***Offishul PreSeason Practice Update Thread***

[Collier11]

Post anything significant in here that you hear out of practices or stuff that the coaches have to say...

[Collier11]

Stoops came out and said this freshman class could be his best ever, weve discussed that but more specifically I have heard that Roy Finch looks like a stud after two practices and might see PT this year.

[Collier11]

Adrian Taylor is progressing, Murdock thinks he will likely be more of a nose guard type that is a space filler than a pass rusher. Taylor says that he is seeing significant improvements about every 2 weeks

[Collier11]

Some podcasts from the SA

Interview with Stoops

http://thesportsanimal.com/article.asp?ID=1905931&spid=23316&cn=&ED=1%2F1%2F1900

Interview with Kevin Wilson

http://thesportsanimal.com/article.asp?ID=1905933&spid=23316&cn=&ED=1%2F1%2F1900

Interview with Adrian Taylor

http://thesportsanimal.com/article.asp?ID=1906057&spid=23316&cn=&ED=1%2F1%2F1900

Interview with Broyles

http://thesportsanimal.com/article.asp?ID=1906063&spid=23316&cn=&ED=1%2F1%2F1900

Interview with Ronnell Lewis

http://thesportsanimal.com/article.asp?ID=1906062&spid=23316&cn=&ED=1%2F1%2F1900

[JLEW1818]

sticky please!

[Dan Thompson]

When are they going to start interviewing JH

[GottaHavePride]

St4b8Y!!!111!!11oneoneone



It's better than most of the speculation in here, anyway... ;)

[Collier11]

http://newsok.com/ou-football-notes-safety-tony-jefferson-surging-cornerback-competition-continues/article/3483489?custom_click=rss


Ok, so far what ive heard is that Tony Jefferson, Aaron Colvin, Roy Finch, and Gabe Ikard have all looked good as fresh/RS Fresh

Apparently Blake Bell looks great as well

[OK2U]

The injuries begin...
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/wp-content/imagescaler/8581d62d7ad6475052707ac6a5a69816.jpg
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/07/what-did-bob-stoops-do-to-his-ankle/

[oudavid1]

The injuries begin...
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/wp-content/imagescaler/8581d62d7ad6475052707ac6a5a69816.jpg


http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/07/what-did-bob-stoops-do-to-his-ankle/

LOL!

[delhalew]

When's the last time you've seen Stoops this fired up? That SA interview was awesome. Stoops was a real funny mood.

[JLEW1818]

off topic,


Manny Johnson should get some playing time tonight for Dallas

[delhalew]

I hope BV is right about the secondary. That is the one spot that worries me on D.

[Collier11]

Here is a new highlight video of Dejuan Miller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68MHM5RGC24&feature=player_embedded

[Collier11]

Word is floating around that Matthew Moreland quit the team, can anyone confirm this?

[Collier11]

Story about the O-line

http://newsok.com/o-line-still-the-question/article/3483512


Story about the program as a whole

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/sports/ncaafootball/08sooners.html?_r=1

[StoopTroup]

I hear everyone on the Team gets a Mack Brown Chia Head when we bring home the RRSO Trophy.

[KantoSooner]

The one with the lichens on the teeth?


Man, one of them would be a hell of a motivator!

[OK2U]

Hammer Time:
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/09/ou-practice-report-aug-9/

The Sooners went full pads for the first time, and it didn’t take long for head-hunter Ronnell Lewis to make others feel his presence in 1-on-1 drills.

“The biggest of the day? Man, Ronnell, The Hammer, as usual, laying people out. He hit little Roy Finch,” said running back Jonathan Miller. “I felt bad for him. Ronnell is every bit of a man. We do what we can when we go against Ronnell. But he’s like a freight train.

Lewis is 6-2, 240. Finch is 5-8, 180.

* Speaking of Miller, much has been made about Finch and OU’s other blue-chip tailback Brennan Clay.

But don’t forget about Miller. Last season as a true freshman, he tore his meniscus while blocking on a kickoff return against Texas A&M last season.

But now, he says he’s 100 percent.

Miller was impressive last season in spot time, averaging 7.2 yards per carry before the injury.

