During the summer months, ESPN.com will take a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall, and his long-term projection. Starting with No. 1 Dominique Alexander, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 8 Austin Bennett, receiver, 6-foot, 165 pounds, sophomore
Impact thus far: Even though he escaped a redshirt season as a true freshman, Bennett’s impact has been minimal. He played in seven games in 2013, finishing with two receptions for 23 yards.
Impact in 2014: After a solid spring, Bennett looks like he will be a key contributor as a sophomore. He has excellent quickness and playmaking ability in the slot and could emerge as an additional target for quarterback Trevor Knight.
Long-term upside: Bennett has talent, but the Sooners have several other talented youngsters in Jay Norvell's receivers' room. Bennett's long-term impact will depend on how consistent and focused the sophomore will be during his career. It's all up to him.
Evaluation grade for Bennett: B. He seems right at home in the receivers room at OU and could make a contribution in just his second season in the program. He didn’t make a major impact as a true freshman, but it would be a surprise if he left Norman, Okla., without making a significant contribution during his career.
Development grade for Bennett: F. The Sooners wasted a year of eligibility. Bennett saw time on special teams and at receiver but only had two receptions last fall. He probably would have been better served by a redshirt season.
