Jaren Kanak is exceeding expectations while also being annoying to one of the people he needs to impress the most
Last season, the Oklahoma Sooners started the season hot, winning their first four non-conference games. But all of those teams were pretty bad. In those games, some of them that is, they blew out the opposition, which allowed us to see players who don’t play as often. We got to see guys like Jaren Kanak […]
Last season, the Oklahoma Sooners started the season hot, winning their first four non-conference games.
But all of those teams were pretty bad. In those games, some of them that is, they blew out the opposition, which allowed us to see players who don’t play as often. We got to see guys like Jaren Kanak make some pretty nice plays, where he even scored a defensive touchdown.
And now, it’s very possible we could be seeing him score touchdowns on a more regular basis, but on the offensive side of the ball.
We all know that Kanak was transitioned from linebacker to tight end this offseason. And, many didn’t think it would go well, but that it was a logical experiment considering how the TE room looked and now currently looks after the transfer portal. They certainly needed the help.
But it turns out that Kanak is making major improvements.
Jaren Kanak is surprising Ben Arbuckle in tight end transition
“Jaran [Kanak] has probably exceeded my early and initial expectations at tight end. That dude doesn’t leave the building, and it can get annoying at times,” offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle told reporters on Wednesday with a laugh. “No, he’s been awesome. He has definitely deserved time playing on Saturdays. He’s an unbelievable athlete.”
Kanak is going to be a bit undersized at the position in terms of height, as he is only 6’2″, and there are a few receivers who are taller than him. But, he certainly has the frame to be a possession catch kind of guy. He’s built well, has some great speed, and has the body that will be able to take the kind of hits that tight ends tend to take.
I think there are two questions that we are waiting to see as media and even the fans — can he catch the ball consistently, and can he block in the run game? We have seen clips from spring ball of him catching some passes, but we don’t see all of the other stuff, like if he dropped the ball at any, or if he fumbles when he gets hit, anything like that.
Kanak is an athlete, and if the Sooners give him a chance to get on the field at the position, he will make the most of it. And, it sounds like he is already doing much better than many people thought he would. He’s certainly caught the attention of Ben Arbuckle.
