Deep Threat Jalen Saunders Won’t Join Oklahoma For 2012 After All

Saunders had previously been ruled ineligible to play this year after transferring to Oklahoma from Fresno State. He appealed the decision just before the start of the season, but the request was rejected on Sep. 3. The Sooners had planned on redshirting him.

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops told Emig that he is “hopeful” about Saunders being a contributor in Saturday’s game. The Sooners haven’t prepared for the game with Saunders as a possible option, as Stoops did not receive the news until late on Wednesday afternoon.

The former Bulldog was one of the top deep threats in college football in 2011, tallying 1,156 yards from scrimmage, 14 touchdowns, and averaging 21.3 yards per catch. Saunders came to Oklahoma for a chance to play on the outside, as he was relegated to the slot at Fresno State. He was looking to bolster a depleted Sooner receiving corps immediately, but now will have to wait until 2013 to make an impact.

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