Football coach John Mateer lavishes praise on Baker Mayfield, drawing comparisons between the two.
In the world of college football, comparisons to legendary players are often a double-edged sword. For John Mateer, the new quarterback at the University of Oklahoma, comparisons to Baker Mayfield, the school's 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, are a source of both honour and motivation.
During an interview at SEC Media Days, Mateer reflected on the growing comparisons, viewing them not as pressure, but rather as an opportunity. "It's an honour to be compared to a player of Baker's calibre," Mateer said, "but I'm focused on forging my own path."
Mateer comes to Oklahoma after a successful stint at Washington State, where he totaled 3,139 passing yards and 39 touchdowns last season, along with 826 rushing yards and 15 scores. His performance there has earned him the No. 3 spot in the On3 Transfer Rankings.
Baker Mayfield was involved in Mateer's recruitment and played a pivotal role in bringing him to Oklahoma. With Mayfield's influence, Mateer is expected to elevate the Sooners' program, which has faced challenges in recent years.
As the Sooners' defense undergoes changes with the departure of former coordinator Zac Alley and the addition of new defensive assistants Nate Dreiling and Wes Goodwin, all eyes turn to Mateer to anchor the offense and spark an offensive revival. Brent Venables, taking over defensive play-calling for the first time since becoming Oklahoma's head coach in 2021, echoes this sentiment.
Mateer's playing style bears similarities to Mayfield's. Known for his super athleticism, Mateer is capable of throwing the ball well on the run and making good decisions. He is also praised for his leadership and competitive spirit, which are similar to Mayfield's traits.
Baker Mayfield's presence at Oklahoma led to a period of great success, including conference championships and national playoffs appearances. Mateer is seen as a crucial addition to Oklahoma's lineup, particularly in their first full season in the SEC. Fans and coaches alike hope that he can revive the team's fortunes and provide the elite quarterback play that Oklahoma has come to expect.
Mateer will reunite with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle at Oklahoma, providing system continuity. As he steps into a tradition rich with legends at the Oklahoma Sooners, Mateer is ready to make a significant impact. If he can match a fraction of Mayfield's legacy, the Sooners could be on their way back to the national spotlight.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, the next chapter in their quarterback history is being written with John Mateer. As he embraces the comparisons to Mayfield, Mateer is poised to lead the team towards a promising future.
- comparisons to Baker Mayfield, the school's 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, have been a source of both honor and motivation for John Mateer, the new quarterback at the University of Oklahoma.
- As he steps into a tradition rich with legends at the Oklahoma Sooners, John Mateer is ready to make a significant impact, hoping to match a fraction of Mayfield's legacy.
- Fans and coaches alike hope that Mateer, a crucial addition to Oklahoma's lineup, particularly in their first full season in the SEC, can revive the team's fortunes and provide the elite quarterback play that Oklahoma has come to expect.
- Mateer's playing style bears similarities to Mayfield's, with both known for their super athleticism, ability to throw well on the run, and good decision-making skills, as well as their leadership and competitive spirit.
