Spring Football Update
A few tidbits from Tuesday’s spring practice.
* Running back Jermie Calhoun won’t play much next season, but he is turning heads this spring. According to players, Calhoun busted a few long runs in practice. He and Justin Johnson are the backs of the future, as OU is loaded at the position with Mossis Madu, Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray.
* Adron Tennell is also off to a good start. Players say he is taking more of a leadership role, and catching everything in practice. So far, he is the favorite to occupy one of the starting spots at wide receiver. The other spot appears to be more wide open, with Brandon Caleb, Jameel Owens (who’s been out with an ankle injury) and Dejuan Miller.
* As expected, the coaches are moving Madu out into the slot some, but he’s not the only back to play there. Fullback Matt Clapp has seen some plays in the slot, and even split the seam for a long catch Tuesday. All of this is in an effort to get OU’s best players on the field.
* Word is that Corey Wilson, who suffered a serious spinal cord injury in an auto accident two weeks ago, has been moved out of OU Medical Center and into a rehabilitation facility to begin his long rehab process.
* Ben Habern, who had a broken toe midway through last year, got a medical redshirt and will still have four years of eligibility remaining. Habern is currently the starting center, though he’ll have to hold off Jason Hannan for the job.
* The starting offensive line remains Trent Williams, Brian Simmons, Habern, Stephen Good and Cory Brandon. I expect Hannan and Jarvis Jones to factor into the rotation as well.
* After being called out last Tuesday, the offensive line has responded well according to offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Wilson said the Sooners have been running the ball effectively against an OU defense that was stout against the run last season.
* Sam Bradford still hasn’t cut his hair. Stay tuned.
By Jake Trotter
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Comments
Glad to hear that Corey Wilson is starting to get better and is out of the ICU.
I guess we’ll see if this Heisman Trophy Quarterback can make a play with
his feet and take charge for a win like Tebow does. With this new offensive
line he’ll be getting plenty of “lookout” blocks. He got a few last year, even
from the Loadholt and Robinson side of the line. What is Buffalo Bob going to
do with that Defense. It’s been pretty poor the last 6 years and cost us
some big time wins and all the Bowl games. WE need a Big Time Def.-Co. to
take charge. I thought that was Bob’s forte, Defense? There hasn’t been
any around Norman since his brother left. Buffalo Bob’s special teams, or
the lack of, his defense, his calls, getting out-coached, that stuff is
becoming a big pile of manure in every game now and he doesn’t seem to
have a clue of how to correct it, or at least, thats the way he acts.
Thanks for the update. Good information. Wish I were there.
jo: Where were you when Coach Blake was here? Wish you were here.
The Sooner D struggled while finding solutions at LB due to injury but held Tech, Missouri and Florida to season lows in points. The Sooner held their own against a potent Florida offense. OU’s offense just didn’t get it done.
Our defense was doing fine until half way thru the Texas game when we were hit with the injuries and once they finally got those holes filled correctly our defense was fine the last half of the season.
Jo Adams — Everyone has the right to comment on whatever they like but I think names like Buffalo Bob is uncalled for.I guarantee Mr. Stoops would not disrespect you or anyone else in that manner.Please grow up and make a point with out acting like a child.
Calm down and think about what ole Jo is saying. Bob Stoops
is a great person and even greater humanitarian. He’s
extremely loyal to his staff, and thats where the problem lies.
His defensive staff leaders are questionable, his calls
during bowl’s and big games are questionable, the part of
the team he coach’s was really bad, and no improvement was
seen in 13 games. He’s out-coached on a regular basis. He has no idea that the hurry up offense, unless you are scoring at a rapid pace, like he did this year, is wearing
down the defense where they as a whole can’t stop people
when called on. Texas, Florida, were the prime examples,
K-State, OSU, KU, were others. The defense allowed 4 to 5
hundred yards offense in most of the games they won. That
team on defense, since his brother left, is not a Title
Contending team. I will say the offense gets some credit for
blowing calls in the Fla. game, besides BOB. They were given
the Big 12 title, they didn’t earn it. How long do you think
the top 3 teams in the Big 12 would last, if they played the top 3 teams in the SEC, in a play-off system. Would they
last as long as a F**T in a whirl wind? They played 2 SEC
teams in bowls last season. What were the results Ole Miss.
pounded T.T. and Fla.became OU’s daddy in the Second Half
and took them to the wood shed. How many Big Games and Bowl
games has OU lost in a row. How many times did the Buffalo
Bills go to the Super Bowl in a row and lose. Show Jo some
love and figure it out. But I will be glad to keep explain-
ing it till you get it. Love always, Jo
Great updates and information Jake…I was wondering if you could find some information and update something for me.
1. I thought Justin was going to be a linebacker since we have other backs that is quality players to.
2. I was wondering what happen to Former QB at OU, Steve Davis, and if I wanted to get in touch with him, how I could. Thanks again
John, the best way to get in touch with Steve would be through Berry Tramel, at btramel@opubco.com. As for Justin (I’m assuming Johnson), OU is going to eventually graduate Chris Brown, Murray and Madu. They’ll need a pair of backs waiting in the wings in order to reload, not rebuild. That’s what Justin and Calhoun give them. They won’t be playing much next year. Their time will come in 2010, 2011.
-Jake
Yes the defense had some problems with top ten teams, but think about it how many teams ever get to the point where OU has been the last ten years. Yes the big one has happened only twice, but again how many division teams get to play in the BC bowels almost every year. Very few. The comments I’ve been reading about blowing offense and defense are nonsense. These jokers posting these comments must be nuts or just one bubble short of plumb.
Great updates. Excellent work.