With the likes of Joe Mixon and Dede Westbrook moving on to the NFL, the Oklahoma Sooners desperately needed to find an electric return man. Throughout the duration of camp, two players have emerged as the top candidates.
Riley says Jeff Badet has stood out as the top kick returner, while CeeDee Lamb is atop the punt return list right now.
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 28, 2017
During his press conference on Monday afternoon, Lincoln Riley singled out Jeff Badet as the top kick returner. A transfer from Kentucky, Badet held similar responsibilities with the Wildcats. Returning 15 kicks for an average of 22.9 yards as a junior last year, Badet took over the duties in 2016. Now, looking ahead to a second consecutive season of kick returns, the senior appears primed to continue to grow into the role.
Joining him as one of two players singled out, CeeDee Lamb stands atop the punt return list. The freshman may raise concerns from the fan base due to a lack of experience. However, the coaches have seen plenty of the these players in practice. Clearly, Lamb elevated himself to a level above the rest.
In contention for the role, there are still a few other candidates.
CeeDee Lamb, Jeff Badet, Marcelias Sutton, Mykel Jones and Rodney Anderson are in the mix to return punts/kicks.
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 28, 2017