Potential future playmaker for Oklahoma Sooners reveals what new coaching staff prioritizes at underrated position

A two-way player, Ruxer turned 43 receptions into 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per catch, as well as 30 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and a forced fumble en route to a state championship in his junior year.

Ruxer also fits Oklahoma's recent trend of recruiting multi-sport athletes. In addition to being a two-way football player, Ruxer also runs track for Heritage Hills High School. 

Looking over his film, I see that Ruxer is built in a similar mold to other tight ends Oklahoma has had success with. He's built more like a jumbo wide receiver than a traditional tight end, with the size and speed to threaten up the seams, act as a red zone threat, and block on the move. Several recent former Sooners like Mark Andrews, Grant Calcaterra, and Brayden Willis have fit this same mold and found success in both college and the NFL.

I think we can make an inference on what new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle wants at tight end based on Ruxer and what Oklahoma has done at tight end. 

They moved Jaren Kanak from linebacker to tight end and brought in Will Huggins in the transfer portal. These aren't traditional tight ends in the sense of an in-line blocker, but more "Y" and/or "move" tight ends who line up in the slot regularly to force defenses to adjust with size. 

This is pretty similar to how Lincoln Riley viewed tight ends and their fit in the offense. While they weren't often the priority targets, they were reliable receivers who you could call on to move the chains or make tough catches in the red zone and over the middle of the field. 

Ruxer more or less confirmed this after his visit with Oklahoma:

"I like Oklahoma’s winning culture. I felt the staff there was very genuine and is going to be successful in the future. As well, Coach Finley and Arbuckle want to get the tight end involved on the offense and develop me which is important to me."

Ruxer will be announcing his commitment on July 7th, and the Sooners feel confident in where they stand in his recruiting. He has the talent to be a big-time playmaker for the Sooners in the very near future.