featured a defense that looks even better, with the ability to force turnovers and swarm in the backfield. They jumped out to a big lead on the day thanks to an imposing first-team effort.

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