Now that...

[IronHorseSooner]

We are (unfortunately) out of the CWS, the US is out of the World Cup, and conference realignment talk is (at least) on hiatus, lets get back to some on-field football talk. I was thinking about what parts of the team are the strongest. Go ahead and rank them how you see them. Here's mine:

1. DL: If Taylor is healthy, this group will be nasty. J-Mac is ready to step in. The ends might be the best around. Heck, to show how good this group is, we have some outstanding young talent that will have some trouble seeing the field (Washington, King, McGee, Chaisson, Grissom). :hot:

2. Backfield (QB/RB/FB): Landry will be better, and most indications out of camp confirm this. Most Sooner QBs make great strides in their second year. We should be almost embarrassed with the amount of talent we have at RB. Of the top six runners, two were the #1 RBs in their respective classes, another is a senior, and that's not mention three other good young runners. FB could be a surprise with two frosh- Musil and Millard.:pop:

3. LB: Most times when you lose two of three starters at a group, it hurts. The only that "hurts" with this group is how hard they hit. If these guys live up to their billing, this group will be destructive. Travis is on most preseason All-American lists, The Hammer WILL be the hardest hitter in the Big XII, and, well, with Wort, just see my sig. Box will provide a veteran back-up, and would be a starter on most teams.:eek:

4. DB: For all intents and purposes, they return four starters out of five back there. Yes, we lost OUr corners, but we return both safeties (of which QC is one of the best around), and OUr leader in picks last year, Nelson. Also, we return Ibiloye, OUr nickel. Hurst is the most important, in that, teams will try to pick on him out there on an island. Behind all of them are some good young talent (Brent, Trice, Jefferson, Lynn, J. Harris, Colvin, Wilson).:D

5. WR/TE: I believe it is a good sign when a position where there is first team All-American (Broyles) is the fifth best squad on the team. Enough has already been said about The Gamebreaker, but the other guys need to progress. If D. Miller continues to progress, he might be the biggest physical mismatch at this level next year. He has the triangle numbers (he's probably closer to 6'5", 224, and was a star in track in HS), and can make the spectacular catch. Reynolds was solid down the stretch, and will likely be the #2 receiver. Caleb, when healthy, can be a good option, and Kenney just needs to not be tight out there. The young guys could be special. Stills and McCay would be starters out-of-the gate at most places, and Franks and Powell are burners. Ratterree came into his own down the stretch and in spring ball, and needs to be Landry's safety valve. Hanna needs to pick it up, or he will be passed by Haywood and Ikard. Johnson is an interesting prospect at 6'7", 250+.:cool:

6. ST: Broyles and Way may end up being the best around when the dust settles at the end of the year. Both can be game changers. OUr coverage teams will get even better with guys like Jefferson, Nelson, Millard, and Wort. OUr KO returners are a bit of a question. Madu is another solid player, but he can't keep putting it on the turf. Will they put DM back there any? We have other potential prospects that we could put there who could get it done (Clay, Finch, Stills, Franks, Powell, Hurst, even Jefferson). To me, the 800-lb gorilla in the room is kicker- both place and kick-off. My opinion is use Stevens on XPs and FGs under 35 yards. Use O'Hara on longer FGs. For some reason, he seems to be more accurate the further he moves out. For KOs, use Way or O'Hara. Both have strong legs, and being a punter, Way should know how to directional kick. If this gets addressed, OUr STs might end up being a Top 5 national squad.;)

7. OL: No matter how much The Stache improves, no matter how healthy DM is, no matter how the WRs and TEs come along, it will all be futile unless the OL gels and gets back to Sooner quality. I know that some prognosticators believe that some members of the line will have really good years, but we must see it. The thing that this line has going for it is that there is depth. Of the two-deep, eight have been starters. Only Stephenson (would could be the best), and Alandoye (OUr biggest), haven't started or seen significant time. Mensik is now about 295, and is a permanent OL. If the veterans don't pick it up, they will be passed by younger talent this year and next. Eight of the three deep are true frosh (Darryl Williams, Shead, Irwin, Woods, and Thompson) , RS-FRs (Alandoye), or Sophomores (Habern and Evans). Therefore, they could be really good for years to come. Bottom Line: Good, Brandon, and Jones need to play up to their potential, or they will be riding the pine.:confused:

