Practice report (8-31-09)
The Sooners held their first game-week practice of the year, as OU prepares for Saturday’s game against BYU. Three pieces of news came from today:
1. Mike Balogun will not travel with the team to Arlington as he continues his fight with the NCAA.
What Bob Stoops said about Balogun: “Right now he’s not certified so that tells me I can’t bring him.
“It’s looking that way, at least this week. I don’t want to say something definitively and then something comes back during the week that we didn’t know about. Right now, that’s what he’s anticipating.”
My take: As long as Balogun continues to be decertified by the NCAA, he will not be playing on the field, regardless of what happens in the courtroom. It’s too much risk for the OU program on one player. The good news is that the Idaho St. is next week, so essentially the Sooners have 2 weeks before they would need him again. But time will tell if the NCAA makes a ruling by then.
2. Former tight end Brody Eldridge will start at center, but could also play tight end in spots Saturday.
What Stoops said about Eldridge: “He’s still working there. He does well there. As long as everything is still good and consistent at tight end, we’re going to work him there. You think about it, Brody, as I have said for the last two years, has been one of our best players and it allows him to be on the field even more. That’s our thinking and you never know, things may change, but he’ll work there some.
“He’s awfully good there. I don’t see a big deal in it. It would if he had only been here a year, but this guy’s been great for us for three years. When we see him doing a great job there against our d-line this whole time. He’s going to have another number if we want to put him at tight end and work some other guys, he can do that too.”
My take: Brody starting at center is not surprising; him playing tight end and center in one game is. Stoops couldn’t recall a specific incident of a player having to go back and forth between numbers. Neither can I. Will it happen? I think so. Coaches told Ben Habern that he would play this weekend, which means that Eldridge will either be on the sidelines or on the field at tight end when that happens. My guess is the latter.
3. Stephen Good has fallen behind Jarvis Jones atop the depth chart at right guard.
What Stoops said about Good and Jones: “I’ll let Coach Patton and Coach Wilson speak to that more. That’s how they feel it should be right now.”
My take: Very surprising. Good had been the starter there since Feb. But clearly, the coaches have found something they like in Jones. This is one that could go back and forth, similar to the way Branndon Braxton and Trent Williams rotated 2 years ago. Either way, both will play enough to the point it shouldn’t matter too much who starts.
* The Sooners released an interesting tidbit in their weekly notes — fall strength and conditioning testing results. Couple numbers that stood out: Dom Franks’ 40 time (4.38), Trent Williams’ and Brian Simmons’ 40 time (4.75 and 4.65, respectively), Stephen Good’s squat (630). Here are the rest of the numbers:
Bench
C: Ben Habern, 430
CB: Brian Jackson, 350
DE: Pryce Macon, 395
DT: Gerald McCoy, Adrian Taylor, 420
LB: Travis Lewis, 380
OG: Brian Simmons, 415
OT: Trent Williams, 395
WR: Ryan Broyles, 320
S: Sam Proctor, 330
TE-FB: James Hanna, 355
40-yard dash
C: Ben Habern, 4.61
CB: Dominique Franks, 4.38
DE: F. Alexander, P. Macon, 4.69
DT: Gerald McCoy, 4.83
LB: J.R. Bryant, 4.51
OG: Brian Simmons, 4.65
OT: Trent Williams, 4.75
WR: Ryan Broyles, 4.41
RB: Chris Brown, 4.44
S: Sam Proctor, 4.58
TE-FB: Jermaine Gresham, Hanna, 4.56
Squat
C: Habern, Lepak, 455
CB: Brian Jackson, 455
DE: Pryce Macon, 455
DT: Gerald McCoy, 585
LB: Travis Lewis, 500
OG: Stephen Good, 630
OT: N/A
WR: James Winchester, 455
RB: Brown, Madu, 405
S: Sam Proctor, 455
TE/FB Jermaine Gresham, 455
Vertical
C: Ben Habern, 26.5
CB: Brian Jackson, 37.5
DE: Frank Alexander, 31.5
DT: Adrian Taylor, 34.5
LB: J.R. Bryant, 34.5
OG: Stephen Good, 29.5
OT: Trent Williams, 28.5
WR: James Winchester, 38.0
RB: Chris Brown, 32.0
S: Sam Proctor, 33.5
TE/FB: James Hanna, 37.5
* The Sooners got their 23rd commitment for the class of 2010 Monday in FW Dunbar LB Rashod Favors. Favors (6-2, 225) is a 3-star prospect and rated the No. 22 inside LB in the country by Rivals.com.
