In the highly specialized and fiercely competitive world of college football, where the margin between success and failure is measured in inches, milliseconds, and pounds of force, there exists a unique class of athlete.1 These are not merely talented players, but physical anomalies whose combination of size, speed, power, and agility defies conventional expectations.2 They are the “freaks” of college football, and for years, renowned sportswriter Bruce Feldman has been cataloging them in his highly anticipated annual list for The Athletic.3 It’s a roster that celebrates the truly unique, the athletes whose measurable feats in the weight room and on the track are so stunning that they demand attention.4 This year, as the college football world once again turns its gaze toward the athletes who will shape the season, the list has brought to light a pair of names from the new-look Big 12 who represent the very essence of what it means to be a “freak”: running back Jaydn Ott and defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings.5
Feldman’s list is not about mere on-field production, though many of the players on it are also stars. It is a deep dive into the raw, unadulterated physical gifts that coaches, scouts, and trainers whisper about. These are the players who run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash while weighing over 230 pounds, who squat over 700 pounds while possessing the vertical leap of a basketball player. It is a testament to the hours of relentless training, the genetic lottery, and the sheer will to push the human body to its absolute limits. And for two players from the same program, Oklahoma, to be featured on such a prestigious list is a significant indicator of the kind of high-level athleticism now defining the conference.
Jaydn Ott’s inclusion on the list is a powerful statement about his physical maturation and potential. The former California Golden Bear transfer made a name for himself in the Pac-12 with a dazzling mix of speed and power, but his move to the Sooners brings his talents to a new and more prominent stage. At a glance, Ott, a running back, has always been a remarkable athlete, but the numbers that landed him on Feldman’s list are the kind that make scouts salivate. He possesses a rare combination of size and explosiveness, and his strength numbers have reportedly soared since arriving in Norman. Ott is not just a scat back; he is a complete running back with the frame to withstand the rigors of the Big 12. Feldman’s list often unearths these types of athletes, players who are more than just their position, whose physical traits could allow them to succeed in a variety of roles. A running back with the speed to run away from defenders and the power to break tackles is a rarity, and Ott’s performance in the weight room has proven he has both in spades. This kind of physical dominance is a crucial asset, particularly in an offense that demands versatility and playmaking from its skill players. For Ott, being recognized as a “freak” is not just about individual glory, but about the very real, tangible threat he poses to every defensive coordinator he faces.
The presence of Robert Spears-Jennings on the list, meanwhile, speaks to a different kind of freakish athleticism, one that is becoming increasingly vital in the modern game. As a defensive back, his job is to cover the most gifted athletes on the field, from speedy wide receivers to massive tight ends. The modern safety is a hybrid player, a chess piece who must be fast enough to cover in space and strong enough to come into the box and deliver a punishing hit. Spears-Jennings fits this mold perfectly. He is an athlete whose physical tools are so advanced that he can execute a variety of assignments, from single-high safety coverage to blitzing off the edge. Feldman’s list is the perfect place to highlight these types of players, whose value is measured not just in interceptions or tackles, but in their ability to shut down an entire section of the field. His speed is elite, his agility is top-tier, and his strength is a major factor, allowing him to contend with bigger players in a way that other defensive backs simply cannot. For a coach, having a “freak” like Spears-Jennings on defense is a luxury. He can be used to neutralize an opponent’s top weapon, to create pressure on the quarterback, or to simply be a reliable last line of defense. The numbers that landed him on the list are a testament to this versatility, proving that he possesses the core physical traits to excel at the highest level.
The significance of both players appearing on the list is magnified by their team. Oklahoma is entering a new chapter, and the influx of elite, “freakish” athleticism is a sign that the program is well-equipped to handle the challenges of a new conference. The Big 12 is a league known for its explosive offenses and high-flying play, but it is also a conference where the team with the best athletes often comes out on top. Having players like Ott and Spears-Jennings, whose physical skills are a cut above the rest, gives the Sooners a distinct advantage. They are the kind of players who can turn a close game into a blowout, who can make a play that changes the entire momentum of a contest. For a program looking to establish itself and compete for championships, having multiple players recognized on a list that is revered by coaches and scouts is a sign of a healthy, elite-level roster. It’s an acknowledgment of the hard work being done by the strength and conditioning staff, the recruiting prowess of the coaching staff, and the commitment of the players themselves. It is a public validation of the talent and potential that resides within the Oklahoma program.
The appeal of Bruce Feldman’s list is its ability to highlight the under-the-radar aspects of the game. It’s a reminder that football is, at its heart, a brutal and beautiful game of athletic prowess. While a player’s scheme knowledge and football IQ are vital, it is often the sheer force of a physical freak that makes the most memorable plays. Whether it’s a running back who hits an impossible top speed on the GPS or a defensive back with an otherworldly vertical jump, these are the athletes who redefine what is possible on the field. For Jaydn Ott, his inclusion on the list solidifies his status as one of the nation’s premier running backs and suggests he is poised for a breakout season. For Robert Spears-Jennings, it’s a nod to his versatility and the critical role he will play in a defense that needs to be at its best to compete in a high-octane conference. Their presence on this exclusive list is a testament to their own hard work, but also a beacon of the immense talent that college football fans can look forward to seeing on display this season. It’s a reminder that while the game is evolving, the core truth remains: the freaks will always have their day.
