USC picks up needed Oklahoma senior TE transfer
On Monday soon to be graduated senior Taylor McNamara announced his intentions to transfer from the University of Oklahoma opting to play his final year out at University of Southern California.
The 6’5”, 245 pound, So Cal native from West View High School in San Diego was a lost piece in the Sooners’ offense playing in 11 career games, starting just one from 2012 through 2014. He had one career catch, a four-yarder against Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl.
McNamara took to Twitter announcing the parting of ways and his new landing spot typing, “Want to thank everybody @ OU for a fun 3 years. Furthest thing from a easy decision to leave, but @ the end of the day I felt it was best.”
He also added, “For my future. I’ve made great friends who I will keep in touch with after I graduate in May. Excited to say though, I’m headed back to so cal, and will be a Trojan come July.”
One could argue which collegiate team has a greater need at the tight end position going into the 2015 season. OU lost top pass catching receiver Blake Bell to the NFL after completing his senior season fifth highest on the team with 16 receptions for 214 yards and a second best four scores. The Sooners have redshirt junior Connor Knight, redshirt freshman Carson Meier, and freshman Dalton Wood on the roster for spring practices.
USC also currently has three tight ends on the roster, redshirt junior Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, redshirt sophomore Connor Spears, and sophomore Bryce Dixon but not all maybe in order come time for fall practices. Spears is getting first team reps but Cope-Fitzpatrick is trying to make a comeback after missing all of the 2014 season due to being academically ineligible and reportedly struggling.
The bigger potential setback for the Trojans is Dixon’s status. Dixon has missed all of spring practices so far after being held out for an unspecified “student conduct issue.” Dixon’s status with the team going forward is still up in the air. The 6’4”, 240 pound, Oxnard, California native was a key backup for USC as a true freshman last year catching 14 passes for 198 yards with four touchdowns.
Written by Ryan Wright
Photo credit: tulsaworld.com; No. 88 Taylor McNamara