“Those two guys add so much to this offense, and add so much to our game plan. It's been truly a pleasure to have those guys. I'm really glad they decided to transfer here.”
The two additions were particularly welcome after three experienced OU receivers — Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Kameel Jackson — were suspended indefinitely just after spring practices.
Reynolds and Franks remain suspended from games, and Jackson was eventually dismissed.
The suspensions left Stills as OU's only returning receiver with any big-time college football experience — until Brown and Saunders arrived.
Brown was a three-year starter at Penn State who opted to transfer after the NCAA — in response to the child-abuse scandal — levied harsh sanctions against the school.
Saunders was a first-team All-WAC selection at Fresno State last season, and transferred because of a family illness made worse by the atmosphere surrounding the school.
The NCAA initially denied Saunders' waiver request for immediately eligibility, but his appeal was eventually approved before the Oct. 13 Red River Rivalry game against Texas.
Saunders set a school record with his eight first-quarter receptions in Oklahoma's Oct. 27 loss to current No. 1 Notre Dame.
When the Sooners' offense returned to the field Saturday with a little over six minutes remaining and OU trailing by a touchdown, Jones relied heavily on the transfer duo.
The senior quarterback connected with Saunders and Brown on four first-down plays over the drive, which ended with four seconds left in regulation when Blake Bell ran for a game tying, 4-yard touchdown.
“We all help each other,” Saunders said of the OU receiver group, “but me and Justin chat a lot. We've all come along and we're like brothers.”
Next Story