As a side note, I think that the coaching staff made an upgrade. BJW is now back at his comfortable position with the DEs. For all of the problems that the UGA defense had, Martinez knows DBs. He was just promoted beyond his level. :)

[badger]

there's been a few major coaching changes in the conference, so it'll be interesting to see how our opponents changes will effect our team.

I mean... did it matter how talented our team was if Snyder's gameplan was to attack Jason White's knees repeatedly? What if Texas' plan to sweep Suh's leg at the beginning of the Big 12 Championship game worked (anyone who saw the game knows what I'm referring to - a POS o-lineman that couldn't block Suh tried a dirty tactic in the first quarter instead)

[delhalew]

I agree with all of that Iron Horse. I just worry as you mentioned about cohesion on the OL. It would be a shame to see that backfield go to waste...we need a running game.

[JLEW1818]

we still got NBA Free Agency starting on Thursday Midnight :D

[delhalew]

Do we know if Wort is 100% these days. I hope he bounces back and doesn't have a post injury slump. Same for Taylor. We have all seen guys be tentative after a particularly nasty injury. I think Taylor and Wort are both killers, so that has to help the mental aspect.

[delhalew]

we still got NBA Free Agency starting on Thursday Midnight :D

I don't know how to spell the guttural noises that statement brings to mind.

[rawlingsHOH]

We are (unfortunately) out of the CWS, the US is out of the World Cup, and conference realignment talk is (at least) on hiatus, lets get back to some on-field football talk. I was thinking about what parts of the team are the strongest. Go ahead and rank them how you see them. Here's mine:

1. DL: If Taylor is healthy, this group will be nasty. J-Mac is ready to step in. The ends might be the best around. Heck, to show how good this group is, we have some outstanding young talent that will have some trouble seeing the field (Washington, King, McGee, Chaisson, Grissom). :hot:

2. Backfield (QB/RB/FB): Landry will be better, and most indications out of camp confirm this. Most Sooner QBs make great strides in their second year. We should be almost embarrassed with the amount of talent we have at RB. Of the top six runners, two were the #1 RBs in their respective classes, another is a senior, and that's not mention three other good young runners. FB could be a surprise with two frosh- Musil and Millard.:pop:

3. LB: Most times when you lose two of three starters at a group, it hurts. The only that "hurts" with this group is how hard they hit. If these guys live up to their billing, this group will be destructive. Travis is on most preseason All-American lists, The Hammer WILL be the hardest hitter in the Big XII, and, well, with Wort, just see my sig. Box will provide a veteran back-up, and would be a starter on most teams.:eek:

4. DB: For all intents and purposes, they return four starters out of five back there. Yes, we lost OUr corners, but we return both safeties (of which QC is one of the best around), and OUr leader in picks last year, Nelson. Also, we return Ibiloye, OUr nickel. Hurst is the most important, in that, teams will try to pick on him out there on an island. Behind all of them are some good young talent (Brent, Trice, Jefferson, Lynn, J. Harris, Colvin, Wilson).:D

5. WR/TE: I believe it is a good sign when a position where there is first team All-American (Broyles) is the fifth best squad on the team. Enough has already been said about The Gamebreaker, but the other guys need to progress. If D. Miller continues to progress, he might be the biggest physical mismatch at this level next year. He has the triangle numbers (he's probably closer to 6'5", 224, and was a star in track in HS), and can make the spectacular catch. Reynolds was solid down the stretch, and will likely be the #2 receiver. Caleb, when healthy, can be a good option, and Kenney just needs to not be tight out there. The young guys could be special. Stills and McCay would be starters out-of-the gate at most places, and Franks and Powell are burners. Ratterree came into his own down the stretch and in spring ball, and needs to be Landry's safety valve. Hanna needs to pick it up, or he will be passed by Haywood and Ikard. Johnson is an interesting prospect at 6'7", 250+.:cool:

