Elzinga set to fill big shoes left behind by Turk
NORMAN — OU experienced both highs and lows last season.
The Sooners went through growing pains under first-year head coach Brent Venables. They finished 6-7 (3-6 Big 12), marking their first losing campaign since 1998.
But one constant was OU's special teams. It provided consistent production throughout the season, regardless of the team's struggles on offense or defense.
But that consistency will be put to the test this upcoming season. OU lost some key contributors on special teams, and it'll be up to some new faces to carry the torch.
Here's a look at OU's special teams heading into spring practice, which began Tuesday.
Season rewind
Special teams was one of OU's biggest strengths last season.
That was thanks in large part to Michael Turk, whose average of 46.8 yards per punt helped him make the All-Big 12 First Team. He was also named a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, which is given annually to the nation's top punter.
OU ranked first in the Big 12 in yards per punt, and it also ranked first in yards per punt return (14.1). Marvin Mims led the way with 10 returns for 160 yards (16 yards per punt).
OU took a slight step back in the kicking department, though. That was to be expected following the departure of Gabe Brkic, who went 20 for 26 on fieldgoal attempts in 2021.
Bishop McGuinness alum Zach Schmit went 12 for 18 on field-goal attempts this past season, but he didn't have as much leg as Brkic. Schmit's longest make came from 44 yards out.
Roster management
Who’s out: Michael Turk, Marvin Mims, Kasey Kelleher
Who’s in: Luke Elzinga
OU is tasked with replacing three key contributors on special teams.
The biggest loss is Turk, who'll be replaced by Central Michigan transfer Luke Elzinga. The junior is averaging 42.4 yards per punt throughout his career.
Elzinga also figures to be OU's starting holder. His backup at both positions will likely be redshirt senior Josh Plaster.
The loss of Mims will mostly be felt on offense, but he also returned 33 punts for 391 yards in his three seasons with OU. Five-star defensive back Peyton Bowen is the best candidate to replace Mims on special teams, but redshirt junior LV Bunkley-Shelton should be in the mix as well.
Then there's the loss of long snapper Kasey Kelleher, who was quietly one of the Sooners' most consistent players throughout the years. He should be replaced by redshirt freshman Ben Anderson, who is in competition with redshirt junior Ethan Lane for the spot.
The rest of OU's special teams depth chart should remain the same. Schmit is back at kicker, while Jalil Farooq and Billy Bowman are the top kick return candidates.