“The few carries I did get inspired me to get where I was before the knee,” Miller said.

Miller is part of a compelling five-man competition for carries behind starter DeMarco Murray.

Miller is battling with Finch, Clay, Jermie Calhoun and senior Mossis Madu.

“Competition makes everyone better,” said RB coach Cale Gundy. “Definitely the depth I have is pushing everybody.”

* The Sooners have made some tweaks on special teams. Tress Way is focused solely on punting and is no longer part of the competition at place-kicker. Right now, Pat O’Hara, Jimmy Stevens, Bryce Easley and walk-on Michael Hunnicutt are competing to be the place-kicker, and according to Bob Stoops, that competition is wide open. Based on last season, O’Hara has the edge, but the job is not his yet.

“It’s gonna be, who can be the most consistent,” Stoops said.

Last year’s kickoff specialist, Matthew Moreland, is not with the team while he deals with an academic issue.

The Sooners are hopeful to get him back before the season opener, but planning to be without him. If that’s the case, either Way or Hunnicutt will handle kickoffs.

Finally, OU has gotten a pleasant surprise at holder in the form of Southmoore walk-on Nyko Symonds. Way noted Symonds is as good at holding as Carter Whitson was. Symonds or Nimmo will handle the holds, while James Winchester will do the snapping.

“The snaps and holds right now are excellent,” Stoops said.

* Who will be joining Ryan Broyles on kickoff returns? That remains a fluid situation. DeMarco Murray said he wants to return kickoffs today, but hasn’t been told he will. Murray has twice been knocked out for the season on special teams, and the Sooners want to be careful not to expose him to another injury. Finch and Clay will be given shots to show they can do it. Jonathan Nelson, Demontre Hurst and Kenny Stills are capable, too.

* WR coach Jay Norvell indicated maybe only 1-2 other freshmen WR will avoid redshirt along with Stills. And he said the deciding factor will be who contributes most on special teams.

So far, that appears to be Justin McCay. McCay is still raw as a receiver, but an unbelievable athlete, who can tackle and run from A to B as fast as any of the freshman wideouts.

* Tyler Evans is working exclusively at right guard. Last year, due to injuries, Evans had to move around. He likes having just one position.

“Nice to worry just about one spot,” he said.

* Stoops had the following update on Justin Chaisson today:

“He’s working through some personal issues. He is not with the team right now and we’ll make a decision here in a week or two whether he’ll rejoin or not.”

Don’t expect Chaisson to be back, at least this season.

-JT

[OK2U]

Interview w/ Box:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1110806

Q: The big name around here already is running back Roy Finch.
Box: (Laughing) Oh my goodness. We've already been through one practice and you can already tell that he's going to make some people miss this fall. Heck, he'll probably make me look stupid a few times. He's a great young talent and I'm excited to see him on the field.

[OK2U]

J. Reynolds Interview:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1110586

Q: Was there a first-year guy you were anxious to see?
Reynolds: Well from a wide receiver stand point it was Kenny Stills. He had such a good spring game that I'm really interested to see how he improves during the fall and up to the season opener. But as far as the team goes, I was really impressed watching that little running back, Roy Finch run.

Roy--you better watch that kid now. He's quick, he's lightning quick. Yesterday in practice he was making ridiculous cuts and making veteran guys look foolish out there. Roy's going to get some touches this year and he's going to be really good.

[OK2U]

D. Miller interview:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1111101

Q: Is there a new teammate who raised your eyebrows on Day 1?
Miller: I have to say Kenny Stills. He looked really good yesterday and kind of showed us that what he did in the spring game wasn't a fluke. I told him yesterday that I'm excited to see what he has in store for this season after what he did back in April.

[birddog]

ronnell is insanely huge...

http://www.soonersports.com/allaccess/index.html?media=184547

[birddog]

http://www.soonersports.com/allaccess/index.html?media=184538

[Collier11]

Thx guys, keep em comin

[oudavid1]

I just bought a portable radio so i can listen to Bob and Merv at the games this fall!

