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Sooners wide receiver named true freshman with ‘Best Hands’ by ESPN

john williams
·2 min read

There’s a lot of excitement about the Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver group heading into 2021. With Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, and Jadon Haselwood returning, Spencer Rattler has a solid and experienced group of players to throw to. One player that will get a ton of snaps but may not start wowed observers during the spring with his playmaking ability: true freshman Mario Williams.

Williams, the five-star wide receiver in the 2021 class, stood out in the spring game with a highlight contested-catch win over D.J. Graham. He looks to be a contributor early on for the Sooners.

Earlier this week, ESPN Staff Writer Craig Haubert handed out “superlatives” for college football’s true freshman (link requires subscription), and wide receiver Mario Williams made the list because of his impressive hands.

There’s a reason Williams is the No. 1-ranked wideout. Within this receiver class, the Oklahoma signee is neither the biggest nor the overall fastest, but he has always stood out as a great competitor with sharp technique as a route runner and excellent ball skills. A top-20 player nationally, Williams has consistently exhibited strong, quick hands to snatch the ball out of the air, whether he’s wide open or contested by a defensive back. Having great hands also includes a seamless transition upfield after the catch, and Williams excels at that, too. – Haubert

Having reliable hands will always endear a player to a coaching staff and, more importantly, a quarterback. Showing consistency when the ball is thrown your way is the easiest way to earn playing time.

Mario Williams will attempt to have a similar impact as a true freshman that fellow receiver Marvin Mims had in 2020. Like Mims (fourth in wide receiver snaps in 2020), Williams may not get a ton of snaps, but he’s a player who will make the most of his opportunities when he is in the game.