6. ST: Broyles and Way may end up being the best around when the dust settles at the end of the year. Both can be game changers. OUr coverage teams will get even better with guys like Jefferson, Nelson, Millard, and Wort. OUr KO returners are a bit of a question. Madu is another solid player, but he can't keep putting it on the turf. Will they put DM back there any? We have other potential prospects that we could put there who could get it done (Clay, Finch, Stills, Franks, Powell, Hurst, even Jefferson). To me, the 800-lb gorilla in the room is kicker- both place and kick-off. My opinion is use Stevens on XPs and FGs under 35 yards. Use O'Hara on longer FGs. For some reason, he seems to be more accurate the further he moves out. For KOs, use Way or O'Hara. Both have strong legs, and being a punter, Way should know how to directional kick. If this gets addressed, OUr STs might end up being a Top 5 national squad.;)

7. OL: No matter how much The Stache improves, no matter how healthy DM is, no matter how the WRs and TEs come along, it will all be futile unless the OL gels and gets back to Sooner quality. I know that some prognosticators believe that some members of the line will have really good years, but we must see it. The thing that this line has going for it is that there is depth. Of the two-deep, eight have been starters. Only Stephenson (would could be the best), and Alandoye (OUr biggest), haven't started or seen significant time. Mensik is now about 295, and is a permanent OL. If the veterans don't pick it up, they will be passed by younger talent this year and next. Eight of the three deep are true frosh (Darryl Williams, Shead, Irwin, Woods, and Thompson) , RS-FRs (Alandoye), or Sophomores (Habern and Evans). Therefore, they could be really good for years to come. Bottom Line: Good, Brandon, and Jones need to play up to their potential, or they will be riding the pine.:confused:

As a side note, I think that the coaching staff made an upgrade. BJW is now back at his comfortable position with the DEs. For all of the problems that the UGA defense had, Martinez knows DBs. He was just promoted beyond his level. :)


Actually, DL is my biggest question mark. For the first time ever in the Stoops Era they didn't rotate DTs regularly. We didn't develop depth and the guys wore down some later in games (Miami/Nebraska sticks out). We lost McCoy and Taylor is coming off a broken leg. Would have liked to see the youngsters get some more reps in 09. Hopefully they can pick it up quickly!

I think the WR group will be a huge strength. I think Broyles, Miller and Reynolds are legit starters. Kenney and Caleb, capable fill ins. And good incoming talent.



4. DB: For all intents and purposes, they return four starters out of five back there. Yes, we lost OUr corners, but we return both safeties (of which QC is one of the best around), and OUr leader in picks last year, Nelson. Also, we return Ibiloye, OUr nickel.
not following you at all there. ?

[HBick]

Do we know if Wort is 100% these days. I hope he bounces back and doesn't have a post injury slump. Same for Taylor. We have all seen guys be tentative after a particularly nasty injury. I think Taylor and Wort are both killers, so that has to help the mental aspect.

You know I mentioned this about a certain former sooner whose name I got confused, but I think this is a great point. I thought they said Wort was back at 100% during the Spring because he was able to rehab throughout the season. I also think the "killers" point is a great benefit for Taylor and Wort. But a person who might be a bit hesitant after an injury probably wouldn't get a fire engine red mohawk for the spring (at least I like to think so).

[IronHorseSooner]

Actually, DL is my biggest question mark. For the first time ever in the Stoops Era they didn't rotate DTs regularly. We didn't develop depth and the guys wore down some later in games (Miami/Nebraska sticks out). We lost McCoy and Taylor is coming off a broken leg. Would have liked to see the youngsters get some more reps in 09. Hopefully they can pick it up quickly!

I think the WR group will be a huge strength. I think Broyles, Miller and Reynolds are legit starters. Kenney and Caleb, capable fill ins. And good incoming talent.



not following you at all there. ?