[OK2U]

Murray to return kicks early in games:
http://newsok.com/ou-football-notebook-demarco-murray-to-return-kicks/article/3483829

[delhalew]

(Edit) lol say the part at the end of the last link on Finch taking a hit. That was a good read.

Bill King on Rivals was talking about our freshmen difference makers. While talking about Finch, he mentioned Finch was introduced to the hammer in practce:D. Luckily, I don't think he got hurt, but Ronnell gave him a proper welcome to D1 football.

[NormanPride]

Hearing good things about Aaron Colvin and Geneo Grissom. Adam Shead also looks the part, but we all know that OL need to learn technique before they start. Still, good to have a kid that ready to go.

[OK2U]

J. Miller/Calhoun update:
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/10/rbs-jermie-calhoun-jonathan-miller-vying-for-carries/

[OK2U]

Q. Carter talks about defense, The Hammer (video):
http://newsok.com/quinton-carter-uncut/multimedia/video/507071384001

3:35 mark shows game footage of that nasty hit Lewis put on Briscoe last year some people were searching for...

[birddog]

good article from t-dub on the clay and finch...


By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 8/10/2010 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 8/10/2010 10:34 AM


NORMAN - This is how you wind up carrying the football as a true freshman for a program like Oklahoma:

"Ronnell Lewis, 'The Hammer' as usual, hit little Roy Finch. I felt for him," OU running back Jonathan Miller said of a recent practice scene. "Ronnell is every bit of a man."

He's a 240-pound human torpedo. Finch is a 180-pound freshman who has been with the Sooners for five practices.

" 'The Hammer' came in in true effect. But (Finch) got back up," running backs coach Cale Gundy said proudly. "Roy said, 'It was 'The Hammer.' It wasn't 'The Sledgehammer.' I said, 'That's good. I like that.' "

There is a lot to like about Finch and fellow true freshman running back Brennan Clay, besides the combined 3,685 yards and 53 touchdowns they rushed for as high school seniors last year.

Enough that both are on track to support senior starter DeMarco Murray as college rookies.

"Naturally, instinctively, they both look like they know how to play with the ball in their hands," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said after watching the duo in OU's first full-pads practice of the season Monday. "Catching and running with the ball, they're very quick. They've been very
sound with the ball. They're still learning plays, but they have a chance to hopefully have a fair role in this offense this year. It's building that way."

The Sooners figured they were getting a couple of high-flyers when they signed Clay from San Diego and Finch from Niceville, Fla. They figured right.

Asked to describe the freshman pair, Miller said: "Fast, fast, fast. Roy is really, really quick. It's hard to catch him because he's so small and so low to the ground. He'll make that quick cut and run right by you.

"And Brennan, I've watched him run the past couple days, and he's very fast, very physical and shifty. I believe they're going to be really good for us."

The bonus has been how Clay and Finch have behaved when things have slowed.

"They do some things and carry themselves a little bit different," Gundy said. "That may go back to the type of kids they are, their character. They are absolutely super, super kids. They get along great with everybody.

"Brennan's always got a smile on his face wherever he goes. You never see him with a bad look on his face. He just loves life. And Roy is super as well. They're very mature. They've adapted to college football pretty dang fast."

It's a mindset that allowed Finch to absorb Lewis' punishment, hold on to the ball (which, according to Gundy, he did) and pop back up.

It also might allow Finch, as well as the similarly-composed Clay, to back up Murray as the 2010 season progresses.

The freshmen's sheer ability was always a given. Linebacker Austin Box spent one practice with Finch and reported: "You can already tell he's going to make some people miss this fall camp. He'll probably make me look stupid a few times. He's a great young talent."

"They're as fast as anybody I've got," Gundy said of Finch and Clay. "You look at them with their shirts off, they are strong, physical and they are well-developed. It's just how they handle it mentally.

"You have to understand, 'Hey this is football. It's going to happen a little faster, but this is still football.' If you're a little more mature in those situations, you're able to handle it.

"And they're looking, the two young guys, to step in and play for us the first game if we need them to."

[oudavid1]

It also might allow Finch, as well as the similarly-composed Clay, to back up Murray as the 2010 season progresses.

