New kid on the block
As if defenses didn't have enough to worry about, Greshman takes on tacklers — or runs over them
New kid on the block: Jermaine Gresham

By Jake Trotter

Published: September 26, 2007

Two plays later, he withstood simultaneous heavy hits from two defensive backs near the goal line while leaping to snag a 21-yard touchdown pass.

But Gresham's blocking is what excited Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson most after OU defeated Tulsa 62-21 last Friday.

As if defenses didn't have enough to worry about with the sophomore tight end from Ardmore.

"He's very talented, and everyone is excited around here about what he can be,” Wilson said. "He has the ball skills, he has the athletic ability, but to block that way will give me more confidence to get him on the field in more situations.

"That was quite honestly one of the biggest steps he's taken since he's been here.”

Gresham has taken several steps at OU, none bigger than his game-changing, 35-yard catch on third-and-10 from the Sooner 1 in the Big 12 title game against Nebraska that led to OU's final scoring drive.

Ever since, Gresham has been a force difficult to reckon with.

At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, he is a mismatch with shorter and leaner defensive backs.

But with 4.4 speed, Gresham can blow by slower linebackers, too.

"Jermaine is coming into his own as a blocker, which is a big factor,” coach Bob Stoops said. "He's such a big, strong guy, and he runs so well and he's adding the dimension of being physical in his blocking.”

This season, Gresham is second on the team in touchdown catches (three) and third in receptions (13) and receiving yards (149) despite sharing time at his position with Joe Jon Finley and Brody Eldridge.

In a win over Miami — a school he nearly signed with over OU — Gresham had his best game, catching eight passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Ironically, Miami is renowned for developing NFL-quality tight ends like Kellen Winslow of the Cleveland Browns, Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants and Bubba Franks of the Green Bay Packers.

That's one reason why Gresham nearly went to Miami as the nation's top tight end prospect coming out of Ardmore High School.

Big 12 defensive coordinators wish he would have.

"When he goes in there (defenses) are thinking pass,” Wilson said. "It's nice if he can be a consistent blocker we can do some more run game with him in the game.”

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