DeMarco Murray steps up in the weight room
A few tidbits from OU spring practice:
*DeMarco Murray’s rehab is going very well, and he’s stepped it up in the weight room despite not playing this spring. Coach Josh Heupel apparently didn’t even recognize him while walking behind the other day.
* Ryan Broyles is playing both in the slot and at wide receiver. When OU is in power formations, count on Broyles being on the field, even though his natural position in the slot. That means he will get a lot of looks downfield next season.
* Broyles said that QB Sam Bradford is not getting the same pass protection from a young offensive line that he did last year. Obviously, Sam is not getting hit in practice, but OU’s defensive line is getting through a lot more often than last year. Cause for concern?
* Guard Brian Simmons said he’s never, in his life, seen someone in person so physically impressive as fellow guard Stephen Good. Good, a powerlifting champion in high school, is the strongest player on the team right now. And he’s just a rising sophomore.
* Quinton Carter is starting at free safety, while Sam Proctor is working in at strong with the first team. Freshman Javon Harris and Joseph Ibiloye are backing them up, along with walk-on Emmanuel Jones, who is having a nice spring.
* Walk-on Brian Lepak is going to play a lot next season, especially with the departure of Jason Hannan, who is expected to transfer. The Colorado State transfer, originally from Claremore, has been one of the best surprises this spring.
* Cornerback Dom Franks couldn’t stop talking about how impressive the freshman linebacking trio of Ronnell Lewis, Tom Wort and Jaydan Bird have been. “Those kids hit,” Franks said.
* Trent Williams said he’s been challenged to become a leader on the offensive line. He’s not where he wants to be in that department, but that’s something OU needs next season with so many first-year starters.
* According to WR coach Jay Norvell, Dejuan Miller and Jameel Owens have a ways to go before they play significant snaps with the first team. So far, the starting WRs are Brandon Caleb, Adron Tennell and Broyles.
* By many accounts, Landry Jones is having an outstanding spring. He looks to be the solid favorite to replace Bradford, whenever that day comes.
* Owens said fellow Muskogee native Stacy McGee is up to 275. He was about 245 as a high school senior. Still, it may be awhile before McGee is ready to join the DT rotation.
By Jake Trotter
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