That would be somethin

[prrriiide]

The injuries begin...
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/wp-content/imagescaler/8581d62d7ad6475052707ac6a5a69816.jpg
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/07/what-did-bob-stoops-do-to-his-ankle/


I replied to the a**hat in the comments.


Stoopsy is becoming a sink hole of money and no worthwhile
results to brag about.

One guy said:


Don’t even bother responding to comments like “judge”‘s post. Such thoughts are obviously the product of a person ignorant of college football, and most likely sports in general.

To which I replied:


In other words, an aggy.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/982I6vVB/11553415.jpg

[sooner518]

"They're as fast as anybody I've got," Gundy said of Finch and Clay. "You look at them with their shirts off, they are strong, physical and they are well-developed. It's just how they handle it mentally.


easy there Cale!

[allentxsooner]

also hearing stoops impressed with Trey Millard, no link but on the soonersports website

[OK2U]

Rivals article about running backs, Lewis' hit on Finch:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1112078


According to Gundy, everything has been good for Calhoun in fall camp.

"He's been really good. Comments were made yesterday that he looks like a different runner," he said. "Jermie's showed a lot of signs of being a great football player. He struggles a little bit with being mature at times, and as a young guy, that's college life and that gets back to when does that light bulb switch on? He has shown signs of it being on and he has shown signs of it flickering as well.

[OK2U]

Good Article on Mensik, Ikard — Position change, weight gain
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20100811_92_B5_NORMAN652356

[OK2U]

Martinez talks secondary depth chart:
http://www.fanfeedr.com/ncaa-football/2010/08/11/secondary-update

[NormanPride]

Thanks, OK2U.

[OK2U]

The injuries begin...
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/wp-content/imagescaler/8581d62d7ad6475052707ac6a5a69816.jpg


ESPN this morning:

Josh (MD): Coach, how's the ankle feeling?

Bob Stoops: I'm getting old. I've got a bad Achilles. Just protecting it.

[OK2U]

Q&A w/ J. Nelson:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1112523

[OK2U]

Adrian Taylor updates his injury/rehab status:
http://www.macon.com/2010/08/12/1227533/oklahomas-taylor-aims-to-be-ready.html

[Collier11]

Good Jorb OK2U, I thought I was good at finding info but you are far better...keep it up

[gaylordfan1]

Good Jorb OK2U, I thought I was good at finding info but you are far better...keep it up

I second this.

[gaylordfan1]

By the way, where has this thread been? I haven't seen it yet.

[Collier11]

STICKY ICKY ICKY...OOOOOH WEEEEE!

[gaylordfan1]

Luda! Man, that brings back college.

[Collier11]

Chronic 2001, the Animal Song by Bloodhound Gang , Thong Song, those were from my fresh year of college, lol

[gaylordfan1]

Well, I was too busy Gettin Giggy wid it!

[Collier11]

Heh, speakin of which, na na na na na na na, good bye


Sleep time

[OK2U]

Good Jorb OK2U, I thought I was good at finding info but you are far better...keep it up
Thanks
Newsok.com/sports/ou has a Sooners twitter feed with tons of links, which is where I get most of my stuff.

Also, it doesn't hurt that I sit in front of a computer 8 hours a day.

[oudavid1]

Also, it doesn't hurt that I sit in front of a computer 8 hours a day.

Nothing wrong with that :D

[OK2U]

Drew Allen talks about camp, getting equal reps with Landry, preparing back-ups better.
http://newsok.com/drew-allen-uncut/multimedia/video/558163365001

[OK2U]

Good D. Miller update:
http://oklahoma.scout.com/2/992718.html

[OK2U]

Cameron Kenney "happy" this season:
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/16/wr-cameron-kenney-hoping-to-stick-in-rotation/

[OK2U]

Reciever competition:


"Last year we had some guys start by default," Norvell said.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/article/3486149#ixzz0wyQUKyOC

[OK2U]

Norvell has a twitter account:
http://twitter.com/CoachJayNorvell
photostream:
http://www.yfrog.com/froggy.php?username=CoachJayNorvell

Video of Broyles catching tennis balls, posted by Norvell:
http://yfrog.com/0pl70z

[oudavid1]

Norvell has a twitter account:
http://twitter.com/CoachJayNorvell
photostream:
http://www.yfrog.com/froggy.php?username=CoachJayNorvell

Video of Broyles catching tennis balls, posted by Norvell:
http://yfrog.com/0pl70z

Yeah im already following him.

