Austin Box Moved To Middle Linebacker

[CK Sooner]

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/

"Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and defensive coordinator Brent Venables said today that they plan to move backup weak-side linebacker Austin Box to the middle linebacker spot to help replace the loss of starter Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds, the heart and soul of OU's defense, suffered a torn right ACL against Texas on Saturday and is out for the season. It was his third major knee injury in as many years.

Venables said he's not sure if Box, a freshman, will start at middle linebacker. He said that would get worked out through the week. But Box appears to be the guy. Venables also didn't rule out possibly using starting weak-side linebacker Travis Lewis and/or reserve Mike Balogun in the middle. But Venables really doesn't want to move Lewis after the start he's had this year. Lewis had a career-high 19 tackles against Texas and leads the team with 59 tackles this season. Reserve MLB Brandon Crow could also see more playing time with Reynolds out, but Box will be given first shot.

As much as anything, OU will miss Reynolds for his leadership and he handled the play-calling for the defense on the field."

[sooner59]

He has got to be better than Crow. I watched Crow in high school and never thought he was that great. Box looks like he could be a beast if he gets they mental side of playing MLB down. We'll see I guess.

[swardboy]

Opportunity knocks Mr. Box.....

[AlbqSooner]

Thanks for the post.

[CK Sooner]

He has got to be better than Crow. I watched Crow in high school and never thought he was that great. Box looks like he could be a beast if he gets they mental side of playing MLB down. We'll see I guess.

Box played safety at Enid High, so his pass coverage skills should be good.

I went to high school with him, he can play.

[sooner59]

Then go Box!

[Soonerus]

Do you think Box can stop the runs up the middle...big job ???

[Lott's Bandana]

AB is an athlete and pretty savvy. He will definitely understand the magnitude of his opportunity.

Seems like MLB would be a good fit for a former QB. He should be able to get some sense of play development in front of him.

Plus, he's tall. :P

[CK Sooner]

Do you think Box can stop the runs up the middle...big job ???

I think he can.

We will see Saturday.

[ousooners182]

yes i wanted to hear that...box should step up..

hell this is his chance...travis lewis stepped up out of nowhere and became our best linebacker.

lets see if box will make the most of his opportunity and play good

[Soonerus]

Definitely opportunity knocks and KU will be a good test for the MLB...

[BigRedJed]

Here's hoping he hits the ground running...

[Soonerus]

I kind of liked the idea of trying Jeremy Beal in the middle...

[ousooners182]

beal with the middle and maybe pullin a redshirt off rj..

but i dont think beal could mentally handle a switch from d end to mid backer thats a huge change...but he is DEFINITELY athletic enough.

[CaliBornSoonerBred]

That's why recruits come to big schools, to get a chance to show what they can do when the opportunity arises. Mr. Box has been given a golden opportunity to be the man at MLB for years to come if he can make it happen. Best of luck to him and this opportunity and hope it works out because I do not like these weeks of all of us posting/jumping off the ledge due to a loss.

[Soonerus]

Is Box a true Middle Linebacker ??? If so, why was he being played on the outside ???

[CatfishSooner]

Y'all think Beal is fast enough to play LB?

[CK Sooner]

Y'all think Beal is fast enough to play LB?

I think so, I think Austin is the answer.

[Soonerus]

Y'all think Beal is fast enough to play LB?

Speed not a requirement, look at Reynolds...

[CK Sooner]

Is Box a true Middle Linebacker ??? If so, why was he being played on the outside ???

True outside linebacker, but he is built like a middle linebacker.

He could play both pretty well.

[CK Sooner]

Speed not a requirement, look at Reynolds...

You still have to have decent speed though.

I think Ryan was faster than you guys think.

[Partial Qualifier]

Do you guys think Box can handle the penetration ?

[CatfishSooner]

Reynolds faster than Beal...

[Partial Qualifier]

You gotta think opposing fullbacks are gonna try to stuff that Box like nobody's business.

