Solid returning group provides Norsemen with offensive punch
Green believes frosh Barrett Allberg (6-1, 210, Cushing), Trey Mundin (6-1, 200, Verdigris) and Daniel Walker (5-11, 185, Commerce) provide quality depth at quarterback.
“All five quarterbacks have a grasp of what we’re trying to accomplish with our offense,” Green said. “It’s just that none of them have taken snaps in live game situations so that they don’t have a feel for the speed of the game.”
Returning to head the running game, in addition to Sampson, are veteran Shawn Baker (6-0, 190, Tulsa Edison) and redshirt freshman Justin Fields (5-10, 185, Ardmore).
Sampson rushed for 330 yards and a touchdown on 44 carries last season. Baker, who’s been battling a shoulder injury, carried 60 times for 307 yards and four scores. Fields is adjusting to running back after sitting out as a cornerback.
Freshman signees expected to challenge for playing time, according to Green, are Devon Fowler (6-0, 195, Joplin), Da’sor Horton (5-11, 200, Oklahoma City Douglass), D.J. Moore (5-11, 180, Lake Highlands, Texas), Durell Parker (6-0, 190, Wagoner), Herman Walter (6-0, 185, McAlester) and Dominik Williams (5-11, 205, Ardmore).
Redshirt freshman David Balenseifen (6-2, 200, Mustang) took most of the repetitions at tight end during the spring. Brian Booker (6-2, 235, Ardmore) was sidelined with a broken foot.
Veteran Walter Coleman (5-11, 200, Denton, Texas) heads the receivers. He caught 10 passes for 61 yards and a TD and returned five kickoffs for 110 yards in 2007.
Transfer Kendal McKellum (6-1, 195, Tulsa Hale) joined the Golden Norsemen in January after signing with Northern Iowa.
Redshirt freshman wide-outs are Colton Chelf (6-2, 190, Enid), Albert Coleman (6-1, 185, Oklahoma City Western Heights) and Don Hawkins (6-4, 185, Tulsa Victory Christian).
“Those five players have better-than-average speed on the outside,” Green said. “They each have the ability to be a game-breaker in our no-huddle offense.”
Freshman wide receivers in the mix are Taylor Antle (6-4, 190, Foyil), Shane Devers (6-1, 185, Sand Springs) and Jermaine Sherman (6-3, 185, Wagoner).
Green said veteran center Zack Kellogg (6-4, 280, Miami) anchors the front.
“Zack really has worked hard at developing technique and he’s become the cornerstone of our line,” Green said.
Freshman redshirt guards are Jordan Karriman (6-4, 290, Grove) and Levi Adcock (6-5, 290, Claremore Sequoyah).
Joining Bean at tackle is veteran Logan Clair (6-5, 301, Mustang).