[OK2U]

Casey Walker talks DL depth, progress:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-football/walker-talks-about-dts-705346

[OK2U]

Bobby Jack talks DE depth:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-football/fall-2010-wright-talks-des-705282

[OK2U]

Norvell talks WR depth, Stills:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-football/Fall-2010-Norvell-talks-WRs-695018;_ylt=AieUy5gDXH7FSDXNb0ahnmTLa79_

[OK2U]

Paddy talks place kicking competition:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-football/Fall-2010-OHara-talks-kicking-695010;_ylt=AgB62nX_MDjT4L5M26QqJSDLa79_

[OK2U]

Q&A w/ Musil:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1114471

[OK2U]

Depth Chart updated today; not a lot of changes, but a few.
http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/football-depth-chart.html

Madu 2nd RB, Stills still starting; KR/PR interesting, MLB updated, corner depth adjusted.

[OK2U]

Scrimmage Report--Landry not happy with his performance, penalties; Stoops not pleased with receivers.
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/19/ou-practice-report-aug-19/?custom_click=lead_story_title

[yankee]

Scrimmage Report--Landry not happy with his performance, penalties; Stoops not pleased with receivers.
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/19/ou-practice-report-aug-19/?custom_click=lead_story_title

i don't want anyone to take this the wrong way...but considering how much we've heard about broyles and stills this offseason, why haven't we heard similar news with dejuan miller? is he not putting in as much effort as the other guys...why am i getting that impression? i may be way off here...we haven't heard anything good about him, nor have we heard anything bad...so it may not necessarily be a negative thing. i dunno...i'm just rambling.

[NormanPride]

TENNIS BALL DRILL IS BACK, MUHFUGGAHS

[OK2U]

Finch sprained his ankle in today's scrimmage as Clay begins to impress:
http://www.newsok.com/article/3486845

[Crucifax Autumn]

I can't believe how friggin' loaded we are at RB. At least 4 and maybe 5 guys that would start almost anywhere in the country.

[OK2U]

Dejuan Miller Q&A:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1115797

[OK2U]

New official performance test results (bench, 40 times):
http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/01_sooner_football_notebook.html

[Collier11]

Hey, we have some WRs that are as fast as Florida now, hooray. Our RBs are fast but not Florida fast, darn

[OK2U]

Surprised that Broyles has the best bench in the WR corps.
Stoops has said for a year+ that Nelson was the fastest kid on the team--It's amazing that he hasn't lost a step after gaining 15+ pounds in the last year.

[MojoRisen]

I wonder what Demarco is running these days at 218? 4-6 ish?

[Collier11]

Demarco is down to 207 I believe? And im sure he is still in the 4.5s

[OK2U]

Actually, last week he said he's down to 201.
His goal is to maintain 207/208 throughout the season.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

hmm...tough to gain weight once practice and the season starts

[htownsooner7]

What is the update on Cory Brandon? Why is he not even in the two deep now?

[Crucifax Autumn]

hmm...tough to gain weight once practice and the season starts

Dude...I gain weight throughout every season.

[OK2U]

More on Millard:
http://blog.newsok.com/ou/2010/08/26/freshman-fullback-trey-millard-%E2%80%98a-load%E2%80%99/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables was asked a question about freshman linebacker Corey Nelson the other day, but thought the question was about freshman fullback Trey Millard.

“Man, he’s a load at fullback,” Venables said. “We haven’t had a load like that since J.D. (Runnels).”

Despite being on campus for only a couple of months, Millard is OU’s starter at fullback over redshirt freshman Marshall Musil.

“Millard’s been a better blocker,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. “He’s probably the most skilled guy, and he’s blocked better than Brandon Crow and Marshall Musil. Right now he’s still a freshmen and learning, but he’s 250 and he does have speed and he stumbles into good blocks. He’s still learning how to do it right every time but he’s got a chance.”

