Kevin Wilson praises Ben Arbuckle ahead of second season in Norman

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There's a lot of pressure that comes with being the offensive play-caller for the Oklahoma Sooners, especially when it comes to getting that side of the ball back on the right track. With head coach Brent Venables in full command of a strong defense, the duty of commanding the offense is on the shoulders of 30-year-old offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle.

Fortunately, one of the staff members on the offensive side of the ball under Arbuckle is one of the most experienced offensive coordinators in the nation, one who has produced some extremely dynamic offenses.

That would be Kevin Wilson, who is OU's assistant head coach for offense. After he was Oklahoma's offensive play-caller from 2006 to 2010, he was gone for 15 years before coming back to Norman last season. This offseason, he earned a promotion, but still has a very similar role for the Sooners.

Wilson has described his role as a "sounding board" for Arbuckle and the other offensive coaches, saying that he picks his spots on when to interject and give his opinions on game plans. His wealth of experience is a benefit for the OU offense.

"I'm just kind of like the conscience, if that makes sense,” Wilson said. “I’m not really pushing an agenda."

Wilson gave Arbuckle praise last week at OU's local media day, even illustrating how they work together despite coming from different spread offense trees. Arbuckle comes from Air Raid stock. His mentor was Zach Kittley, who got his start under Kliff Kingsbury. In turn, Kingsbury was the first starting quarterback of Mike Leach's time as a head coach, learning under the man who created the Air Raid offense along with Hal Mumme.

"Very, very smart," Wilson said. "I think he's very good on gameday, just the flow of games … I think he's got a good feel of game-planning. He kind of comes out of a little bit of the Leach-Kingsbury-Kittley tree of how he grew."

On the other hand, Wilson comes from the power spread tree, and his mentor was Randy Walker. In turn, Walker's mentor was Dick Crum, who himself was mentored by Bill Mallory. However, it's Wilson who is one of the most well-known names in the power spread, from his time as the OC at Miami (Ohio), Northwestern, Oklahoma, and Ohio State.

Wilson was brought to Norman in 2002 to marry the Air Raid and the power spread together, and he did so very well. The 2008 Sooners were his best offense, with the up-tempo, no-huddle attack leading the nation in scoring. He also brings his experience in the Urban Meyer-Ryan Day brand of the power spread from his time with the Buckeyes.

"I was a part of that here when I showed up following Coach Leach and Coach (Mark) Mangino," Wilson said. "I saw some things in protection or things in run game that were maybe a little bit different, and how to blend that with what was that offense."

While it's certainly Arbuckle's show on offense in Norman, Wilson can provide a different perspective and a different way of doing things, due to his roots and his experience. He was effusive in his praise for the young offensive coordinator.

"He's got great intelligence, great passion, great work ethic, really good knowledge," Wilson said. "I think he’s a fantastic young coach off to a great start, but I think he has a willingness to learn and grow, and most importantly, try to fit what’s best for our players and what’s best for Coach Venables’ team within the vibe of playing an SEC schedule."

When it comes to offense, Wilson knows a thing or two about a thing or two. With more offensive play-calling experience than anyone on staff inside the Switzer Center, he's had his share of good (and bad) game plans and play calls. Though it's Arbuckle dialing up the launch codes for the offense these days in Norman, Wilson is back for another season as his "conscience", helping the young play-caller who is 34 years his junior to get the Sooners back to the top on offense.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Kevin Wilson praises Ben Arbuckle ahead of second season in Norman

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