Blockbuster: Jaren Kanak Exceeding Early Expectations, Bringing Edge at Tight End for Oklahoma, as he shockingly crossed unbelievable boundaries in today’s training session” leaving others begging behind..see details

Blockbuster: Jaren Kanak Exceeding Early Expectations, Bringing Edge at Tight End for Oklahoma, as he shockingly crossed unbelievable boundaries in today’s training session” leaving others begging behind..see details 

 

Norman, OK — When Oklahoma announced this offseason that senior linebacker Jaren Kanak was switching to tight end, it didn’t just raise eyebrows — it sparked genuine debate. Moving a defensive player to one of the most demanding offensive positions in football, especially in his final collegiate season, is a gamble.

Now, a few weeks into offseason workouts, that gamble looks like it might pay off — big time.

From Defense to Offense: A Bold Move

Kanak’s name has been known in Norman since his freshman year. Originally a highly recruited linebacker out of Kansas, he brought speed, explosiveness, and a relentless motor to the Sooners’ defense. Yet, despite moments of promise, he never quite became the defensive cornerstone many expected.

Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle saw something others didn’t. With the Sooners looking for playmakers at tight end — a position that had thinned out due to graduation and transfers — Arbuckle floated the idea of flipping Kanak to offense.

The transition wasn’t without skepticism. Tight end demands a rare blend of blocking power, route-running precision, and reliable hands. And Kanak? He hadn’t caught a pass in a game since high school.

A Different Kind of Athlete

At 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, Kanak doesn’t have the towering frame of a prototypical tight end. But he compensates with something you can’t teach: elite speed.

Back in high school, Kanak clocked a 10.37-second 100-meter dash, a blistering time for a football player — let alone one now playing tight end. That kind of acceleration makes him a nightmare matchup for linebackers and even some defensive backs.

What’s more, Kanak’s quarterback background in high school gives him a deep understanding of offensive spacing and timing. That football IQ has smoothed his learning curve in an entirely new role.

Earning Respect Quickly

If there was one thing Arbuckle didn’t expect, it was just how quickly Kanak would take to the position. The coordinator admitted Kanak has been “a little bit annoying” — but only because he “doesn’t leave the building.”

“He’s been awesome,” Arbuckle said. “His effort, his willingness to learn, and his physicality — those are things you can’t coach. He’s already exceeded the expectations we had for him coming in.”

Teammates have noticed, too. Kanak has embraced every aspect of the role, from learning blocking assignments to putting in extra reps on the JUGS machine to sharpen his catching skills.

Filling a Void

Oklahoma hasn’t had a consistently dominant tight end presence since the days of Mark Andrews. The position has been serviceable in recent years but lacked a true difference-maker. Arbuckle’s offensive system thrives when the tight end can create mismatches, especially in play-action situations.

Kanak’s versatility could be a game-changer. His size makes him tough to bring down, his speed stretches the field, and his defensive background gives him an edge in understanding how to exploit coverages.

The Road Ahead

Of course, there’s still work to be done. Kanak will face the challenge of maintaining his speed while adding functional strength for blocking against Big 12 defensive ends. He also needs to prove he can make contested catches and stay consistent against press coverage.

Fall camp will be the true proving ground. The Sooners have high hopes, but Arbuckle is cautious not to crown Kanak too early. “He’s still learning every day,” the coordinator said. “But the trajectory he’s on is exciting.”

A Story in the Making

For Kanak, this position switch is more than just a strategic move — it’s a chance to rewrite his legacy at Oklahoma. Instead of being remembered as a defensive player who never quite found his place, he could end his career as a critical weapon in an offense poised to contend.

If his early performances are any indication, the Sooners may have stumbled into one of the most intriguing position changes in recent program history.

One thing is certain: Jaren Kanak’s edge, work ethic, and unshakable commitment have already made him a player to watch — and perhaps, a tight end who can change Oklahoma’s offense in 2025.