Oklahoma Sooners Football: 2017 Roster Breakdown

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2017 Oklahoma Sooners football roster! That season was pretty wild, and the team had some serious talent. We'll break down the key players, positions, and what made the Sooners tick that year. This isn't just a list of names; it's a look back at the guys who battled on the field, the coaches who led them, and the journey that unfolded. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let's get started. We're going to break down the Oklahoma football roster 2017 in a way that gives you a good understanding of what the team looked like. Remember, football is more than just individual stars; it's about how the team gels together. This was a year of high expectations, thrilling games, and a whole lot of memorable moments.

Before we jump in, a quick shout-out to the coaching staff. Lincoln Riley took the reins as head coach, and he brought a fresh offensive perspective that was exciting. The offensive coordinator, and the rest of the coaching staff, played a massive role in shaping the team's strategies and player development. Let's not forget the unsung heroes - the training staff, the equipment managers, and everyone behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to keep the team in top shape. Their contributions are just as important as the players on the field. Without their support, the Sooners wouldn't have been able to achieve all that they did. It's a team effort, folks! Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: the players who made the 2017 season one to remember. We'll go position by position, highlight some key names, and talk about their impact on the field. From the star quarterbacks to the hard-hitting linebackers, we'll cover it all. So, buckle up; we're about to take a trip down memory lane, celebrating the Oklahoma football roster 2017 and all the excitement of that season. It was a season filled with ups and downs, but one thing is certain: it was a season that fans will never forget. Ready? Let's go!

Quarterback: The Heart of the Offense

Alright, let's start with the most important position on the field: the quarterback. In 2017, the Sooners were blessed with Baker Mayfield, who was absolutely incredible. Seriously, guys, he was something special. His ability to make plays, both inside and outside the pocket, was a game-changer. His leadership, his passion, and his arm talent made him a Heisman Trophy winner. He was the unquestioned leader of the team. He was the guy who could make something out of nothing. It wasn't just his arm, though; his accuracy, his decision-making, and his composure under pressure were all top-notch. And, let's be real, his swagger was unmatched. He had this way of making everyone around him better, of inspiring his teammates to give everything they had. The impact Baker Mayfield had on the Oklahoma football roster 2017 was massive. He was more than just a quarterback; he was the heartbeat of the team. The entire offense revolved around him. His ability to read defenses, to audible at the line, and to find the open receiver was exceptional. He also had a knack for extending plays, scrambling when he needed to, and keeping the drive alive. Plus, Baker's relationship with his receivers was critical, as he had an amazing connection with guys like Mark Andrews and CeeDee Lamb. Those two became huge receiving threats because of their chemistry with Baker. Baker was also a fantastic decision-maker, throwing very few interceptions. This meant the offense could sustain drives and score points. It goes without saying, his stats were off the charts, but the stats don't tell the whole story. What the stats can't show you is the leadership and the character he brought to the team. So, as we review the Oklahoma football roster 2017, we have to start with Baker. He was the engine that made the whole thing go. He was the real deal. Remember, he’s the one who took the Sooners to the College Football Playoff that year. He set the tone for the entire team, and his influence was felt throughout the entire season.

Backup Quarterbacks

Behind Baker, there were a few guys ready to step in. It is always important to have a solid backup. Kyler Murray was also on the Oklahoma football roster 2017. He would eventually take over the starting quarterback role after Baker left. Murray was known for his incredible speed and arm talent. Austin Kendall was another backup, a solid presence, and always ready to contribute. He knew the offense and was a reliable option. It's tough being a backup quarterback because you're always ready, but you rarely get the chance to play. But those guys, Murray and Kendall, were always ready to step in. They were always working to improve. They were important in practice, always challenging the starters and helping the team prepare. They were also key in developing the depth of the team. Their willingness to be ready helped the team in a big way.

Running Backs: Power and Speed

Next up, let's talk about the running backs. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a strong group in the backfield. Rodney Anderson was the star, and for good reason. When healthy, he was a beast. He had the power, the speed, and the vision to be a top running back. He was a threat to break a long run at any moment. He could run through tackles, and he could also catch the ball out of the backfield. He was an all-around talent. His ability to make defenders miss and fight for extra yards was impressive. The coaches could count on him to carry the load. He was the workhorse of the offense, and he was the team's primary weapon. And let's not forget Abdul Adams, a shifty back who provided a different look. Adams had the speed to go the distance. He added a burst of speed and agility to the offense. He was a change-of-pace back. He was a great complement to Anderson. His speed forced defenses to account for him, opening up opportunities for the rest of the offense. The running back position was crucial for the Sooners' success. The threat of a strong running game, combined with Baker Mayfield's passing ability, made the Sooners' offense tough to stop. Both Anderson and Adams were reliable. The running game kept the defense honest and allowed the Sooners to control the game. It was a perfect blend of power and speed, a key part of the Oklahoma football roster 2017. They were the guys who carried the ball, and they were the guys who helped the Sooners dominate the ground game. The success of the running backs allowed the Sooners to have a balanced offense. They were the heart and soul of the rushing attack.