* Lastly, Monday’s OU Football show discussing BYU QB Max Hall.
-JT
Chat: Jake Trotter
Breaking down OU’s roster
1 Dominique Franks 6-0 192 DB JR Tulsa, Okla. (Union HS)
Could challenge for the Jim Thorpe Award with a big season
2 Brian Jackson 6-1 200 DB SR De Soto, Texas (De Soto HS)
Not the playmaker Franks is, but solid and is effective with long arms
3 Jonathan Nelson 5-11 172 DB JR Mansfield, Texas (Summitt HS)
Riddled with injuries throughout his career now being pushed by freshman CB Demontre Hurst
4 Ryan Reynolds 6-2 225 LB SR Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
Back from a third knee injury; if he can avoid a fourth, should be the key cog on defense
4 Jameel Owens 6-3 200 WR SO Muskogee, Okla. (Muskogee HS)
Fallen behind in WR rotation; has some work to do before seeing much time on the field
5 Joseph Ibiloye 6-3 208 DB RS FR Garland, Texas (South Garland HS)
Minor surgery has slowed him this preseason; could eventually follow Keenan Clayton to LB
5 John Nimmo 6-2 208 QB JR Ponca City, Okla. (Ponca City HS)
Had a TD pass in spring game, but No. 4 among QBs
6 Desmond Jackson 5-11 190 DB SO Seguin, Texas (Seguin HS)
Off the field problems could keep Jackson from ever seeing the field again
6 Cameron Kenney 6-1 190 WR JR Dacula, Ga. (Garden City CC)
Impact JUCO will start at WR and try to fill role held by Iglesias last season
7 DeMarco Murray 6-1 214 RB JR Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
As Florida game showed with his absence, Murray is the difference maker for the offense
8 Brandon Caleb 6-1 187 WR JR Richmond, Va. (Fork Union Military Academy)
Solid veteran will contribute this season in a reserve role
9 Gabe Lynn 6-0 186 DB FR Tulsa, Okla. (Jenks HS)
Hip flexor means he’ll redshirt, but has a bright future ahead
10 Ben Sherrard 6-4 214 QB RS FR Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)
One of two walk on QBs along with Nimmo
10 Mike Balogun 6-0 247 LB SR Upper Marlboro, Md. (Lackawanna (Pa.) CC)
Will he play? A ruling from the NCAA on his eligibility should be on the way for the former semi-pro star
11 Kevin Brent 5-11 196 DB FR Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff HS)
Spring shoulder surgery kept him out of the preseason; like Lynn, will redshirt, but he too has a bright future
12 Austin Box 6-2 220 LB SO Enid, Okla. (Enid HS)
One of the team’s most important backups; will reserve role in middle and weak side
12 Landry Jones 6-4 216 QB RS FR Artesia, N.M. (Artesia HS)
Hasn’t been able to win No. 2 QB job yet, but odds are still in his favor
13 Corey Wilson 6-1 182 WR SO Carrollton, Texas (Creekview HS)
Tragically paralyzed from the waist down in a Feb. auto accident; holds hope of one day walking again and leading the team out onto the field
13 Marcus Trice 5-8 178 DB FR Mesquite, Texas (Mesquite HS)
Dynamite freshman will be the No. 2 free safety behind Quinton Carter
14 Sam Bradford 6-4 223 QB JR Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City North HS)
Heisman winner could go down as greatest Sooner QB ever
15 Drew Allen 6-5 224 QB FR San Antonio, Texas (Alamo Heights HS)
Battling Jones for No. 2 QB spot; likely, though, to redshirt
15 Lamar Harris 6-1 186 DB RS FR Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer HS)
Quietly had a solid camp and will fill one of the backup CB spots
16 Jaz Reynolds 6-2 181 WR FR Aldine, Texas (Eisenhower HS)
Speedy WR has tremendous upside with 4.4 speed and 40-inch vertical; should help right away
17 Jimmy Stevens 5-6 159 K SO Oklahoma City, Okla. (Heritage Hall HS)
Struggled last year, but appears much improved and more confident; will it translate to games?
