CoSooner
4/26/2006, 12:13 PM
Oklahoma
A young offensive line was Oklahoma's biggest concern going into the spring. Coach Bob Stoops felt better about the four new starters after the practices ended. "We had four guys out with injuries, but the guys who got work have a chance to be really good," Stoops said. "They got a ton of work and got a lot of experience. It was like they got two springs in one. There's still a ways to go, but they did a solid job in the spring and back during the winter in how they've worked." … After P Cody Freeby was kicked off the team earlier in the spring, Mike Knall and Garrett Hartley received most of the work at the position during the rest of spring. "We'll also see if anybody is free (at the position) in the spring," Stoops said. … The Sooners' biggest strength coming out of spring practice is the defense. OU returns eight starters, along with key contributors DE Larry Birdine and DE John Williams who were hampered by season-ending injuries last season. "I think we have a chance to be really a special defense if we keep working the way we have," Stoops said. "We are so much further along in our understanding of the concepts. And I like the techniques and the way we are playing up front." The return of Birdine and Williams has enabled the Sooners to experiment with using DE C.J. Ah You inside as a tackle during some pass-rushing situations. S-turned-CB Reggie Smith was singled out for his development at his new position. "Reggie's just been exceptional," Stoops said. "He's such a bright, smart player with great anticipation. He's a big corner with great change of direction and ball skills and all that showed up. He looked awesome out there."
Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2421323)
A young offensive line was Oklahoma's biggest concern going into the spring. Coach Bob Stoops felt better about the four new starters after the practices ended. "We had four guys out with injuries, but the guys who got work have a chance to be really good," Stoops said. "They got a ton of work and got a lot of experience. It was like they got two springs in one. There's still a ways to go, but they did a solid job in the spring and back during the winter in how they've worked." … After P Cody Freeby was kicked off the team earlier in the spring, Mike Knall and Garrett Hartley received most of the work at the position during the rest of spring. "We'll also see if anybody is free (at the position) in the spring," Stoops said. … The Sooners' biggest strength coming out of spring practice is the defense. OU returns eight starters, along with key contributors DE Larry Birdine and DE John Williams who were hampered by season-ending injuries last season. "I think we have a chance to be really a special defense if we keep working the way we have," Stoops said. "We are so much further along in our understanding of the concepts. And I like the techniques and the way we are playing up front." The return of Birdine and Williams has enabled the Sooners to experiment with using DE C.J. Ah You inside as a tackle during some pass-rushing situations. S-turned-CB Reggie Smith was singled out for his development at his new position. "Reggie's just been exceptional," Stoops said. "He's such a bright, smart player with great anticipation. He's a big corner with great change of direction and ball skills and all that showed up. He looked awesome out there."
Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2421323)