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NORMAN, Okla. -- To say Trey Metoyer had an impact during his first spring at the University of Oklahoma is an understatement. He arrived in Norman as a ballyhooed recruit, with lofty expectations placed upon his shoulders.

And he exceeded those expectations during his first semester on campus. So much so that the true freshman has been tabbed as the Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. It's safe to say Metoyer has arrived.

Yet, there's one person who doesn't think so.

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Mark D. Smith/US PresswireFreshman wideout Trey Metoyer enrolled at OU in the spring after a semester at Hargrave Military Academy.

He's a quiet voice of reason while others are penciling him in as OU's next offensive star.

There's no doubt Metoyer has the physical skills. His hands, speed, athleticism and natural ball skills are tough to find in a receiver who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds. Teammates and coaches have raved about his ability since he stepped on campus in January.

A small sampling of the initial impressions of Metoyer within the program makes you think OU could have something special in the former East Texas prep star:

• "He's open when he's not really open. You can throw it up to the back, and he's got big physical hands to go up and get the ball for you." - quarterback Landry Jones.

• "[Trey Metoyer] keeps to himself and handles his business. We have a lot of trust and confidence in him. You look at him on the field and just know he's going to make big plays." - center Gabe Ikard.

• "Y'all are gawking over him and we've been doing that all spring. He's been doing that all spring, he's a great player and he was doing that in high school. He's got great natural ability." - quarterback Drew Allen

Metoyer will be counted on as one of the receivers who lessens the impact of Ryan Broyles' departure to the NFL. And those are huge shoes to fill. Broyles averaged more than 7 receptions, 96 receiving yards and almost one touchdown per game during his 48-game career. His consistency and production will be difficult to duplicate.

Is Metoyer up to the challenge?

"When I was in high school (at Whitehouse, Texas/Whitehouse) I was behind a great receiver and when he left, I had to step in," he said. "I feel like I'm in the same situation now. I'm filling in big shoes and I like the pressure on me, I play better like that. With pressure on me, filling big shoes, I feel like I have to ball out."

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"I feel like there's no pressure," he said. "I've been through a lot of adversity and I feel like nothing else can hold me back."

With the addition of Justin Brown, the Sooners feature a talented group of receivers, although several, like Metoyer, are inexperienced. But the former Army All-American has a plan of attack as he tries to separate himself from the competition and emerge as a key member of OU's offensive attack.

"Yards after the catch, making big plays and stepping up in big situations and big games," Metoyer said. "I feel like that's going to be the thing that separates me."

While brimming with confidence, Metoyer knows he hasn't separated himself quite yet. All the preseason accolades and hype will mean nothing without making an impact on Saturdays this fall.

"I want to show everybody, in games, that it's real," he said. "It's not just talk."

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Brandon Chatmon | email

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