17 Mossis Madu 6-0 200 WR JR Norman, Okla. (Norman HS)
Former RB now playing WR and will be dangerous with the ball in his hands
18 Jermaine Gresham 6-6 258 TE SR Ardmore, Okla. (Ardmore HS)
Best tight end in college football, and like Bradford, could down as best as his position in OU history
19 Ryan Caro 5-8 165 WR SO De Soto, Texas (De Soto HS)
Walk-on not expected to see any playing time
19 Demontre Hurst 5-9 165 DB FR Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster HS)
Bob Stoops calls him the best CB freshman he’s ever coached — wow
20 Quinton Carter 6-1 193 DB JR Las Vegas, Nev. (Cheyenne HS)
Heavy hitter will lay the wood, but how will he respond in full-time starter’s role?
20 Samson Adeoye 6-2 180 RB SO Norman, Okla. (Southern Nazarene)
Walk-on transfer from nearby Southern Nazarene
21 J.R. Bryant 6-2 225 LB SR Jesup, Ga. (Garden City (Kan.) CC)
Looked like he would contribute after the spring, but didn’t show up to camp the way coaches had hoped
22 Keenan Clayton 6-1 221 LB SR Sulphur Springs, Texas (Sulphur Springs HS)
Underrated because of Reynolds and Travis Lewis, but Clayton’s move from SS to LB has been a huge success
23 Jermie Calhoun 6-0 218 RB RS FR Ben Wheeler, Texas (Van HS)
Will get spot carries, but won’t be the featured back until Brown and Murray are gone
24 Dejuan Miller 6-4 224 WR SO Metuchen, N.J. (Metuchen HS)
After a slow start to fall camp, has surged lately and showing he can be a threat downfield
25 Michael Malone 6-0 215 RB FR Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City West HS)
Walk-on from PC West
25 Emmanuel Jones 5-11 195 DB SR Tulsa, Okla. (Northeastern Oklahoma)
Walk-on from NEO could be a factor in the safety rotation
26 Jonathan Miller 6-0 190 RB FR Garland, Texas (Naaman Forest HS)
Will redshirt this season, then battle Calhoun to see who is feature back of the future
27 Sam Proctor 6-0 208 DB SO Pearland, Texas (Pearland HS)
First-year starter at strong safety really the only unknown on a defense that returns 9 starters
28 Travis Lewis 6-2 232 LB SO San Antonio, Texas (Robert E. Lee HS)
Returning def. newcomer of the year will attempt to join elite company of great Sooner LBs
29 Chris Brown 5-10 200 RB SR Alexandria, La. (Alexandria HS)
Steady Brown has focused on improving his speed and could be more of a home-run threat this year
30 Javon Harris 5-11 196 DB FR Lawton, Okla. (MacArthur HS)
Another impressive freshman who is backing up Proctor at strong safety
31 Daniel Franklin 6-2 219 LB RS FR Mount Airy, Ga. (Habersham Central HS)
Not discussed as much as freshmen LBs, but Franklin trying to be a factor in the rotation on the strong side
32 Jamell Fleming 5-11 178 DB RS SO Arlington, Texas (Seguin HS)
Back with the team after academic issues and back injury, will add depth at cornerback
32 Marshall Musil 6-2 218 FB FR La Crosse, Kan. (La Crosse HS)
Nice-looking prospect, but needs to add weight before contributing; will redshirt this season
33 Auston English 6-3 251 DE SR Canadian, Texas (Canadian HS)
Back to his old self? Former all-conference performer is, according to teammates and coaches