I included the nickel-back position as a point of emphasis. Since we are in a pass-happy league, I thought it was a good point.

[oudavid1]

Going into next year, i have this quote from the summer


Bobby Jack Wright on Kenny Stills "He is the real deal baby"

on Blake Bell "He will most likely be the number 2 QB next year"

[BoulderSooner79]

I agree the receiving corp could be a real strength and production from the TE position will be key. Teams will be forced to double Broyles most the time and if Miller is good at using his size, any single coverage should be a mis-match. If we keep using DM in the flat, the middle should be soft for the TE if we can exploit it.

[Joe]

I think most of us will admit that if the OL isn't closer to our top 3 then we're going to have a sub-par year. They have to become beasts at run blocking or we'll lose a game or 2 from A: not being able to run clock B: wearing our defense down C: just the natural nature of being in a shootout in what will likely be away or neutral games.

If anything worries me about the defense is that we're gonna have some problems scheme wise if our tackles don't live up to our expectations. If the tackles don't command double teams it will make it very difficult for our DE's to wreck havoc on the passing game, not to mention make life hell for our LBs during running plays. This will either make us play more conservative or we'll blitz more and I don't know how good our cover skills in the back 7 are in all honesty. Having a Strait or Thompson type newcomer show up would help immensely but that only goes so far. I think it all hinges on how consistently good our tackles play.

[NOVSooner]

I know our LB corps is one of the most aggressive in a while and that is great. my question is, does anyone worry about this group being more aggressive at the expense of losing discipline in regards to their assignments?

[goingoneight]

^^^^ That's what got us killed in 2006. Over-pursuit.

Oh, and Mensik is NOT full-time on the OL. He's listed as the first-team TE right now.

[KantoSooner]

Overall, it would seem that OU has the talent to be very good. Many players have been throught he crucible of last season and are experienced beyond their years. I would agree that the Oline is the biggest question mark; but even there, there is talent.

What stands out to me is the repetition of words like 'gelling', 'discipline', and 'playing to potential'. Some of this is on the players, but more is on the coaching staff and upper classmen providing leadership.

I feel like, at times last year we lacked that and it hurt on the field. I sincerely hope that on and off the field the team leaders get down to business.

We'll know in 68 days.....

[rawlingsHOH]

I included the nickel-back position as a point of emphasis. Since we are in a pass-happy league, I thought it was a good point.

Right, but Ibiloye only played about 90 snaps last season, mostly against the spread happy Kansas and Texas attacks, in our modified dime look, and in some mop-up time. I can't call him a returning starter. Clayton was the real starter at nickel.

I think replacing both corners will be tough, but should do fine. Hopefully Proctor can step up his game as well!

[rawlingsHOH]

^^^^ That's what got us killed in 2006. Over-pursuit.

Oh, and Mensik is NOT full-time on the OL. He's listed as the first-team TE right now.

At 290, the only TE he'd be playing would be on short yardage.

[SunnySooner]

I'm curious to see if we can tell any difference in the team after this spring's "double" practice--ya know, where they divided the whole team into 2 O's and 2 D's, giving everyone a lot more reps, a lot less standing around waiting for your turn. I think we stole the idea from Bama? Anyway, just wondering if it will show in the fall, will we look more like a late October team in early Sept. as a result of all the additional reps, will we be in better shape, etc.?

I was also surprised to see Bob in an interview the other day talking about T Rat saving the shutout against aggy last year, he gave him a defensive game ball, the defense was all over him, all that, but then the reporter asked if T Rat had been given a scholly yet, since he was a walk-on, and Bob said "No, that hasn't happened yet." WTH??? I guess if he's willing to play and work his *** off without one, then it leaves one open for some hot recruit, but I felt kinda bad for Rat. Anyone know of any other non-scholly player getting this much playing time? He's #2 on the depth chart, behind Mensik for TE. Seems like he should have a scholly. I woulda given him one for saving the shutout, that was both allsome and hilarious, a rare combo.

