Why it was 'an easy decision' for Blake Smith to transfer to OU football

NORMAN — Blake Smith wasn't going to let an injured finger spoil his moment.

Only a few minutes remained in the first half of OU's Red-White spring game on April 22 when quarterback Dillon Gabriel heaved a deep ball down the right sideline. The intended target was Smith, a redshirt junior tight end who transferred from Texas A&M in the offseason.

Smith was donning a club on his right hand as a result of a finger injury, but he still pinned the ball to his chest for a 25-yard touchdown. He then celebrated with his teammates before looking around at the crowd at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

It wasn't long ago that Smith was the one cheering from those very stands in Norman.

Despite growing up in Southlake, Texas, Smith attended numerous Sooners games while growing up. His older sister went to school at OU in the late 2010s, so he got to watch the likes of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray while visiting.

"I was sitting in the stands," Smith said. "It's kind of crazy now, living out that dream. Like, I still remember I had a hoodie on, taking a picture on the field. It’s just memorable."

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Smith wanted to play for the Sooners after completing his high school career at Southlake Carroll in 2020. He caught 40 passes for 492 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior.

But when the three-star tight end failed to receive an offer from OU, he committed to Texas A&M. Smith made the decision due in large part to his strong relationship with Joe Jon Finley, who served as the Aggies' tight ends coach in 2019.

"I feel like me and him are able to relate a lot," Smith said. "I just like his coaching style, so that's something I wanted to be involved with."

But Finley became Ole Miss' tight ends coach prior to Smith's freshman season at Texas A&M.

Smith's time with the Aggies then got off to a slow start. After redshirting the 2020 campaign due to an ankle injury, the 6-foot-4 tight end appeared in just two games the following season.

Smith was due for a larger role in 2022, but he suffered another injury in the offseason that limited him to just five appearances. He made two catches for one yard.

Smith entered the transfer portal on Dec. 5 in search of a clean slate. And when he received a call from Finley, who had since become OU's tight ends coach, the decision was easy.

Smith committed to OU on Jan. 16, fulfilling a dream he had held onto for years.

"OU was one of my dream schools growing up," Smith said. "(Finley) was at A&M at one time, and then he left. I always wanted to play with him. So when that phone call came, it was an easy decision."

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Health remains the biggest concern for Smith, whose injury history continued this spring.

The Texas A&M transfer suffered a finger injury during one of OU's workouts, although that didn't prevent him from delivering in the team's spring game.

Smith's lone catch proved to be a 25-yard touchdown. It was a solid showing for the OU newcomer, who continues to battle for a spot on the depth chart.

"This whole spring, we were battling and competing at all times," Smith said. "Being a new guy, I really feel like I'm fitting in with the guys and getting everything down.

If Smith is able to stay healthy, he'll provide some much-needed depth at tight end.

The Sooners are without Brayden Willis, who enjoyed a career season in 2022. He caught 39 passes for 514 yards and seven touchdowns before getting selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (No. 247 overall) of the NFL Draft.

OU's top tight end for this upcoming season is Austin Stogner, who began his career in Norman before spending last season at South Carolina.

Still, Smith is capable of contributing if given the opportunity. The redshirt junior tight end is a large target with solid hands, and he's a good blocker.

The potential is there for Smith, who's eager to fulfill his dream of suiting up for the Sooners this season.

"Everyone has a different journey," Smith said. "My journey led me to come and play at OU. I'm extremely thankful for this opportunity to be here, and I'm really excited to see what the fall comes about."

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