34 Matt Clapp 6-2 246 FB SR Phoenix, Ariz. (Paradise Valley HS)
Bruising fullback can be a factor with the ball in his hands, which coaches will try and exploit
35 Princz Jones 6-0 205 RB JR Tulsa, Okla. (NEO)
Another walk-on from NEO; won’t play
36 Tress Way 6-1 215 K RS FR Tulsa, Okla. (Union HS)
Big leg, has the chance to improve OU’s punting game, which was woeful last year
37 Matthew Moreland 6-2 206 K JR Tulsa, Okla. (Bishop Kelley HS)
After briefly leaving team, Moreland is back and hoping to reclaim is spot on kickoffs
38 Derrick Bradley 5-10 178 DB RS FR Houston, Texas (Alief Elsik HS)
Walk-on from Houston; won’t play
39 Rashad Hutchins 5-9 176 WR SO Houston, Texas (Hastings HS)
Walk-on, who has made some plays the last two spring games; still, doubtful to play
40 Troy Steele 6-1 220 FB FR Merkel, Texas (Merkel HS)
Walk-on from Merkel, Texas; won’t play
41 Josh New 6-2 226 TE JR Lubbock, Texas (Coronado HS)
Sooners have played walk-on tight ends before (Ratterree), but his time hasn’t come yet
41 Erik Lee 6-3 218 LB FR Oklahoma City, Okla. (Casady HS)
With Stevens, Ikard and Lee, Sooners have one player from each of the OKC private schools
42 Tom Wort 6-0 220 LB FR New Braunfels, Texas (New Braunfels HS)
Promising prospect out of the year with ACL tear
43 Jesse Bell 6-0 190 DB SO Rowlett, Texas (Northeastern State)
Walk-on from Rowlett, Texas; won’t play
43 Patrick O’Hara 6-0 185 K SO Topeka, Kan. (Washburn University)
Not a bad kicker, adds to depth to the position
44 Jeremy Beal 6-3 261 DE JR Carrollton, Texas (Creekview HS)
Budding star has dominated during fall camp; All-American candidate
45 Gus Jones 6-1 210 LB FR Wagoner, Okla. (Wagoner HS)
Only one of the freshmen LBs to arrive in fall; will redshirt, but has a solid future
46 Jordan Finch 5-11 170 DB FR Mansfield, Texas (Mansfield HS)
Walk-on from Mansfield, Texas
47 Zach Montana 6-0 194 DB RS FR Flower Mound, Texas (Flower Mound HS)
Walk-on from Flower Mound, Texas
47 Trent Ratterree 6-3 225 TE SO Weatherford, Okla. (Weatherford HS)
Walk-on success story should see plenty of time as No. 2 or 3 tight end, depending on what happens with Brody Eldridge
48 Brandon Crow 6-1 221 FB JR Comanche, Okla. (Comanche HS)
Former beleaguered LB has found a home at FB and will be part of OU’s power sets
49 Woody Toms 6-2 237 TE RS FR Tualatin, Ore. (Tualatin HS)
Rare walk-on not from Oklahoma or Texas
51 Brian Lepak 6-4 275 OL JR Claremore, Okla. (Colorado State)
Walk-on transfer from Colorado State is back from ankle injury to add depth to interior of o-line
52 Derek Shaw 6-0 222 DS SR Sand Springs, Okla. (Charles Page HS)
Veteran deep snapper currently working as a backup
53 Casey Walker 6-0 302 DL RS FR Garland, Texas (Garland HS)
Good-looking prospect who will be part of d-line rotation; possible future starter
54 Devin Frazier 6-2 275 OL JR Mustang, Okla. (NEO)
Walk-on from Mustang
55 Jaydan Bird 6-1 227 LB FR Conway Springs, Kan. (Conway Springs HS)
Had great spring; will be asked to play as a freshman and add depth to LB corps
56 Ronnell Lewis 6-2 234 LB FR Dewar, Okla. (Dewar HS)
Nice-looking prospect, but at what position? MLB? OLB? DE? Time will tell.
