Brent Venables said Wednesday at SEC Media Days that the Oklahoma Sooners tried to keep quarterback Jackson Arnold in Norman before he ultimately transferred to the Auburn Tigers. Venables also admitted that it was nearly impossible for Arnold to succeed in his situation at OU between poor pass blocking, receiver injuries and an offensive coordinator switch midway through the season.
“I hate that what happened," Venables said. "We wanted to keep him. We tried to keep him. But I think he just needed a fresh start. I don't want to speak for him. But he was wonderful.