[IronHorseSooner]

The only other non-scholly guys who I can think who will see the field would be specialists- i.e. O'Hara, Moreland, or Nimmo as the holder. I don't know if Lepak ever got a scholarship or not. They list him as a former walk-on in his bio, but I have no idea.

I know they list Mensik as a TE on the depth chart, but his position listing is as an OL. Also, I agree, I don't know of a whole lot of 290 plus pound TEs, even in the NFL. Most range from about 225 as a pass catcher (Ratterree), to 265 as a blocker (Eldridge). Gresh was an exception at about 260. If Mensik is the primary TE, then that would mean, to my novice eye, that we would be looking to do a lot more power running this year.

BTW, I love the BJW statement about Stills. The thing is, who would he replace in the line up? Broyles...HECK NO! Miller...match-up nightmare, so, not likely. Reynolds was solid down the stretch. However, if I was Miller or Reynolds, I would watch my back. I think he has passed, if not officially on the two-deep list, Caleb and Kenney.

[KantoSooner]

Lad's got speed and hands like fruit baskets. Seems to me Bobby'll find a place on the field for him....

[badger]

on Blake Bell "He will most likely be the number 2 QB next year"

What about the guy from Alamo Heights... is it Drew Allen?

(NP is from Alamo Heights, so gotta ask about him!)

[goingoneight]

I find it hard to believe Drew Allen OR Blake Bell will see the field much barring the unthinkable. After Utah State, the schedule gets really tough for a young team to just be on cruise control ala 2008.

[PalmBeachSooner]

Lad's got speed and hands like fruit baskets. Seems to me Bobby'll find a place on the field for him....

I look for Kevin Wilson to play mind games with Stills and afew other players for most of the year.

[NOVSooner]

I look for Kevin Wilson to play mind games with Stills and afew other players for most of the year.

i can see this b/c he plays mind games all year with the fans too wondering "what in the world is calling that play again for"......mind games i tell ya! just had to! :D

[oudavid1]

I heard Drew isnt progressing the way they had hoped but either way Blake will get a redshirt. And i personally like Drew a lot, he and my brother are good friends i wish all the best to him. But that is what i heard. And Landry is to tough to get hurt IMO, though it did look like he was hurt on the very last play of the Sun Bowl...not that it would matter he just appeared to be limping.

[goingoneight]

The only other non-scholly guys who I can think who will see the field would be specialists- i.e. O'Hara, Moreland, or Nimmo as the holder. I don't know if Lepak ever got a scholarship or not. They list him as a former walk-on in his bio, but I have no idea.

I know they list Mensik as a TE on the depth chart, but his position listing is as an OL. Also, I agree, I don't know of a whole lot of 290 plus pound TEs, even in the NFL. Most range from about 225 as a pass catcher (Ratterree), to 265 as a blocker (Eldridge). Gresh was an exception at about 260. If Mensik is the primary TE, then that would mean, to my novice eye, that we would be looking to do a lot more power running this year.

BTW, I love the BJW statement about Stills. The thing is, who would he replace in the line up? Broyles...HECK NO! Miller...match-up nightmare, so, not likely. Reynolds was solid down the stretch. However, if I was Miller or Reynolds, I would watch my back. I think he has passed, if not officially on the two-deep list, Caleb and Kenney.

Until someone here can say they've put Mensik on the scale, I'm gonna go by what I've heard and seen that he's back at TE. No offense to anyone's sources, I know he played in a reserve tackle role last season, FTR.

As for fitting Stills into the mix, if the guy really is as good as people want him to be... it's not like having a fourth receiver is a bad thing. It's not like we don't run four and five-wide every now and then.

[oudavid1]

As for fitting Stills into the mix, if the guy really is as good as people want him to be... it's not like having a fourth receiver is a bad thing. It's not like we don't run four and five-wide every now and then.

There not talking about him being the #4, i have another source that confirms hes been working with the 1st string O.