-JT

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Good stuff OK2U..spek

[OK2U]

HAHA
Tyler Evans' nickname is "sloth."
Story link: http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=12#9279
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/70/705012.jpg
http://rachelmaude.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/sloth-goonies.jpg
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/okla/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/5634389.jpeg

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Sloth love Chunk

[OK2U]

DOK:

Sophomore defensive end J.R. Washington, one of the top recruits from the 2008 class, said Jeremy Beal's work ethic and focus on techniques, has shown him areas he must improve to make a significant contribution.

"When I first got here I was thinking, 'I'm faster than him but he seems so much faster. How's he doing it?'" Washington said. "It's because he's so prepared. He has his technique down. He knows what to do before they even do it. It allows him to play faster than some of us."


Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said linebacker Ronnell Lewis will have to earn the opportunity this week in practice to play some defensive end but will be surprised if Lewis doesn't show enough to warrant some snaps at D-end... Asked which defensive lineman gave him the most trouble in camp guard Tyler Evans chose Stacy McGee: "He has all those hand moves. It seems that stiff arm gets me every darn time," Evans said... Venables raves about true freshman linebacker Corey Nelson, who is being groomed by Travis Lewis to be his replacement next season. Venables said if Lewis is out "there won't be any flip-flopping. Corey is ready to play."

[badger]

I love how Lewis leaving early is a foregone conclusion.

[OK2U]

Depth Chart updated today:
http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/football-depth-chart.html
Brennan Clay to back up Murray. Interesting, I though w/ Murray out that Calhoun would get the job.

[Collier11]

Kenney still #1, McGee still #1, all looks the same

[OK2U]

Trey Franks, Murray and Clay to return kicks

[Collier11]

Im very intrigued by Franks, he was the fastest guy in the state of Texas last year, if he has any kinda moves watch out!

[Mississippi Sooner]

Kicker - TBD

[htownsooner7]

Intrigued that Clay is ahead of Calhoun, when I read that Calhoun has had very impressive runs int he scrimmages.

[IronHorseSooner]

With the back up RB situation, just remember that Mossis is suspended, we don't know about Miller's health, and Finch is out. It may be where both Calhoun and Clay had solid camps. Either way, once th game is out of reach, you will see both. Expect vets like Madu to weigh more prominently against FSU.

[OK2U]

Jeremy Beal Q&A:
http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1119888

Jeremy Beal enters his final season at Oklahoma as a team captain. If he matches his sack totals of 2009 (11) he'll also hold the OU record for sacks in a career. Beal talked on Monday about opening the season and the development of the defensive tackle position this fall.
Q: Jeremy, are you excited that it's finally game week?
Jeremy Beal: It's pretty exciting. Being in camp and seeing the same faces every day gets kind of tiring. So, I'm excited that I get to see some new faces on another team.

Q: But is it old hat by now, do you still get that excited for every game week?
Beal: I don't get excited like I was during my freshman year, but I still get excited. It's still game week, it's the start of another season. I'm excited to see how the season is going to turn out.

Q: Talk about the three young tackles who have been working in there over the past three months. Do you like what you've seen out of them?
Beal: Yeah, they're all talented, young guys. (You have) Jamarkus (McFarland) and you have Stacy (McGee). They're coming along really well and they're getting better every day. I like what I see and I think we're going to have a very solid defensive line.

Q: Those three sophomores have a combined 11 career tackles. What does it take, in these first three or four weeks, to get to where some of the veterans, they're replacing, were?
Beal: Experience. Gerald (McCoy) and Adrian (Taylor) had a ton of experience. No matter how talented you are or how much you think you know the defense, it's different in a game. Once they get a couple of games under their belt, then I think they'll be good. It's going to be different for them at first, but they'll be fine.

Q: So game day is different?
Beal: Oh yeah, you've got 85-thousand plus fans in the stands and the game moves way faster than what it is in practice. So, it will take getting used to that, but like I said, they'll only get better with each week and each game. They'll be fine by the time we hit the Big 12.