Additional Running Backs

There were also other guys who contributed to the running back group. Marcelias Sutton added more depth and provided a physical presence. The depth at running back was really critical, guys. It’s a physical position, so having multiple guys who could step in and contribute was important. It meant that the Sooners could keep their running game fresh and effective throughout the season. They were always ready to contribute when their number was called.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: The Pass Catchers

Let's move on to the wide receivers and tight ends. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a talented group of pass catchers. Mark Andrews was the star tight end. He was a big target, a great receiver, and a reliable guy to go to. He was a receiving threat. He could make contested catches. He was a matchup nightmare for defenses. He was a key part of the passing game. He had a great connection with Baker Mayfield. Their chemistry was obvious. He was also a blocker, so he could help the running game. CeeDee Lamb, as a freshman, began his legendary Sooner career. He was a rising star, known for his incredible hands and playmaking ability. He quickly became one of Baker's favorite targets. He had an immediate impact as a freshman. He had a knack for making big plays, and he became a key player in the offense. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He was an exciting player to watch. Then there was Jeff Badet, a speedster who could stretch the field. He added another element to the offense. He could take the top off the defense. His speed opened up opportunities for other receivers. He was a valuable deep threat. The receivers and tight ends were key in the Sooners' passing game. They had a great group of players, and Baker Mayfield knew how to get them the ball. The ability to make plays was critical to the success of the offense. Their talent and chemistry made them a tough group to defend. They were always able to make the big plays when the Sooners needed them. The receivers and tight ends were the guys who caught the passes and moved the chains. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 was very fortunate to have them.

Other Notable Pass Catchers

Some other guys also got in on the action. Mykel Jones was another reliable receiver. The depth at wide receiver gave the Sooners a lot of options. This gave them the ability to use different personnel groupings and to exploit matchups. These players added much-needed versatility. These guys were always ready to contribute. They were always pushing each other to get better. They provided depth and helped the team throughout the season.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Creating Running Lanes

Now, let's talk about the offensive line. This group is absolutely critical. They're the unsung heroes of the game. They're the ones who protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running backs. They don't get a lot of glory, but without them, the offense simply can't function. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a really solid offensive line. These guys were big, strong, and talented. They were experienced, and they knew how to work together. They were able to provide the protection that Baker Mayfield needed. They opened up huge running lanes for the running backs. The offensive line was responsible for giving Baker time to throw, keeping him upright, and creating running lanes. They also had to deal with tough defensive lines. The offensive line was the backbone of the offense. Their ability to open up holes for the running backs and provide time for the quarterback to pass the ball was critical to the team's success. It's a unit that requires a lot of teamwork and coordination. They had to be on the same page, blocking in unison. This team had great players at the offensive line, so the Oklahoma football roster 2017 had an edge against other teams.

Key Offensive Linemen

Orlando Brown Jr., who was a future NFL star, was a mainstay at left tackle. He was huge. He was powerful. He protected Baker Mayfield's blindside. He was the leader of the offensive line. He was responsible for protecting the quarterback. He made sure that the quarterback had enough time to throw the ball. He was a rock. Dru Samia played a key role at guard. He was another experienced player who provided great pass protection and opened up running lanes. The combination of Brown and Samia made for a very strong left side of the line. The Sooners were very strong at left tackle and guard. Ben Powers was another key player at guard. He was a great run blocker. He provided protection. The offensive line was really strong, and they were a big reason why the Sooners' offense was so successful. They were the ones who cleared the way for the running backs and gave Baker time to throw. They were always ready to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. They were responsible for the team's success. Their contributions were invaluable.

Defensive Line: Stopping the Run and Rushing the Passer

Now, let's talk about the defense, starting with the defensive line. The job of the defensive line is to stop the run and rush the passer. They're the guys who battle in the trenches. They're the ones who try to disrupt the opposing offense. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a good defensive line, a unit that was solid and played with a lot of energy. This line was made up of guys who were strong, physical, and determined. They were responsible for creating pressure on the quarterback. They were essential to the defense. The defensive line's goal is to make life difficult for the opposing offense. They had to be able to stop the run and to get after the quarterback. They were the first line of defense. They worked to prevent the offense from gaining yards. They always tried to disrupt the plays. The defensive line was an important part of the defense. They set the tone for the rest of the defense. The defensive line often faced double teams and had to fight through a lot of contact, so it's a tough position. They were the guys who controlled the line of scrimmage.