58 Sean Morrison 6-4 224 DS SO Frisco, Texas (Centennial HS)
Walk-on from Frisco
59 Donald Stephenson 6-6 285 OL SO Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs HS)
Technically Trent Williiams’ backup at left tackle, but not part of the line rotation yet
61 Ben Habern 6-3 288 OL FR Argyle, Texas (Liberty Christian HS)
Finally back from back inflammation, but is he going to start against BYU?
62 Tola Jimoh 6-0 232 DE SR Tulsa, Okla. (Union HS)
Walk-on from Tulsa Union
63 Ben Hampton 6-3 237 DS SR Grove, Okla. (Northeastern Oklahoma)
Deep Snapper for field goals and PATs
66 Curtis Chambers 6-2 180 OL FR Miami, Okla. (Miami HS)
Walk-on from Steve Owens’ hometown
70 Cory Brandon 6-7 310 OL JR Corsicana, Texas (Corsicana HS)
Stepped into starter’s role at RT; how he plays will be key to development of revamped line
71 Trent Williams 6-5 318 OL SR Longview, Texas (Longview HS)
Kevin Wilson calls him the best lineman he’s ever coaches; high praise, considering Wilson coached 2 future pro bowlers
72 Tavaris Jeffries 6-4 309 OL JR Memphis, Tenn. (Coahoma CC)
Not ready to contribute yet, but may have to if injuries mount up front
73 Josh Aladenoye 6-5 342 OL FR Mesquite, Texas (North Mesquite HS)
Intriguing prospect should redshirt this season
74 Brian Simmons 6-4 318 OL SR Raleigh, N.C. (Hargrave Academy)
Technically not a returning starter, but Simmons has played in plenty of big games
75 Tyler Evans 6-5 280 OL FR Strafford, Mo. (Strafford HS)
Expected to be part of the rotation in the interior, even though he’s a true freshman
76 Jarvis Jones 6-7 297 OL SO Richmond, Texas (LSU)
Found his niche; team’s top backup at tackle or guard
77 Stephen Good 6-6 291 OL SO Paris, Texas (Paris HS)
Former high school All-American hoping for a breakout year at right guard
78 Jake Reed 6-6 274 OL FR Ardmore, Okla. (Ardmore HS)
Walk-on from Ardmore
79 Jeff Vinson 6-8 350 OL JR Lancaster, Pa. (Lackawanna CC)
Like Jeffries, not ready, but may have to fill a role on rotation in case of injuries
80 Adron Tennell 6-4 199 WR SR Irving, Texas (Irving HS)
After years of watching from the bench, Tennell pumped about earning starting role
81 Jarrett Brown 6-3 252 DE FR Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)
With OU so loaded at DE, Brown obviously will redshirt
81 Carter Whitson 5-11 185 WR SR Shawnee, Okla. (Shawnee HS)
Veteran key special teams player as club’s holder
82 James Hanna 6-4 243 TE SO Flower Mound, Texas (Flower Mound HS)
Will spell Gresham whenever he gets tired; will replace Gresham next season
83 Brody Eldridge 6-5 265 TE SR La Cygne, Kan. (Prairie View HS)
Will he play center? Or move back to tight end? One of the fall camp’s lingering questions
84 Gabe Ikard 6-4 252 TE FR Oklahoma City (Bishop McGuinness HS)
Kevin Wilson really likes Ikard; would play him as a true freshman if the team wasn’t so stacked at TE
84 Frank Alexander 6-4 259 DE SO Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab School)
If he’s your team’s No. 3 DE, then you are exceptional at the position
85 Ryan Broyles 5-11 178 WR SO Norman, Okla. (Norman HS)
Takes over as leader of the wideouts; WR coach Jay Norvell said Broyles in store for breakout season
86 Adrian Taylor 6-4 291 DT JR Mansfield, Texas (Mansfield HS)
