Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer Says Hand Injury Recovery Complete After Last Season’s Struggles

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer told ESPN on Monday at SEC media days that he has returned to full strength and his original throwing motion after a hand injury that disrupted his performance last season. He described the mental toll of the injury as the hardest thing he has ever faced.

Mateer said he recently scored 150 on a grip strength test, a sharp increase from the 90 he recorded after surgery last fall when his hand remained weak, and he added that he had to change how he held the ball because the hand lacked strength and range of motion.

Through Oklahoma's 4-0 start last year, Mateer averaged more than 300 passing yards and nearly 50 rushing yards per game. He broke a bone in his throwing hand during a win against Auburn, after which the Sooners went 2-2 in October with losses to Texas and Ole Miss. Mateer completed 58 percent of his passes that month and rushed for 36 yards on 35 carries.

Oklahoma closed the regular season on a four-game win streak to secure a home game in the College Football Playoff first round. Mateer, entering his second season as the Sooners' starter, said he is now focused on the team returning to the playoff rather than individual awards.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables told ESPN the team has enough talent to win every game it plays, beginning with a healthy Mateer. Offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis, whose locker is next to Mateer's, said he noticed Mateer struggling last year but observed greater toughness from the experience.