After strong sophomore season, Sooners WR Jalil Farooq headed for huge 2023
A freshman during the 2021 season, Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jalil Farooq didn’t see much playing time. That was until the Alamo Bowl after Mario Williams and Jadon Haselwood departed via the transfer portal, and Michael Woods declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
That left Marvin Mims, Drake Stoops, and Farooq, then a true freshman for the Sooners, to lead the way for Oklahoma in their matchup against the Oregon Ducks.
Mims and Stoops did what they do, each recording a touchdown reception from then-quarterback Caleb Williams. But it was Farooq’s performance that provided a glimpse of the future at wide receiver.
In his first extended action in the Alamo Bowl, Farooq caught three passes for 64 yards in the win over the Ducks. He had 48 yards after the catch, and each of his three receptions went for a first down.
That led to an opportunity for him to earn a feature role with the Sooners in 2022. And he didn’t disappoint.
Operating on the outside, opposite Marvin Mims, Farooq became the do-it-all option for the Sooners in 2022. He had 37 receptions for 466 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran the ball 12 times for 121 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per carry on the season.
Only Eric Gray and Marvin Mims had more total yards than Farooq’s 606 in 2022. Farooq was also the Sooners’ best kick returner, averaging 22.9 yards per return on 12 opportunities for 275 yards.
He was a threat in the run game on reverses and helped the Sooners in the intermediate part of the field. He ran hard and with purpose with the ball in his hands and is a perfect fit in Jeff Lebby’s offense. An offense that wants to run a lot of wide receiver and bubble screens and jet sweep action.
Jalil Farooq’s after-the-catch ability will make him a huge threat in Oklahoma’s offense in 2023. With Marvin Mims gone and doubt as to who will replace him, Farooq should see a huge uptick in touches both as a receiver and a runner. With more of a focus on getting the ball in his hands, Farooq will push for 1,000 total yards next year in Lebby’s fast-paced offense.
List
Led by Adepoju Adebawore and Jackson Arnold, 9 Sooners featured in final Top247 for 2023
List
Where did the Big 12 land in College Football News first look 1-131 rankings for 2023?
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.
