DeMarco Murray successfully landed one of the transfer portal’s top playmakers, former Cal running back Jaydn Ott, adding a dynamic and versatile weapon to Oklahoma’s backfield for the upcoming season.

In the world of college football, the transfer portal has emerged as one of the most influential forces in shaping a team’s roster. It’s an invaluable tool that allows players to find new opportunities and for programs to plug gaps, find immediate contributors, and build championship-caliber teams. For the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most significant transfer portal moves this offseason was the acquisition of Jaydn Ott, a dynamic running back from the University of California. DeMarco Murray, the Sooners’ running backs coach and a former Oklahoma star himself, made a huge splash by landing Ott, who quickly became one of the most coveted players in the portal.

Ott is a game-changing talent, a versatile back whose combination of speed, agility, and vision makes him one of the most complete running backs in college football. His decision to transfer to Oklahoma offers the Sooners a weapon that can both elevate their running game and serve as an explosive threat in the passing attack. For DeMarco Murray, the addition of Ott represents a major coup in his efforts to continue building a high-powered offense in Norman.

This article will explore why Jaydn Ott is considered one of the premier playmakers in the transfer portal, what he brings to the Oklahoma offense, how he fits into DeMarco Murray’s system, and the implications of this addition for the Sooners’ 2024 season.

1. Jaydn Ott’s Journey to the Transfer Portal

Before we dive into how Jaydn Ott will impact Oklahoma’s football program, it’s important to understand the journey that brought him to the transfer portal in the first place. Ott’s time at the University of California was marked by steady growth and consistent performance. He arrived in Berkeley as a highly regarded recruit with the potential to become one of the top backs in the Pac-12.

In his freshman year at Cal, Ott wasted no time making his mark. Despite the Golden Bears’ struggles on offense, Ott emerged as a bright spot. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and demonstrated the ability to break big runs, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability. His combination of burst, vision, and agility made him one of the top freshmen in the country and garnered attention from scouts and coaches alike.

Ott followed up his impressive freshman campaign with another strong season in 2022, though his statistics were slightly affected by the struggles of the Cal offense. Even so, he still averaged over 5 yards per carry and continued to serve as one of the team’s most reliable and explosive playmakers. His ability to contribute in both the running game and the passing game—catching passes out of the backfield—only solidified his status as one of the top backs in the Pac-12.

However, despite his individual success, the Golden Bears faced significant challenges as a team. Cal’s offensive struggles, particularly in the passing game, limited their ability to fully utilize Ott’s talents. As a result, Ott, who had been putting up impressive numbers despite the team’s lackluster performance, made the decision to enter the transfer portal and seek out a new opportunity where he could compete at the highest level.

2. Why Jaydn Ott is One of the Premier Playmakers in the Transfer Portal

When Jaydn Ott entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for college football programs across the country to take notice. Ott quickly became one of the most coveted playmakers in the portal, with his unique combination of skills drawing significant interest from top-tier programs.

Speed and Agility: Ott’s ability to break away from defenders is one of his most outstanding traits. He possesses the type of burst that allows him to turn a seemingly routine run into an explosive play. His vision and agility help him read blocks and change direction quickly, making him a nightmare for defenders who struggle to get in front of him. Whether he’s running through the middle or bouncing to the outside, Ott’s acceleration is undeniable.

Versatility: In today’s college football landscape, running backs must be more than just power backs who can churn out yardage between the tackles. Ott’s ability to make plays in the passing game as a receiver out of the backfield sets him apart from many other running backs. Whether it’s catching screens, swing passes, or checkdowns, Ott is a reliable option as a pass-catcher. His ability to stretch the defense and contribute in the passing game makes him a dual-threat weapon that can keep defenses on their toes.

Balance and Toughness: Despite his speed and elusiveness, Ott doesn’t shy away from contact. He has excellent balance and the ability to break tackles, often picking up extra yards after contact. His physicality is evident when he lowers his shoulder to churn out hard-earned yards, yet he still possesses the finesse to avoid defenders in space.

Proven Production: As mentioned earlier, Ott’s production at Cal was impressive. He rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman and showed that he could be the focal point of an offense. Over his two years at Cal, Ott amassed nearly 2,000 rushing yards and solidified himself as one of the top backs in the Pac-12. His ability to put up solid numbers on a struggling team speaks to his talent and potential.

