Five standout offensive players for the Oklahoma Sooners to watch heading into fall camp

It has been an offseason of change for the Oklahoma Sooners, with numerous transfers, new coaches, and a new general manager in town. However, a new season marks a fresh start for everyone involved, and a lot hinges on the success of the Sooners this season. 

Several players have stood out so far throughout the spring and summer and are worth keeping an eye on in fall camp on locking down a major role this upcoming season. 

I'll be writing about five players to watch on offense and defense heading into fall camp. This article will focus on the offense, and I will link the defense down below.

Defense

OT Derek Simmons

Western Carolina transfer tackle Derek Simmons was one of Oklahoma's top priority targets in the winter transfer portal, and so far, he's been a standout player and leader for the Sooners. 

The right tackle spot was a weak spot for the Sooners throughout the season, as Spencer Brown struggled when playing, Michael Tarquin bounced from left to right sometimes even midgame, and Jake Taylor played in all but four games.

Simmons would bounce around multiple spots for the Catamounts last season, but he put out his best film at right tackle, and it wouldn't shock me if he locks down that job for the whole season. 

TE Kaden Helms

The buzz about Helms drew some initial skepticism from yours truly, but it sounds like it's more and more real than I initially believed. 

Safety Robert Spears-Jennings talked about how talented Helms is. 

"The knee surgeries got him. But, like, nobody really understands how good Kaden is, and he came as a freshman, he was, like, tough. So just seeing him get back to his freshman year self, like, moving how he was freshman year, he’s gonna be a nasty tight end. And he got, he got swole, like, big so, like, so he could block you too, and once he grabbed you, it’s over with. So just seeing him run routes like a receiver and can block like a lineman, I love to see it."

At SEC Media Days, Brent Venables relayed that Helms was the healthiest he has ever been and has stacked several strong weeks in a row. Given the issues the Sooners have had at tight end in recent years, Helms breaking out this year would be a huge boon for the offense. 

OG Eddy Pierre-Louis

There are so many battles taking place across the offensive line this season, but I am genuinely fascinated to see how the battle at left guard unfolds between Pierre-Louis and Heath Ozaeta. 

The buzz around Pierre-Louis shot off as soon as he set foot on campus, and it hasn't quieted down yet. If he can beat out Ozaeta for the starting spot, the Sooners are in for a show. 

WR Keontez Lewis

Keontez Lewis has been an underrated transfer portal addition for Oklahoma so far, and has stacked some strong practices throughout the spring and summer. He's built some strong chemistry with the quarterbacks and is in the running to be a starting receiver outside.