Solid at Gerald McCoy’s sidekick at DT
86 James Winchester 6-4 191 DS SO Washington, Okla. (Washington HS)
Deep snapper for punts
87 Lane Johnson 6-7 252 TE SO Groveton, Texas (Kilgore College)
Late signee to 2009 class; raw prospect, but gifted; will redshirt
88 Eric Mensik 6-6 265 TE JR Rosenberg, Texas (Terry HS)
Will serve as OU’s jumbo tight end; terrific blocker
89 T.J. Hamilton 5-11 194 WR SR Mounds, Okla. (Southern Nazarene)
Longtime walk-on from Mounds
89 Cordero Moore 6-2 310 DT SR Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)
Veteran will be part of the DT rotation and add depth behind McCoy and Taylor
90 David King 6-5 236 DE RS FR Houston, Texas (Strake Jesuit Prep)
Back from a concussion; battling R.J. Washington for No. 4 DE spot
91 R.J. Washington 6-3 247 DE RS FR Fort Worth, Texas (Keller Fossil Ridge HS)
Had lousy spring, but great fall and closing in on locking up No. 4 DE position
92 Stacy McGee 6-4 272 DL RS FR Muskogee, Okla. (Muskogee HS)
Continues to add weight and will be part of the DT rotation
93 Gerald McCoy 6-4 297 DT JR Oklahoma City, Okla. (Southeast HS)
All-American DT; future Top-10 NFL Draft pick; a difference-maker in the middle
94 Bryce Easley 6-1 196 K FR Norman, Okla. (Norman North HS)
Will be given a shot if Stevens struggles at place-kicks; has bizarre number for a kicker
94 Pryce Macon 6-1 249 DE JR Corpus Cristi, Texas (Carroll HS)
Out with a knee injury; former contributor now buried on depth chart at stacked DE position
95 Justin Chaisson 6-4 257 DE FR Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
Overcame legal issues to make it to Norman; must show he can be solid citizen as he redshirts
96 DeMarcus Granger 6-2 327 DT SR Dallas, Texas (Kimball HS)
Back from back, foot surgeries; still a ways away from being to play more than 15-20 snaps a game because of conditioning
97 Jamarkus McFarland 6-2 296 DT FR Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin HS)
Even with depth on d-line, McFarland could still avoid redshirt and play this year; terrific prospect
98 Billy Batchelear 6-3 230 DE JR Jenks, Okla. (Jenks HS)
Walk-on from Jenks
-JT
Former Sooner Justin Johnson makes ACU debut
Last night, former Sooner running back Justin Johnson made his Abilene Christian University debut, in ACU’s opener with NW Missouri State.
Johnson, remember, announced he was transferring earlier this summer, noting the demand of school and football at an institution the caliber of OU was too much.
Johnson carried the ball six times for 24 yards for ACU. Not a bad start.
-JT
Wilson, Nimmo weigh in
Oklahoma offensive line coach Kevin Wilson and reserve QB John Nimmo spoke with The Sporting News about Sam Bradford’s most underrated attribute, and how difficult the end of his sophomore season was.
It bothers him quite a bit. The last national championship game, that really hit him hard. I could see it…He prepared himself the most I’ve ever seen.
- John Nimmo
When Kelvin Sampson was here as basketball coach, he said, “That kid could play for us in the Big 12.” If we had 100 guys out there, and we’re picking for basketball, he’s one of the top four kids.
- Kevin Wilson
For more, head over to The Sporting News’ “Two-on-one” feature.
Practice report (8-27-09)
Heavy showers forced the Sooners to unexpectedly cut practice short Thursday. The Sooners dressed in shoulder pads and helmets only today.
The biggest news of the day was DE coach Chris Wilson’s announcement that Auston English would be starting opposite Jeremy Beal at defensive end.
English beat out sophomore Frank Alexander, who is a budding star. But Wilson said English looks like his old self, perhaps even better, and has had a strong camp.
Other news and notes:
* Ryan Reynolds said he continues to feel 100 percent and is ready to go for next weekend.
* Chris Wilson, who doubles as the special teams coach, believes that the kickoff coverage unit will be better, namely because of the extreme emphasis that’s been put on it this preseason.
* David King and RJ Washington continue to battle for the No. 4 DE spot behind Beal, English and Alexander. King is back from a concussion suffered earlier on this month.
* Wilson said some of the freshmen that will help on special teams this season include Ronnell Lewis, Demontre Hurst and Marcus Trice.
* Wilson also admitted that Hurst could have a future someday returning punts and kicks because of his natural athletic ability and feel for the game.
* But for now, Dom Franks, the team’s fastest defensive player, and Ryan Broyles, the team’s fastest offensive player, will handle the majority of the kick and punt returns.
-JT
Thursday 8.27 Chat Archive
Practice report (8-26-09)
Stoops was not available for post-practice interviews today, but wide receivers coach Jay Norvell was. Norvell said he expects Jaz Reynolds to play this season.
“I see Jaz playing if he continues to perform the way he’s practiced,” Norvell said. “He can stretch the field; he’s a very smart kid, which has allowed him to improve quickly.”
Other notes:
* Dejuan Miller continues to play well. He has especially impressed with his ability to make catches deep.
* Trent Ratterree came to the interview room for the time I can remember. Ratterree, a walk-on, said it’s been a dream come true making it onto the field for the Sooners. Ratterree is currently the No. 3 tight end behind Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge, assuming Eldridge ever makes it back to tight from the offensive line.
* Dejuan Miller said Ryan Broyles is the fastest receiver on the team, running better than a 4.4. He also said Jaz runs a 4.44 and is scary fast for true freshman. Jaz also boasts a 40-inch vertical jump. Miller pointed out Reynolds’ upside is unreal because of his athleticism.
-JT
Practice report (8-25-09)
The Sooners had a shortened practice today, in all likelihood because of the 100-degree heat that swept through the state today.
News and notes:
* DB coach Bobby Jack Wright said freshmen Demontre Hurst and Marcus Trice will both shoulder significant roles. Hurst as the 3rd or 4th corner. Trice as the nickle and/or dime back. Hurst had a pick for a touchdown during a recent scrimmage and is a ballhawk. Same with Trice, who has a great nose for the ball, too. Javon Harris, also a freshmen, could fill a backup role behind Sam Proctor at strong safety.
* DT Gerald McCoy reminisced about his little league days as a teammates with Dom Franks. McCoy said Franks was as big then as he is now.
* Thunder owner Clay Bennett was in the house to check out OU’s facility upgrades at the Switzer Center.
* Jamell Fleming and Kevin Brent are back practicing. Brent, another freshman DB, had shoulder surgery in the spring. Fleming had been dealing with a back issue.
* Wright said DB Desmond Jackson is not in the picture at DB; Jackson’s status with the team is currently tenuous due to what Bob Stoops called “academic conduct.”
-JT
Two QBs leave ‘Canes
Miami Coach Randy Shannon better hope his offensive line holds up against the Sooners’ front four in Miami on Oct. 3.
Today, his No. 2 and No. 3 quarterbacks announced their intentions to transfer, leaving freshman A.J. Highsmith as the only back up to starter Jacory Harris.
The two transfers, Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith, both say they plan on finding new schools in time to start the fall semester.
Holder Matt Perrelli did see brief time in a game in 2006.
Last season, Harris completed 118 of his 194 attempts for 1,195 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