The word is: Stills will be starting with Broyles and a mix of Reynolds and Miller

[rawlingsHOH]

Until someone here can say they've put Mensik on the scale, I'm gonna go by what I've heard and seen that he's back at TE. No offense to anyone's sources, I know he played in a reserve tackle role last season, FTR.

As for fitting Stills into the mix, if the guy really is as good as people want him to be... it's not like having a fourth receiver is a bad thing. It's not like we don't run four and five-wide every now and then.

you've seen him back at TE???

[ouwasp]

The OL simply must be better than last year. I hope the DTs are a very pleasant surprise for us.

[gaylordfan1]

Who knows, Stills may be the bad a** that we have heard about and still may not start. That doesn't mean he won't see significant playing time. If he is that good he will replace the person that is slipping at the time.

[gaylordfan1]

I think Mensik will play both positions as needed.... OL if someone has gone down, and at TE for the running game. Plus, I doubt those extra pounds would make him forget how to catch the ball. Would be handy having a large TE for short yardage.... running and passing.

[NormanPride]

The development of our corners and the comeback of Taylor are key. You may see us trying to hold on to the ball early to give the D rest until they get their feet. Nelson is a star no matter where we put him in the secondary, and we have other good safeties to plug in. Hurst was great in backup roles and even pushed Jackson for a starting role last year (was mostly a scare tactic, though).

OL will be fine, IMO. Not great, but fine. If we can finally solve the running game then we'll be back to domination on offense.

[swardboy]

I'm hoping everything I'm reading about Stills here is true. Can you imagine the candle it's lighting under the veterans to improve? Competition will only make them better. Fierce competition should make them go lights out on every play....he's right behiiiind you.

[IronHorseSooner]

I'm hoping everything I'm reading about Stills here is true. Can you imagine the candle it's lighting under the veterans to improve? Competition will only make them better. Fierce competition should make them go lights out on every play....he's right behiiiind you.

This is what I like to hear. It's not like guys like Miller, Caleb, and Kenney aren't good athletes, but guys like the ones we have coming here will pass all of them unless they can be consistent. In fact, those three are extremely athletic, but they need to be consistent.

[MiccoMacey]

IronHorse,

I disagree about the OLine just a little.

I don't think it played poorly given what it went through. Injuries are a part ot the game and as such aren't an excuse for poor play.

Having said that, to deny injuries had a severe impact on our OLine's play would be just as silly. I thought they played pretty well considering how many injuries they sustained. How many diffrent starting line-ups were there? How many times did a line-up change in the middle of the game because someone was injured?

It's difficult to be an elite unit when that unit is constantly changing. However, they did do well enough to let our offense score 31 points a game, and amass over 423 yards a game. Both those stats are in the top 1/3 of all other teams who didn't sustain the injuries we did.

Was our OLine play up to the standards we are normally used to? No.

Did they play exceptionally well considering the circumstances they were given? I think they did admirably. And I think they're going to be one of the more stable and dependable areas on our team this year.

[texaspokieokie]

OUDave

Landry is to (or too) tuff to get hurt ???

i sure hope so !!!!!!!!

[oudavid1]

OUDave

Landry is to (or too) tuff to get hurt ???

i sure hope so !!!!!!!!

My B on the grammar, i tend to lose focus here on SoonerFans

[IronHorseSooner]

IronHorse,

I disagree about the OLine just a little.

I don't think it played poorly given what it went through. Injuries are a part ot the game and as such aren't an excuse for poor play.

Having said that, to deny injuries had a severe impact on our OLine's play would be just as silly. I thought they played pretty well considering how many injuries they sustained. How many diffrent starting line-ups were there? How many times did a line-up change in the middle of the game because someone was injured?

It's difficult to be an elite unit when that unit is constantly changing. However, they did do well enough to let our offense score 31 points a game, and amass over 423 yards a game. Both those stats are in the top 1/3 of all other teams who didn't sustain the injuries we did.

Was our OLine play up to the standards we are normally used to? No.

Did they play exceptionally well considering the circumstances they were given? I think they did admirably. And I think they're going to be one of the more stable and dependable areas on our team this year.