[CK Sooner]

Do you guys think Box can handle the penetration ?

Yes...

[CK Sooner]

Reynolds faster than Beal...

Def.

[Partial Qualifier]

I mean, for reals, opposing blockers are gonna pound that Box as much as possible.

Can't say I blame 'em, but still.

[Soonerus]

I have a feeling Box is not a good answer or they would have already prepared him to fill for Reynolds who has been somewhat injury-prone...

[sooneron]

Do you guys think Box can handle the penetration ?

heh

[CK Sooner]

I have a feeling Box is not a good answer or they would have already prepared him to fill for Reynolds who has been somewhat injury-prone...

I think he will step up.

[Soonerus]

I think he will step up.

I certainly hope so...

[StoopTroup]

Everyone said this was going to happen....

Seems like a good move to me...

Good Luck Austin!

[Partial Qualifier]

heh

:D

[CatfishSooner]

I mean, for reals, opposing blockers are gonna pound that Box as much as possible.

Can't say I blame 'em, but still.

Well, I mean, wouldn't you????:confused:


I would....:O

[CK Sooner]

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=40659&Sport=1

http://newsok.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=19277&Sport=1

Austin is taller and weighed the same as Reynolds coming out of high school and I bet Austin is faster.

Austin gained a few pounds since he got to OU.

[CatfishSooner]

I agree w/ Rus....why the hell wasn't Box prepared when everyone knows Reynolds hasn't had the best of luck w/ his knees????

I hope he steps up...

[ousooners182]

i think he will...
i called miss cleo and she said he will

[stoops the eternal pimp]

8 men in the box all of a sudden sounds real ghey

[ousooners182]

lmao

[CK Sooner]

lm-0f6Sl5bU

[CK Sooner]

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/tannerholmes/n505067224_132405_593-1.jpg

[CatfishSooner]

well, he looks pretty damn fast there!

[ratedrsuperstar]

Box looks like he could be a beast if he gets they mental side of playing MLB down. We'll see I guess.

What does Major League Baseball have to do with him playing for OU ???

[ousooners182]

thats a joke right...

[CatfishSooner]

a stupid joke...

[CK Sooner]

thats a joke right...

Nope, that's why he is red.

:D

[ousooners182]

makes sense

[birddog]

i think he'll do really well there. he's been around long enough to know the system, (as simplisitic as it seemed on saturday) and the coaches said he likes to lay wood. i'll bet he moves quicker than reynolds sideline-to-sideline.

[MyT Oklahoma]

Good plan. Real good plan.
_________________________________________
"This is the voice of The Sooner Football Network."

[tulsaoilerfan]

So why didn't the coaches have a viable back-up ready to play in case Reynolds got hurt during a game? Seems to me like they are in scramble mode

[AzianSooner]

Can Box boxes the opponent's RB and draw a box around the opponent's QB?

it will be answered after this week.

[OUthunder]

AB looks a little small to be playing MLB. I hope that he can handle it physically.

[The Maestro]

Box...penetration...is this a serious thread???

Hell, who knows. I have said it since the Fiesta Bowl. Score 50 and don't worry about defense.

[Curly Bill]

Box...penetration...is this a serious thread???

Hell, who knows. I have said it since the Fiesta Bowl. Score 50 and don't worry about defense.

There will probably be more games this year where 50 will be required to get a win. :mad: :( :mad: :( :mad: :( :mad: :( :mad: :( :mad: :( :mad:

[VA Sooner]

I'm not sure why they didn't put Box into the Texas game in the first place... I saw his high school highlight films and the boy is a beast... very hard hitting. Check out Youtube and you can find his films around. I think he'll be OK in the middle.

[Scott D]

Is Box a true Middle Linebacker ??? If so, why was he being played on the outside ???

Reynolds was an OLB until Lofton up and left a year early. It's more about picking up the mental part of the game inside than outside.