Q: How optimistic are you in your defense, heading into this game?
Beal: We have a good group of guys and we have a lot of returning guys coming back. We also have some young guys, but they're really talented. Just to have this past month and also the summer, you just get the system down. I think they have it down pretty good so far. They still have a ways to go, but mentally they're coming along pretty good.

Q: How is Adrian (Taylor) coming along?
Beal: He's getting better and better. You'll have to ask him about when he's coming back, but from what I can see, he's moving around pretty good. Hopefully he'll be back for us soon.

Q: Is he better than he was at the first of August?
Beal: Oh yeah, he's getting better every day.

Q: Some people ruled him out for this week, but it sounds like he might play.
Beal: Yeah, but that's totally up to him and how he feels on it. Hopefully we get him back soon.

Q: A lot of people are starting to turn away from playing the tough non-conference schedule. You guys though, play a decent schedule every year. Do you like playing a tough schedule?
Beal: Yeah, it makes the game fun when you play a tougher opponent, and it gets you prepared for the Big 12 conference. This is a tough conference, and when you play a tough non-conference schedule, it just gets you ready for it. If you win a close game in the non-conference, then it gives you experience heading into the Big 12 so if you do have a close game during the conference season, then you know you've already pulled one out.

Q: So, despite it being a huge threat to your national title chances, you'd still rather play the tougher opponents. Why?
Beal: Because you get better as the weeks go along. You don't get any better when you play a cupcake schedule throughout the year.

[Brink]

Kicker - TBD

What I understand is that Stoops is waiting to announce it to the team tonight before it goes public.

Someone said that he found one that stood out and was starting to get consistent.

[Collier11]

Ive heard that it is Hunnicut, I have no verification though

[Brink]

Ive heard that it is Hunnicut, I have no verification though

Stoops just a bit ago announced on the radio it's going to be O'hara.

[Collier11]

I saw that CK

[Brink]

I saw that CK

Yea, I just now saw your other post.

[IronHorseSooner]

Paddy has good form and leg strength, he just needs more experience. Being a good kicker is like being a good putter or free throw shooter; it's all about repetition and confidence.

[OK2U]

Sh*T
DOK:

Defensive end Frank Alexander, who suffered a sprained ankle last week and has worn a boot, did not practice. Alexander is doubtful for the opener.

Read more: http://newsok.com/patrick-ohara-wins-ou-kicking-job/article/3490581#ixzz0yI62dz5n

[OK2U]

Corey Brandon Update (DOK):

Toward the end of last season, Cory Brandon had developed into one of OU’s better linemen. After temporarily losing his starting job, Brandon rebounded to start OU’s final seven games. In the spring, teammates lauded Brandon for stepping into a leadership role.

Brandon, however, failed to carry that momentum into the summer or this preseason. In fact, not only has he lost his starting job again, Brandon, a senior, no longer is even on the two-deep.

“He just hasn’t played well, progressed well,” offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson explained. “It’s nothing against him, but we’re trying to make sure the guys out there have a great attitude and work ethic and are bringing some positive energy to the team. Of the top seven linemen, you’ve got two former tight ends with Eric Mensik and Gabe Ikard. You’ve got 290-pound guys with great feet and great attitudes. They bring some positive energy, and that’s caused a couple of the returning linemen (Brandon and guard Tavaris Jeffries) to be 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 instead of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.”

[Brink]

Hope Frank Alexander has a quick recovery, we need him for Florida State.

Get's his backup some meaningful snap though which is always a good thing.

[StoopTroup]

Good luck with your recovery. Get Well soon.

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Drama/Drama/OneFlewBibbit3.jpg

[Collier11]

you bi polar, sorry sucker.

[StoopTroup]

Did Billy Bibbett leave the ground of the hospital?

E-HaxWnNEFE

[StoopTroup]

I wonder how his Mother is gonna take this screwin'...?

[sooner68]

Hearing a lot of positive comments about Bronson Irwin, true freshman on the OL.

[sooner518]

just read in the FW Star Telegram that Geneo Grissom broke his foot and is out for the season.... sounded like he might have had a shot at some PT this year, but not anymore