The Oklahoma Sooners, one of college football's iconic programs dropped a bombshell today when highly touted passing prospect Blake Bell was beaten out in the Sooners' quarterback competition by redshirt freshman Trevor Knight.
Back in November, Oklahoma defensive end R.J. Washington said, "Everybody's excited [about Blake Bell] but people have to watch out for Trevor [Knight]. Don't count him out; he's going to surprise a lot of people." His words were prophetic, as Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has named Knight his Week 1 starter.
Bell, nicknamed the "Belldozer" because of his massive, six feet, six inch, 263 lb. frame, was widely expected to assume the role vacated by longtime quarterback Landry Jones, but inconsistencies this spring and summer had the Sooners staff questioning his viability over an entire season.
Knight reportedly was solid during spring practices, but elevated his play this summer. "I can go out and play and not be all timid," Knight said. "I was a little tentative during the spring, just getting into it, learning a bit. I just need to go out, have fun and play."
Knight's teammate Aaron Colvin, an All-Big 12 cornerback last season, praised Knight over the summer as Knight shredded the defense. "He gives us challenges each week," Colvin said at the time. "I'm excited to see what Trevor does in the future."
While Knight has been handed the reins for now, Stoops said he still believes in Bell as a talented player who should not stop competing for a starting job. ''Both Trevor and Blake have competed hard and both will be ready to play against Louisiana-Monroe,'' Stoops said in a statement. ''Like every other position on our team, I expect them both to continue to compete for the starting job.''
In two seasons combined Bell has served as an elite goal line threat, amassing 24 touchdowns in two seasons for the Sooners. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass for Oklahoma, however.
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