Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has expressed enthusiasm about the addition of quarterback John Mateer to the team’s roster. Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, brings significant experience and talent to the Sooners’ quarterback room. Venables described Mateer as a “leader” with “great arm talent” and “really good instincts,” emphasizing that his presence will “make us better.”
Mateer’s performance at Washington State was impressive. In the 2024 season, he completed 64.6% of his passes for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability is expected to significantly enhance Oklahoma’s offense.
The addition of Mateer is particularly noteworthy given the recent departures from Oklahoma’s quarterback roster. Jackson Arnold transferred to Auburn, and veteran Casey Thompson has exhausted his eligibility. This has led to a near-total overhaul of the quarterback position, with Mateer joining Michael Hawkins Jr., Cole Gonzales, and Jett Niu as the new faces in the quarterback room.
Despite the influx of new talent, Coach Venables has expressed confidence in the development of Michael Hawkins Jr., who is set to start in the upcoming Armed Forces Bowl against Navy. Venables praised Hawkins for his consistency, competitiveness, and maturity, noting that he “values practice reps” and “understands that you play the game well before the game happens.” Hawkins’ ability to maintain a professional attitude amid the changes has been commendable.
The upcoming bowl game presents a significant opportunity for Hawkins to demonstrate his growth and potential as the starting quarterback. His performance could influence the team’s quarterback strategy for the 2025 season, especially with the addition of Mateer. Venables has emphasized the importance of Hawkins’ development, stating that “the more you play, the better you get,” and highlighting his “ultra-consistent” and “focused” approach to the game.
In summary, the Oklahoma Sooners are undergoing a significant transformation at the quarterback position. The addition of John Mateer brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team, while Michael Hawkins Jr. continues to develop and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the quarterback room. Coach Venables’ leadership and support for both players will be crucial as the Sooners aim to strengthen their offensive capabilities in the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply