3 Things to Watch: Oklahoma football spring game brings first look at John Mateer’s adjusted mechanics
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As the spring season concludes with an intrasquad match in The Palace, this will be the first public glance at John Mateer’s revamped throwing mechanics.
Oklahoma football will play its annual spring game Saturday at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium starting at noon. It will be a traditional 60-minute game and a regular scoring format. The game will not be televised, but a radio broadcast is available for free on The Varsity App or on 107.7 FM.
The biggest thing to watch entering the game is the play of Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer.
He’s been working this offseason to get back some of his power before his injury last season and improve his overall play for next season.
His broken bone in his thumb mid-season changed the way he gripped the football last season, which also adjusted everything in his throwing motion.
He’s returned to the way he usually grips a football, but is adjusting his arm slot.
Mateer threw a lot of balls sidearm and away from his head, but he’s been working to get the release point closer to his ear.
That takes time, but Mateer and his coaches believe he’s taken strides in getting the release point more vertical.
Mateer is also working to be a better quarterback, specifically with his eyes.
When he had the injury, he felt his quarterback vision let him down more than his injury did throughout the season.
Safe to say, Mateer is expected to have a different look when he strolls onto Owen Field for the spring game Saturday, it’s about seeing how different he looks entering the summer.
Seeing Who’s Healthy, Who’s Out
The Sooners have been cautious this spring when it comes to injuries, as they should be. Saturday will be a check list for those players who will exit spring healthy or not.
There have been several key players who’ve been seen not practicing or are in protective wear in the media viewing sessions.
On defense, the key players that have been limited include defensive line stars David Stone and Jayden Jackson.
Though, a lot of the sidelined players are on offense. Wide receiver Trell Harris missed most of spring with a knee cleanup procedure. Wide receivers Isaiah Sategna III, Parker Livingstone, Elijah Thomas and Jer’Michael Carter were not seen at the final practice viewing for the media.
Running backs Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson have been absent for most of the spring.
This will allow for more viewing on new pieces and younger guys at those positions.
At running back, Colorado State Lloyd Avant is expected to get a lot of looks Saturday, along with freshmen DeZephen Walker and Jonathan Hatton Jr. getting reps, too.
At wideout, there have been several that have taken advantage of opportunities, including Manny Choice and Jahsiear Rogers.
Though, the hottest name this spring has been Washington State wide receiver transfer Mackenzie Alleyne.
Owen Heinecke’s Return
Fresh off his court win, Owen Heinecke, a linebacker, will be making an appearance at OU’s spring game Saturday.
Heinecke, as many know, won his preliminary injunction Thursday in a Cleveland County courtroom against the NCAA to get an extra year of eligibility.
He’s not practiced at all this spring, but is cleared to return to the Sooners immediately, which puts a possibility of him getting snaps in the spring game.
It seems to be unlikely Heinecke plays Saturday, but he will certainly be recognized Saturday, sporting his No. 38 jersey.
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