For the first time since Baker Mayfield's senior season in 2017, OU has a quarterback returning. While Spencer Rattler put up strong numbers as a redshirt freshman last season - 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 11 games - Sooners coach Lincoln Riley expects a significant step forward and issued what amounted to a challenge heading into spring practice. "I expect him to improve a lot, no doubt about it," Riley said. "There's so many areas for him to grow. We really challenged him physically to make some of the gains that he's capable of making and needs to make. That comes now from a guy who has been through an offseason. "There's so many guys when they get here during an offseason, it becomes about survival and just kind of making it. A lot of times you see guys as they go further on in their careers, the offseason goals become a little more intentional. This is exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. Coach (Bennie) Wylie says it all the time. These guys have to put in the extra time. And if you have big goals, the extra is not extra. He says that all the time. It's part of what you should do." Rattler and the Sooners begin spring practice Monday, working toward the spring game April 24. - Daily Oklahoman