With a blend of speed, power, vision, and hands, Jaydn Ott became one of the most sought-after running backs in the portal. His ability to contribute both as a ball carrier and as a receiver out of the backfield makes him an ideal weapon for any offense looking to add playmaking ability in the backfield.

3. The Fit: How Jaydn Ott Will Thrive in DeMarco Murray’s System

When DeMarco Murray landed Jaydn Ott, it was clear that the Sooners were adding a player who could make an immediate impact. Murray, a former star running back for Oklahoma, has quickly established himself as one of the best running backs coaches in the country. His work with players such as Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, and Rodney Anderson speaks for itself. Murray has a proven track record of developing elite running backs, and Ott is the perfect fit for his system.

Murray’s offensive philosophy is centered around balance, with an emphasis on establishing the run game to set up the pass. This approach relies on having running backs who can handle a heavy workload, grind out tough yards, and make explosive plays when given the opportunity. Murray has always prized running backs who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, and Ott fits that mold perfectly.

Ott’s ability to be both a traditional running back and a threat in the passing game gives Murray a versatile weapon in the backfield. Oklahoma’s offense has often been known for its explosive passing attack, but under Murray’s guidance, the Sooners have maintained a strong running game as well. With Ott in the mix, Oklahoma now has a back who can carry the ball 20-25 times per game but also serve as a reliable target in the passing game. This versatility will help keep defenses honest and force them to respect both the run and the pass.

Murray has developed a reputation for maximizing the talents of his running backs, and Ott’s skill set is a perfect fit for what Murray values in his players. Whether it’s a stretch play to the outside or a quick screen to exploit mismatches, Ott can do it all, and Murray will undoubtedly find creative ways to get the ball in his hands.

4. What Jaydn Ott Brings to Oklahoma’s Roster

The addition of Jaydn Ott adds significant talent to the Oklahoma backfield, which already features exciting prospects such as Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk. Ott’s versatility and playmaking ability give the Sooners a dangerous trio of running backs that can all contribute in different ways. With this depth in the backfield, Oklahoma will be able to rotate fresh legs throughout the game, keeping opposing defenses off balance.

In addition to his talent as a runner, Ott’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield is a major asset for the Sooners. With the ever-increasing importance of passing from the backfield in today’s football, having a back like Ott who can line up in different formations and make plays as a receiver adds a new dimension to Oklahoma’s offense. His ability to exploit mismatches in the passing game will open up opportunities for other skill players on the roster, as defenses will have to account for him not only as a runner but also as a pass-catcher.

Furthermore, Ott’s proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations will serve him well as he transitions to the Big 12, where Oklahoma faces some of the most talented defenses in the country. His experience in the Pac-12, where he faced some tough defenses, will help him adjust quickly to the competition he’ll face in the Big 12.

5. The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Oklahoma’s Playoff Hopes

As Oklahoma heads into the 2024 season, the Sooners have high expectations. With DeMarco Murray coaching the running backs, a seasoned quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, and a talented offensive line, Oklahoma is poised to make a run for the Big 12 title and a possible College Football Playoff berth. The addition of Jaydn Ott gives the Sooners another dynamic weapon on offense, one who can take over games and change the course of a contest with a single play.

Ott’s ability to contribute both in the running and passing game is crucial for Oklahoma’s offensive balance. In today’s high-octane college football, having a running back who can catch passes, make defenders miss, and break long runs can be the difference between a playoff appearance and falling short. With Ott in the backfield, the Sooners now have a player who can change the game with his big-play ability while also giving them the consistency they need in short-yardage situations.

In the Big 12, where high-scoring games are the norm, Oklahoma will need to keep its offense balanced and keep defenses on their heels. With Ott in the backfield, the Sooners will be able to control the clock, open up play-action opportunities, and avoid being one-dimensional. This kind of balance will serve them well when they face elite teams in the Big 12 and, if they make it, the College Football Playoff.

The addition of Jaydn Ott to Oklahoma’s roster represents a significant step forward for DeMarco Murray and the Sooners. Ott’s unique combination of speed, power,

agility, and pass-catching ability makes him one of the most dangerous backs in college football. His fit in Murray’s system, which emphasizes versatility and balance, will allow Oklahoma’s offense to thrive in a way that few other teams in the country can match.

As Oklahoma looks to build on its recent success and make a deep run in the 2024 season, Ott’s presence in the backfield will be key to their aspirations. Whether as a rusher or as a pass-catcher, Ott has the ability to make an immediate impact and help lead the Sooners to another successful season.