Coming into the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners had numerous tight end questions.
Two years ago, Brayden Willis was one of the top players on the club, combining his receiver talent with strong blocking skills to have a very effective season. Despite Oklahoma’s 6-7 record, the senior had a great year, catching 39 catches for 514 yards and seven touchdowns while opening up openings in the rushing game.
Last year, the Sooners anticipated comparable contributions from Austin Stogner, who had returned to Norman following a year in South Carolina. However, tight end production fell, with Stogner catching only 17 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown. He also struggled to match Willis’ blocking ability. Last season, it often felt like OU was playing 10-on-11 while rushing the ball with a tight end on the field.
But this is where Southeastern Louisiana tight end Bauer Sharp comes in. After serving as game captain, he finished the night as Oklahoma’s leading receiver with 47 yards on five catches and a touchdown. Aside from Burks, he appeared to be the only option capable of regularly creating separation and catching passes.
Sharp, although coming from an FCS school, looked like a Power Four tight end. He and Jake Roberts earned the first plays at tight end, with the latter playing more of a blocking role. Sharp, who started the game, has received great acclaim throughout the spring, with one of his supporters being outstanding senior linebacker Danny Stutsman.
Bauer Sharp https://t.co/I5gzMjj8O9
— Danny Stutsman (@FbStutsman) June 17, 2024
Sharp and Jackson Arnold had good chemistry, and Sharp frequently served as a safety valve for his quarterback in the center of the field as pressure built up. With the offensive line and rushing game struggling, he’ll be required to contribute more in the passing game, especially until the bigger stars return to health.
Of course, it has only been one game. Perhaps the running game will improve over the next several weeks. Perhaps the offensive line will recover and become more coordinated. Perhaps Brenen Thompson, J.J. Hester, and the other wide receiver depth options had a bad night and will recover nicely. Maybe Andrel Anthony returns to his pre-injury form far sooner than predicted, and Nic Anderson is able to avoid further injuries.
In the meanwhile, Bauer Sharp will need to improve on his impressive debut game as a Sooner to relieve Arnold and Deion Burks. Oklahoma will face a poor Houston team next, followed by a surprise non-conference matchup against Tulane. The Sooners must use the next two weeks to establish a rhythm and identity while running and throwing the ball in Seth Littrell’s scheme before facing the Tennessee Volunteers and conference play on September 21.