During the summer, ESPN.com is taking a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we 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 follows the roster numerically through No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 17 Jordan Smallwood, receiver, 6-foot-2, 218 pounds, redshirt freshman
Impact thus far: A foot injury kept Smallwood off the field in 2013, forcing a redshirt season. He was one of the stars of the summer in 2013 and appeared poised to play as a freshman before the preseason injury.
Impact in 2014: Smallwood should be a contributor on a Sooners offense in need of threats at the receiver position. His size, athleticism, route running and ball skills should make him an intriguing option for the coaching staff. Don’t cement his name in the starting lineup, but it would be a surprise if he’s not a contributor.
Long-term upside: It remains to be seen just how high Smallwood’s upside will be for the Sooners. He brings terrific traits and could become a quarterback’s best friend during his career with his size and ball skills. He should be a three-year contributor at the very least.
Evaluation grade for Smallwood: C. All signs are pointing toward Smallwood getting a terrific evaluation, but he hasn’t done anything in crimson and cream quite yet. If he can live up to the praise he has received so far, this grade will rise.
Development grade for Smallwood: NA. His development was taken out of OU’s hands with his injury. But the redshirt season could turn out to be the best development for Smallwood and OU.
Quotable: “Jordan is a guy that is going to be fighting for a starting job next year and will surely be playing a lot.” — Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops
