Norman Tigers OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Norman Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Norman Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Rocky Martin - 8th Season - 28-46 Record At Norman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (5-7 Record - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 31st - Lost To Norman North 21-0<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Moore 43-42<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Stillwater 28-6<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Edmond North 34-28<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Edmond Memorial 44-43 (OT)<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Union 65-0<br>Oct. 13th - Lost To Edmond Santa Fe 52-48<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Mustang 27-19<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Yukon 63-21<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Owasso 49-18<br>1st Round - Beat Broken Arrow 21-18<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Bixby 59-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 29.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 40.5 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Norman Tigers are another example of a team that didn't let a slow start absolutely tank their season. The Tigers would begin the season with an 0-3 record through non-district play but the only thing that mattered was what happened over the next seven weeks. Norman rallied to win four out of their next seven and punch their ticket to the playoffs. Not only did they make it to the playoffs but because of the expanded playoff in 6A-1 and 6A-2, they hosted a first round playoff game and got a win. The season began with losses to Norman North, Moore and Stillwater but they would bounce back in the first two district games with close wins over Edmond North and Edmond Memorial. After back to back losses to Union and Santa Fe, the Tigers couldn't afford more losses and got wins when they needed to against Mustang and Yukon. They dropped a week ten game to Owasso but by that point, they were locked into one of the six playoff spots. The Tigers opened the playoffs against a Broken Arrow team that had beaten Norman in the first round in 2022. And it wasn't particularly close. The rematch was close but the Tigers would escape with a 21-18 win over Broken Arrow and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals. They ran into the Bixby buzzsaw in the round of eight and the season came to an end at 5-7. But we were really impressed with the way the Tigers bounced back following the slow start and it will be interesting to see how they look in 2024 with about half of their starters returning.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The strength of this year's Norman squad will definitely come on the offensive side of the ball. They bring back seven starters on offense and the conversation starts with the quarterback position. He was one of the more improved quarterbacks in 2023 and he leads a Tiger offense that has some firepower coming back. They averaged nearly 30 points per game and it would be surprising if they didn't surpass that this season. And they'll definitely need the offense to be clicking because the defense is going to be full of new faces. Only three starters return on defense for the Tigers but they are led by one of the best linebackers in Class 6A-1 and in the state. They'll need him to be an extension of the coaching staff and get those younger players into the right positions to make plays. But the Tigers could be in a few shootouts this season. One thing we'll be looking for is how the Tigers start this season. They proved last year that it's not about how you start but how you finish. But let's face it, you would much rather start a season 3-0 then 0-3. And Norman's first three games are difficult but not an absolute gauntlet either. Another storyline to watch in 2024 will be Norman's luck in one score games. Last season, half of their games were decided by a single possession. Last season, they had good luck, boasting a 4-2 record in those close games. This year, they'd like to not have half of their games go down to the wire but with how deep and competitive Class 6A-1 will be, it's likely we will see some close calls. The Tigers are hopeful to maintain that good luck in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dax Noles - Athlete<br>Devin Alexander - Running Back<br>Lance Eubanks - Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a343545b4ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='478923' first='Anthony' last='Johnson'] is a name that we have circled coming into the 2024 football season. Last year, he was at Southmoore and this offseason, he's moved down to Norman. When we watched Johnson in person last year, he really stood out to us as a guy that had a tremendous amount of potential. But he still needed to prove it during the season. He had an injury-plagued 2023 football season and is hungry to get back on the field this fall. With a new team and a really strong offensive line, it wouldn't be surprising if Johnson turned into a breakout player in this Norman offense. But he'll have to earn everything he gets with his new team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["595746"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a343545b510"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a Norman defense that comes into this season as an inexperienced unit but they do return senior [player_tooltip player_id='595746' first='Behrett' last='Boyd'] at the linebacker position. Earlier in the preview, we mentioned Norman's linebacker becoming the leader of this defense and becoming an extension of the coaching staff. Boyd is that guy and certainly has that potential. Last season, Boyd would finish with over 120 tackles on the season and firmly established himself as one of the best linebackers, not only in Class 6A-1 but in the state. This year, he wants to leave no doubt that he's one of the best in Oklahoma and he can do that by leading this Norman defense to new heights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["858872"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a343545b553"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We like what Norman brings back on the offensive side of the ball but it starts on the line of scrimmage. Junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='858872' first='Julius' last='Stephens'] returns for his third season as a starter on the Norman offensive line. He's been starting since his freshman season and he's one of the more underrated offensive lineman prospects in the state's 2026 class. He checks all the boxes from a physical standpoint because he has the size to play at the next level. He's done it at the highest level against 6A-1 competition and yet he's still flying under the radar. But this season, he could be the anchor of an explosive Norman offense and that will get more eyeballs on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598827"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a343545b592"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In addition to having Boyd back, Norman also brings back senior [player_tooltip player_id='598827' first='Kenneth' last='Rosario'] in the secondary at cornerback. Last season, Rosario was a productive player for the Tigers from his spot at cornerback. He would finish the season with a little over 40 tackles and also created multiple turnovers from fumbles to coming up with a pair of interceptions. Rosario is another intriguing 2025 prospect on this Norman roster that we'll be keeping an eye on this season. He has certainly had a successful career so far and is looking to finish it off with a bang. A big senior season for Rosario could definitely open the door to playing at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211962"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a343545b5d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earlier in the preview, we mentioned Norman's quarterback making a significant jump during last season. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='211962' first='Phoenix' last='Murphy'] was definitely on the shortlist of most improved players during last fall in our minds. He went from a guy that played occasionally as a sophomore to one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in 6A-1 football as a junior. Murphy would finish with nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns passing and also added nearly 600 yards and a handful of touchdowns on the ground. Murphy will be the triggerman of a Norman offense that has a ton of potential. He has weapons around him and a strong offensive line. All signs point to a big 2024 season for Murphy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BJ Randle - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1732271' first='Collin' last='Patterson'] - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='595759' first='Crew' last='Noles'] - 2026 Athlete<br>Ethan Young - 2026 Linebacker<br>Jaxon Ford - 2025 Linebacker<br>Kai Hennigan - 2025 Defensive Back<br>Noah Hoelzer - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1262599' first='Oakley' last='Caruthers'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='595689' first='Ryder' last='Murphy'] - 2026 Wide Receiver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sept. 6th - Norman North<br></strong>- Norman will once again kick off the season against rival Norman North in the Crosstown Clash. The Tigers are looking to avoid that slow start they suffered through in 2023 and beating their rival would certainly put them in position to do so. They've lost four in a row against the Timberwolves and Norman North certainly has high hopes coming into this season as a top five team in our 6A-1 preseason rankings. The Tigers could grab everyone's attention (along with some bragging rights) with a win here. <br>Sept. 13th - AT Edmond Santa Fe <br>Sept. 20th - AT Piedmont<br>Sept. 27th - Edmond North<br>Oct. 4th - AT Jenks<br>Oct. 10th - Enid<br><strong>Oct. 17th - AT Moore<br></strong>- In week seven, the Tigers hit the road to face Moore in a pivotal district contest. These two teams have been non-district foes for decades and now they find themselves in the same district and there's no doubt that this one will have some kind of playoff implication on seeding or who's in or out of the playoffs altogether. The Tigers are looking to turn things around in this series as it's been dominated by the Lions. Moore won 43-42 last year and they've won seven out of the last eight. <br>Oct. 25th - Deer Creek<br><strong>Nov. 1st - AT Mustang<br></strong>- Norman will close the season with back to back road games and the first one is big. In week nine, the Tigers travel to Mustang. This was one of those close games from a year ago that helped the Tigers have that 4-2 record in one possession games. Norman prevailed 27-19 and the Tigers have now won two out of the last three against the Broncos. Both teams could be mirror images of each other this season. They each have the potential to have very explosive offenses with an inexperienced defense. <br>Nov. 8th - AT Bixby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Rocky Martin is going into his eighth season as head coach of the Tigers in 2024. And Martin had no problems leading the Tigers to the playoffs during his first six seasons as head coach. In fact, he led them to the postseason in four of his first six seasons. But Norman went 0-4 during that stretch and came into the 2023 season having not won a playoff game since the first round in 2012. Their playoff losing streak came to an end when they not only won but beat a Broken Arrow team that had beaten them in the first round in 2022. And look, Class 6A-1 is incredibly deep so it only makes sense that six teams from each district make it to the playoffs because otherwise, you'd have some really good football teams miss out on the postseason year after year. In our mind, it's inclusion and more opportunities to showcase our state's talent, not watering it down. And for Norman, it opened the door to end a streak that they did not want.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2021 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 2-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2019 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1992 - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 17-14<br>1964 - Beat Capitol Hill 12-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->