Riley Breaks Down Impact Freshmen Wideouts Can Have on Offense

Can Freshmen Wideouts Make an Impact?

Riley, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, believes that freshmen wide receivers can have a significant impact on an offense. He has seen it firsthand with players like CeeDee Lamb, Marvin Mims, and Jadon Haselwood.

Stats and Examples

• In 2019, Lamb led the Sooners in receiving yards (1,327) and touchdowns (14).
• Mims emerged as a deep threat in 2020, averaging 20.3 yards per catch.
• Haselwood has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 73-yard touchdown catch in the 2021 Red River Rivalry.

How Freshmen Wideouts Contribute

Freshmen wideouts can contribute to an offense in several ways:

Speed and Agility

Many freshmen wideouts possess exceptional speed and agility, which can stretch the defense and create big plays.

Versatility

Freshmen wideouts are often versatile and can play multiple positions, giving the offense more flexibility.

Confidence

Freshmen wideouts often bring a lot of confidence to the team, which can be contagious and boost the morale of the entire offense.

Challenges for Freshmen Wideouts

While freshmen wideouts can have a significant impact, they also face some challenges:

Physicality

Freshmen wideouts may need to adjust to the physicality of college football.

Mental Toughness

The mental aspect of the game can be challenging for freshmen wideouts, who may struggle with the speed and complexity of college offenses.

Conclusion

Freshmen wideouts can have a significant impact on an offense, but they also face some challenges. With the right coaching and support, freshmen wideouts can overcome these challenges and become valuable contributors to their team.