Key Defensive Linemen

Du'Vonta Lampkin was a disruptive force. He was able to get into the backfield. He was an important player. Neville Gallimore was another important player. He was a force in the middle. He was tough to block. He was strong against the run, and he could also rush the passer. These guys were very important to the defense. These players were always giving 100%. They brought great energy. They made a real difference in the success of the team. The defensive line's strength was key to the defense's ability to stop the run and create pressure on the quarterback. They were important to the Sooners' defensive strategy.

Linebackers: Tackling Machines

Let's move on to the linebackers. These are the guys who tackle, defend against the run, and drop into coverage. They're the heart of the defense. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a strong linebacker corps. These guys were athletic, physical, and smart. They were able to read plays, make tackles, and cover receivers. They were the leaders of the defense. They were tasked with stopping the run, covering receivers, and making tackles. They were the second line of defense. They had to be able to make tackles in space and also to blitz the quarterback. They were vital for the Sooners' defensive strategy. They had to be able to read offenses, to react quickly, and to make plays. It's a demanding position, but the linebackers on the team were up to the task. They were the glue that held the defense together. They were the guys who got to the ball and made the tackles. The linebackers were important for the Sooners' defensive success.

Key Linebackers

Kenneth Murray was a rising star. He had amazing speed and instincts. He was a tackling machine. He was always around the ball. He had a fantastic career. He was a key player. He was a physical player who could make tackles all over the field. He was the future of the linebacker position. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was a versatile player who could rush the passer. He was an edge rusher. He had a great motor. He was a threat to get to the quarterback. He was quick and powerful. These players were important, as they were the leaders on defense. These guys were always giving 100%. They always brought great energy. They made a real difference in the success of the team. The linebackers' speed and tackling ability were critical to the defense's success. They were a key part of the defensive strategy. Their contributions were invaluable.

Defensive Backs: Covering the Pass

Next, let's talk about the defensive backs. These guys are responsible for covering receivers and preventing the pass. They are the last line of defense. They have to be quick, agile, and smart. They need to be able to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a solid group of defensive backs. These guys were talented, and they worked hard to improve. They had to be able to cover receivers and prevent them from catching the ball. They had to be able to tackle and support the run. They had to be smart enough to read the quarterback and to make plays on the ball. They were essential to the defense. The defensive backs had to be ready to play against some talented wide receivers. They were the guys who protected the end zone. Their goal was to keep the opposing team from scoring. It's a tough position, but the Sooners' defensive backs were up to the challenge. They were the last line of defense. They had to cover the passes. They had to make tackles. The defensive backs were important for the success of the defense.

Key Defensive Backs

Jordan Thomas was a key player at cornerback. Parnell Motley was another solid cornerback. These guys were strong in coverage. They had to deal with tough matchups every week. They were responsible for covering the receivers and preventing them from making catches. They were always ready to compete. They brought great energy to the team. They were the last line of defense. The defensive backs' ability to cover receivers was critical to the defense's success. They were important to the Sooners' defensive strategy. Their contributions were invaluable.

Special Teams: Kicking and Punting

Finally, let's talk about special teams. This is a crucial part of the game. Special teams can often make or break a game. They involve the kickers, punters, and the returners. The Oklahoma football roster 2017 had a solid special teams unit. They were responsible for field goals, punts, kickoffs, and punt and kickoff returns. They were an important part of the team. The special teams unit could affect the game in many ways. They could score points, flip field position, and make big plays. The special teams unit was a critical part of the team's strategy. They were always looking for ways to gain an advantage. They could affect the outcome of the game. They could impact the game with field goals, punts, and returns. The special teams unit was a key piece of the team's success.

Key Special Teams Players

Austin Seibert handled the kicking duties. He was reliable and accurate. He was a key scorer. He made field goals. He could kick off. He was good at all the kicking duties. He was a very important player. Reeves-Maybin was the punter. He was important for field position. His punts were very important to the team. These guys were reliable and consistent. They were key to the team's success. Special teams are often overlooked. The special teams unit contributed greatly to the team's success.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a breakdown of the 2017 Oklahoma Sooners football roster. It was a team filled with talent, leadership, and a whole lot of heart. This group of guys battled every week, gave it their all, and created some unforgettable memories. Whether it was Baker Mayfield slinging touchdowns, Rodney Anderson running over defenders, or the defense making a key stop, this team always found a way to compete. It's a season that Sooner fans will always cherish. Hopefully, this breakdown gave you a better understanding of the players, the positions, and the team dynamics that made the 2017 Sooners so exciting. It was a special year, and it's always fun to look back and remember the moments. Now, if you want to remember more, just go back and read it again. Go Sooners!