NORMAN — As Oklahoma walk-on quarterback Baker Mayfield battles to gain immediate eligibility, he has a powerful partner by his side.

Mayfield’s family has hired Jim Darnell, the attorney who represented Johnny Manziel last season and has plenty of experience going head-to-head with the NCAA.

The family is hoping to have Mayfield declared eligible through an appeal to the NCAA. But if the NCAA denies the appeal, the case could go to court.

“I’ve done it and I’ve had some success with it,” Darnell said. “I take a look at all of them. Coaches are oftentimes getting (mistreated). They’ve got a little bit of leeway to fight but kids don’t have any. Sometimes you’ve got to jump in and get into the fight because it’s the right thing to do and this is one of those fights that’s the right thing to do.”