[JLEW1818]

I think Box being the middle linebacker is going to be something special in the future. Then all of a sudden Next year we will return 3 Starting linebackers.

[Dan Thompson]

I never realized how good Reynolds was until he was out.

[insuranceman_22]

Box in the middle isn't a bad idea. With Lewis, Clayton & Box, we'll have incredible speed at LB. Clayton ran down Obwhatshisname from Tx.

When are the Box in the middle vs possible condom match up jokes coming, big potential there?

[Big Red Ron]

Who's going to call the plays and take that role of getting players aligned? That's what's got me worried.

[FrostySooner]

I think Austin will do a pretty good job. I questioned why we didn't try him last week when Crow was not playing so well.

What about JR Bryant or Mike Balogun? Maybe they are the answer.

[adoniijahsooner]

Who's going to call the plays and take that role of getting players aligned? That's what's got me worried.

Nic Harris I believe.

[OU_Sooners75]

Do you think Box can stop the runs up the middle...big job ???

If he can see the field and get the calls down. If he can stay in position and play disciplined. If he can tackle, he will stop the runs up the middle.

[OU_Sooners75]

So why didn't the coaches have a viable back-up ready to play in case Reynolds got hurt during a game? Seems to me like they are in scramble mode

Screw it. I will say it!

Because Brent Venerables and the rest of the defensive coaching staff has an unbelievable knack at not preparing back up players in the back 7!

Honestly, how many games in conference play (which generally are closer games) has the back-ups been rotated in the game?

If we can rotate DL, RBs, WRs, OL, TEs, why can't we rotate in LBs and DBs?

[htownsooner7]

Reynolds had played a pretty solid game up until the injury. Box will need to step up, but he couldn't ask for a better situation to do it in. Our dline occupies blocks pretty damn well. Get some linebackers that run to the ball and you can be successful. Hopefully, Box flies to the ball.

[ousooners182]

Reynolds had played a pretty solid game up until the injury. Box will need to step up, but he couldn't ask for a better situation to do it in. Our dline occupies blocks pretty damn well. Get some linebackers that run to the ball and you can be successful. Hopefully, Box flies to the ball.

exactly

[Lott's Bandana]

Get some linebackers that run to the ball and you can be successful. Hopefully, Box flies to the ball.

We have to keep in mind that he had a flat tire during the spring as well...although he seemed to get around pretty well in earlier games.

[Lott's Bandana]

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/tannerholmes/n505067224_132405_593-1.jpg

Oh, and hasn't he played this year with #12??

[Scott D]

Who's going to call the plays and take that role of getting players aligned? That's what's got me worried.

That was my concern the moment I saw the trainers working on Reynolds on the field. Someone is going to have to step up their preparation in the film room for sure.

[TMcGee86]

i think he'll do really well there. he's been around long enough to know the system, (as simplisitic as it seemed on saturday) and the coaches said he likes to lay wood. i'll bet he moves quicker than reynolds sideline-to-sideline.

huh, Box likes to lay wood.


makes sense i guess.

[Jason White's Third Knee]

I'm not sure why they didn't put Box into the Texas game in the first place... I saw his high school highlight films and the boy is a beast... very hard hitting. Check out Youtube and you can find his films around. I think he'll be OK in the middle.


I heard from some Enid folks that he is a bit of a knucklehead. Probably waiting for him to mature a bit. I got the sense that he let the glory (adrenaline and emotion) get to his head and would do some stupid things like a highly rated QB that played for us a few years ago. That's only based on what I heard from a few from Enid.

He's got the skill. He just needs to get his head screwed on straight.

[Jason White's Third Knee]

Screw it. I will say it!

Because Brent Venerables and the rest of the defensive coaching staff has an unbelievable knack at not preparing back up players in the back 7!

Honestly, how many games in conference play (which generally are closer games) has the back-ups been rotated in the game?

If we can rotate DL, RBs, WRs, OL, TEs, why can't we rotate in LBs and DBs?


I've never heard of DB rotations unless the game was out of hand or they were putting in different packages.

Rotations are only done on the D line to my knowledge and that's with every program.

[Lott's Bandana]

That was my concern the moment I saw the trainers working on Reynolds on the field. Someone is going to have to step up their preparation in the film room for sure.

He actually did it in the first half with just over a minute left...saw him limping and walking gingerly on the knee....he toughed it out for a while but that train was coming.

[swardboy]

This Box is no poosy...or so I'm told.

[JLEW1818]

Lewis is going to be a stud

[Lott's Bandana]

I heard from some Enid folks that he is a bit of a knucklehead. Probably waiting for him to mature a bit. I got the sense that he let the glory (adrenaline and emotion) get to his head and would do some stupid things like a highly rated QB that played for us a few years ago. That's only based on what I heard from a few from Enid.

He's got the skill. He just needs to get his head screwed on straight.

He ain't that much of a knucklehead. Check out this clip of Mr. Box on National Letter of Intent Day:

bJTNdIQqmTQ&feature

"Kiss my azz aggy and whorns!"

[8timechamps]

Moving from an OLB to a MLB is a big tranistion. For example, the Denver Broncos (I know, I know, it's NFL) moved their best OLB D.J. Williams from OLB to MLB last year after the retirement of MLB Al Wilson. Williams is a physical monster and a smart player. He struggled all year. This year, they moved him back to OLB, and he's playing much better.

The fact the AB is a 2nd team OLB tells me that there is no way he was prepared to move to a position that he doesn't play or practice. Sounds like an easy move, but in reality it's not. It would be like moving Nic Harris to corner. Sounds easy, but there's a whole lot to learn about playing a new position.

Crow was probably the best choice at the time, since he's practiced there.

Unfortunatley for Crow, he was put into a huge game and replacing the defensive leader. Tough situation for any untested player.

AB certainly has the physical skills to play MLB. I suppose the only question is his mental ability to play there.

[Lott's Bandana]

Moving from an OLB to a MLB is a big tranistion. For example, the Denver Broncos (I know, I know, it's NFL) moved their best OLB D.J. Williams from OLB to MLB last year after the retirement of MLB Al Wilson. Williams is a physical monster and a smart player. He struggled all year. This year, they moved him back to OLB, and he's playing much better.

.


Chuck Knox wasted Boz's best years in the wrong position as well.

[picasso]

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/

"Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and defensive coordinator Brent Venables said today that they plan to move backup weak-side linebacker Austin Box to the middle linebacker spot to help replace the loss of starter Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds, the heart and soul of OU's defense, suffered a torn right ACL against Texas on Saturday and is out for the season. It was his third major knee injury in as many years.

Venables said he's not sure if Box, a freshman, will start at middle linebacker. He said that would get worked out through the week. But Box appears to be the guy. Venables also didn't rule out possibly using starting weak-side linebacker Travis Lewis and/or reserve Mike Balogun in the middle. But Venables really doesn't want to move Lewis after the start he's had this year. Lewis had a career-high 19 tackles against Texas and leads the team with 59 tackles this season. Reserve MLB Brandon Crow could also see more playing time with Reynolds out, but Box will be given first shot.

As much as anything, OU will miss Reynolds for his leadership and he handled the play-calling for the defense on the field."

Lewis could have made big play for us on the goal line.

[CK Sooner]

I got a new sig.

:D

[KantoSooner]

Any word on Balogun? I had thought he sounded pretty good,but he's like the invisible man these days.

[CK Sooner]

Any word on Balogun? I had thought he sounded pretty good,but he's like the invisible man these days.

Last thing I heard on him was that he couldn't learn the defense.

[Curly Bill]

Last thing I heard on him was that he couldn't learn the defense.

Is that a plus or minus for him in light of our most recent defensive performance? :D

[CK Sooner]

Is that a plus or minus for him in light of our most recent defensive performance? :D

:D