Oklahoma is moving sophomore defensive back Jacobe Johnson to wide receiver, Brent Venables announced on Monday night.
Venables shared that news on his weekly coaches show. Johnson was a 2-way star at nearby Mustang High School before signing with Oklahoma as a 4-star prospect in the class of 2023.
Johnson played in all 13 games last season as a true freshman, although most of his action came on special teams. He did record 8 total tackles and an interception last season.
The decision to move Johnson to wide receiver comes amidst an injury crisis at that position for Oklahoma. Jayden Gibson and Jalil Farooq both have longterm injuries. Nic Anderson and Deion Burks both suffered injuries in OU’s loss to Tennessee on Saturday and they are questionable moving forward.
That leaves a significant opportunity for someone like Johnson to make an impact on offense. Venables spoke about his potential on Monday night.
“We wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t real opportunity,” Venables said, via Sooner Scoop’s George Stoia. “That’s the vision. And that’s my challenge for the coaches. If you really think he can help, let’s use him.”
Johnson was the No. 117 overall player and the No. 13 cornerback in the country for the class of 2023, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He was also ranked as the No. 2 player from the state of Oklahoma in that class.
Oklahoma will face Auburn at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