Understood, but it's all relative. Compared to all of the groups, it would likely be last, but it also has a great potential to be quite productive. They know that they are under the microscope, but Coach Stoops did give them some props coming out of the spring. They are also the only group on there without a definite big-time player. On one hand, that is not uncommon with OLs, but I can't name one of them that I would definitely put on an All Conference Team. Whereas the DBs have QC and Nelson, the WRs have Broyles, the backfield has DM and the Stache, the DL has Beal and Taylor, the LBs have Travis Lewis, and Special Teams have Broyles and Way. I know that there are some mags out there that have as many as four of them on various 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams, but I am not as confident with them as I am with others. However, I did note that there is talent and a world of depth there, maybe not seen in a long time. We have a legit three-deep at all 5 spots. :D They did play admirably last year, which shows to their character, but somebody had to be last. I will say this, however, that I believe that two of them will be First Team All Conference at the end of the season. My bet is on Good and Habern.

[MiccoMacey]

I get you...and it is all relative. Somebody had to be last.

I just think it's going to be a much bigger strength by the end of the year than most think. I think we agree on this.

Either or, I can't wait until September 4th.

[redkid]

IronHorse,

I disagree about the OLine just a little.

I don't think it played poorly given what it went through. Injuries are a part ot the game and as such aren't an excuse for poor play.

Having said that, to deny injuries had a severe impact on our OLine's play would be just as silly. I thought they played pretty well considering how many injuries they sustained. How many diffrent starting line-ups were there? How many times did a line-up change in the middle of the game because someone was injured?

It's difficult to be an elite unit when that unit is constantly changing. However, they did do well enough to let our offense score 31 points a game, and amass over 423 yards a game. Both those stats are in the top 1/3 of all other teams who didn't sustain the injuries we did.

Was our OLine play up to the standards we are normally used to? No.

Did they play exceptionally well considering the circumstances they were given? I think they did admirably. And I think they're going to be one of the more stable and dependable areas on our team this year.


THIS IS RIGHT ON

[redkid]

As for our LB"s "mark this down" Ronnel Lewis when its all said and done will leave OU as 1 of the top 5 LB's to ever play on the sacred GF Memorial field ..

[oudavid1]

As for our LB"s "mark this down" Ronnel Lewis when its all said and done will leave OU as 1 of the top 5 LB's to ever play on the sacred GF Memorial field ..

Thats quite a prediction, i hope your right rookie

[prrriiide]

As for our LB"s "mark this down" Ronnel Lewis when its all said and done will leave OU as 1 of the top 5 LB's to ever play on the sacred GF Memorial field ..

1. as long as he stays healthy

2. as long as he continues to leave his conscience in his locker on game day

3. as long as he doesn't permanantly injure someone

AFA the OL: they will be much improved this season just by the nature of having some position stability. Our blocking schemes are complex enough that I don't think any one person could really absorb all of the assignments for all of the OL positions and execute them consistently. Our OLmen spent a good part of last season looking for someone to block because they didn't get who they were supposed to on the snap. Not their fault; most of the time they hadn't been in that position for more then a week's worth of practice. Take away our OL injuries and/or add a little depth, and there was enough talent and ability there to get us W's vs. Miami, *, and Nebbish (twice).

[IronHorseSooner]

I will say this, that if the OL gels, there is nobody on that schedule that we shouldn't beat. Yes, there will be some tough games, but they are all winnable. I will again point out the depth- 8 of the 10 in the two-deep (if you count Mensik), started at some point last year. Stephenson is in his 4th year in this system. Two of the incoming OL recruits were in camp this spring, as well, and all of them were in contact through last year developing a rapport. I like where we are this year in relation to last year, even though we had T-Will.

[gaylordfan1]

I'm just glad we're talking OU football once again and not the realignment scenario crap!

[gaylordfan1]

I have confidence in the OL, but will wait until I see it on the field!

[oudavid1]

I have confidence in the OL, but will wait until I see it on the field!

I dont think they could be any worse, that settles it. ha :D