2019 Position Preview: H-Backs

Oklahoma's high-powered offense utilizes the multi-tool H-back in a variety of ways, getting strong production from the position over the last many years.

The Sooners lost the always-dependable Carson Meier (19 catches for 327 yards and four touchdowns) to graduation, but welcome back redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Hall. Bolstering the position is sophomore Brayden Willis, who played in 13 games last year and moved from the receiver position in the offseason. Redshirt freshman walk-ons Dane Saltarelli and Coby Tillman will also fight to see the field.

"We talk about it all the time in our meeting room, that the more things you can do and the more you know about this offense, the more you're going to be out there," said Shane Beamer, OU assistant head coach for offense/tight ends and H-backs.

"Brayden and Jeremiah both have unique skill sets in that they've got abilities in the passing game and they're physical enough that they can block in the run game. It's a challenging position because you have to know everything. You have to know what we're doing in the passing game, you have to know what Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh and the offensive line are doing in the running game. You have to be locked in to their calls on the offensive line, and you have to be locked in to what we're doing in the passing game, so it's a lot on their plate. It's a really fun position to coach because of that, and the more that those guys bring to the table, the more Coach (Lincoln) Riley will utilize them in this offense as he did with Dimitri Flowers a couple of years ago and Carson Meier (last year). We're expecting more of the same from Jeremiah and Brayden this year."

Lettermen Returning

Brayden Willis

Jeremiah Hall (R-So.) – Played in all 14 games in 2018 and started one ... rushed four times for 21 yards and caught two passes for 36 yards.
Brayden Willis (So.) – Moved to H-Back in offseason ... former inside receiver who played in 13 of 14 games (primarily on special teams) last year as a freshman ... lone reception went for 29 yards ... blocked a punt vs. Kansas that was returned for a touchdown.

Hall Says

"We definitely made each other better. A lot of that has to do with the addition of Brayden Willis, as well as Coach Beamer. I got a little bit of playing time last year rotating with Carson (Meier), so I'm bringing what I learned last year to contribute to the H-back room. Brayden's bringing what he learned behind Grant (Calcaterra) and those guys to the H-back room. We're making each other better."

Non-Lettermen Returning

Dane Saltarelli (R-Fr.) – Redshirted in 2018 … from Belleair Bluffs, Fla., and attended IMG Academy.
Coby Tillman (R-Fr.) – Redshirted in 2018 … saw action against Florida Atlantic and Kansas … played at Bixby (Okla.) High School

Newcomers

Josiah Markum (Fr.) – True freshman from Edmond, Okla. … attended Oklahoma Christian Academy.

Notes

H-back has been an important position in the OU offense over the last few years. In his career, Dimitri Flowers accounted for 886 yards and 13 touchdowns on 54 receptions and 151 rushing yards and four TDs on 36 carries. Carson Meier added 327 yards and four TDs on 19 catches last season, his most productive as a Sooner.
Jeremiah Hall is the only returning player with even moderate experience at the H-back position. Brayden Willis moved from inside receiver, where he spent the 2018 season, and Dane Saltarelli and Coby Tillman redshirted as freshmen last season (Tillman saw action in two games).

Lettermen Returning

Hall Says

Non-Lettermen Returning

Newcomers

Notes

Players Mentioned

Jeremiah Hall

Josiah Markum

Carson Meier

Dane Saltarelli

Coby Tillman

Brayden Willis

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics