Video of OU’s latest commitment
Rock Bridge (Columbia, Mo.) fullback/tight end Trey Millard (No. 9):
-JT
Your move, RedHawks
Bradford's"proposed" Heisman statue. (Courtesy of nowpublic.net)
Tomorrow night, the Ft. Myers Miracle, a Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the Twins in Ft. Myers, Fla., will be hosting a very special evening filled with gimmicks.
In honor of the Saint Down South and the approaching college football season, Wednesday night will be WWTTD, or “What Would Tim Tebow Do?” night.
I would like to shake the hand of the mastermind behind all the different promotions filling the evening.
The highlights:
- A local resident also named Tim Tebow will attempt to walk on some water. (No word on whether he’s filed paperwork for a name change in the past three years.)
- A Southwest Florida faith healer will be on hand to cure all illness or batting slumps.
- Promise rings will be handed out to all fans in attendance.
- The Miracle manager will make most of his in-game decisions with the thought process of, “What Would Tim Tebow Do?”
- The first pitch will be a jump pass.
- Tebow’s now-engraved speech titled “The Promise” will be played over the PA system numerous times throughout the night.
- Miracle gameday staff will resolve any problems by simply asking “What Would Tim Tebow Do?”
- Since Tim Tebow is perfect, (their words, not mine) the Miracle will be, too. If the Miracle commit an error on Wednesday, every fan in attendance receives a free ticket to the game on Sunday.
Gatorade will also be discounted (of course) and anyone wearing college gear can register for a chance to win tickets to the Florida-Arkansas game in Gainesville.
So again, I say…”Your move, RedHawks.”
Of course, Sam Bradford doesn’t have anywhere near the pop culture canon Tebow does, but I’m sure they could come up with plenty of good stuff.
What promotions would you like to see for “Sam Bradford Night” at Bricktown Ballpark?
Practice report (08-24-09)
Today, the Sooners began their first day of classes, and Bob Stoops said everyone reported to class and picked up their books.
But the best news of the day was the return of a 100-percent Ben Habern to the practice field at center. Habern has been battling a recurring muscle flare-up in his back for the last three weeks.
“I’m full go,” he said. “The back feels fine.”
Brody Eldridge, however, continued to work on the offensive line at center/guard, and said he wasn’t sure if he would playing there or at tight end come Sept. 5. I think much of it will hinge on how quickly Habern returns to form. But if he comes back strong, count on Eldridge moving back to tight end in the coming days.
Other notes:
* WR coach Jay Norvell said soph. Dejuan Miller has made several plays of late and is making a strong push for playing time in a crowded WR rotation.
* Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said true freshman Tyler Evans will play this season on the offensive line and will not redshirt. The other two true freshmen who have a chance of playing are WR Jaz Reynolds and QB Drew Allen, though neither is definite one way or the other. Fullback Marshall Musil and tight end Gabe Ikard have both looked really good, Wilson said, but both will redshirt. Wilson, however, said if he needed him, he would feel comfortable playing Ikard this season.
* QB coach Josh Heupel said he’s still not ready to reveal who will be Sam Bradford’s backup, Allen or redshirt freshman Landry Jones. My bet is still on Jones, but the fact that they’re still not ready to make Jones the backup makes you wonder.
* Evans apparently is outplaying both JUCO transfers Tavaris Jeffries and Jeff Vinson.
* Wilson also said former-LB-now-FB Brandon Crow will be used in goal-line and short yardage situations. Wilson pointed out that Crow is a better short-yardage blocker than starter Matt Clapp, who is a better a runner and all-around player.
* Wilson also said he sees James Hanna playing this year in a relief role of Jermaine Gresham at tight end. Hanna is the heir-apparent for the receiving-tight end spot next year after Gresham is gone.
-JT
Numbers check for returning Heisman QBs
History doesn't bode well for returning Heisman QBs.
Fellow OU writer Jake Trotter spoke with Jason White for today’s Oklahoman. White, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2003, is one of five quarterbacks to return to college football after winning the Heisman.
Sam Bradford will be the sixth.
Of course, as I blogged about at length last week, the only two-time winner is a running back.
Here’s how the five quarterbacks fared in their defense of the Heisman:
Roger Staubach: 1963 winner
1963: 107 completions, 161 attempts, 66.5% completion %, 1,474 yards, 7 TD
1964: 119 completions, 204 attempts, 58.3% completion %, 1,131 yards, 4 TD
1964 Heisman finish: Received no votes. I guess we’ll call that a tie for 11th. (Winner: John Huarte, Notre Dame)
Ty Detmer: 1990 winner
1990: 362 completions, 561 attempts, 64.2% completion %, 5,188 yards, 41 TD, 24 INT
1991: 249 completions, 403 attempts, 61.8% completion %, 4,031 yards, 35 TD, 12 INT
1991 Heisman finish: 3rd. (Winner: Desmond Howard, Michigan)
Jason White: 2003 winner
2003: 278 completions, 451 attempts, 61.6% completion %, 3,846 yards, 40 TD, 10 INT
2004: 255 completions, 390 attempts, 65.4% completion %, 3,205 yards, 35 TD, 9 INT
2004 Heisman finish: 3rd. (Winner: Matt Leinart, USC)
Matt Leinart: 2004 winner
2004: 269 completions, 412 attempts, 65.3% completion %, 3,322 yards, 33 TD, 6 INT
2005: 283 completions, 431 attempts, 65.7% completion %, 3815 yards, 28 TD, 8 INT
2005 Heisman finish: 3rd. (Winner: Reggie Bush, USC)
Tim Tebow: 2007 winner
2007 passing: 234 completions, 350 attempts, 66.9% completion %, 32 TD, 6 INT
2008 passing: 192 completions, 298 attempts, 64.4% completion %, 30 TD, 4 INT
2007 rushing: 210 attempts, 895 yards, 23 TD (55 total TD)
2008 rushing: 176 attempts, 693 yards, 12 TD (42 total TD)
2008 Heisman finish: 3rd. (Winner: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma)
Sam Bradford: 2008 winner
2008: 328 completions, 483 attempts, 67.9% completion %, 4,720 yards, 50 TD, 8 INT
2009: ?
Only Leinart’s numbers made significant improvement, and he lost out to a player on his own team. I’m not sure which fact is more remarkable.
Most predict that Bradford’s numbers will also dip, but the Oklahoma coaching staff says he’s made significant improvement since last season. That may be true, but I doubt those improvements show up in his stat line.
Most often, the toughest competition for returning Heisman winners is themselves. Heisman repeats are difficult for a number of reasons, but a major one is if the numbers aren’t there, Heisman No. 2 won’t be either. Why that drop occurs is irrelevant.
Bradford’s movement up and down the weekly Heisman standings should be fascinating to watch. How much effect, positive or negative, his 2008 numbers have on that will probably be revisited later this year.
Adron Tennell uncut
-JT
Florida State responds
Friday evening, Florida State University officials responded to The Oklahoman’s report that, according to court documents found in Mike Balogun’s lawsuit against the NCAA, FSU was responsible for notifying Big 12 and OU officials about Balogun’s semi-pro past.
Here’s what the statement said:
In response to erroneous media reports, Florida State University athletics would like to clarify its conversation with Oklahoma University as it pertains to the eligibility of Sooners linebacker Mike Balogun.
Florida State’s compliance office did contact the Oklahoma University compliance office after learning that Balogun had played in a semi-pro football league while watching the Jan. 9, 2009 television broadcast of the Bowl Championship Series national championship game.
“The purpose of the inquiry to Oklahoma University was to gather information regarding a similar eligibility case involving former Florida State wide receiver Corey Surrency,” said Brian Battle, FSU Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. “Florida State’s compliance office did not contact the Big 12 or the NCAA.”
Surrency, who also played in a semi-pro football league beyond his 21st birthday, was denied a second year of eligibility by the NCAA following the school’s appeal on April 28, 2009.
“There was no ill intention on our part,” Battle said. “It was merely a fact-finding phone call, made only to the Oklahoma University compliance office. This is a very common practice amongst compliance offices with this type of complex situation.”
That statement, however, doesn’t match up with a letter (and other documentation found in Balogun’s lawsuit) written to the NCAA by Oklahoma’s compliance department, which, among other documentation, was part of the basis of The Oklahoman reporting that court documents alleged Florida State had contact with the Big 12 regarding Balogun.
MEMORANDUM
TO: NCAA Amateurism Department, Stephen Webb
FROM: Athletics Compliance Department— University of Oklahoma
DATE: March 6, 2009
SUBJECT: Ademola “Mike” Balogun
As you are aware, the University. of Oklahoma (“University”) football team played In the BCS National Championship on January 8, 2009. During the broadcast of said game, the announcers made the comment that Ademola “Mike” Balogun, the University’s starting linebacker, played semi-pro football prior to his enrollment in junior college and prior to Mike’s enrollment at the University. The following day. January 9, 2009, the University of Oklahoma Athletic Compliance Department (“Department”) received an e-mail from a member of the Big 12 Conference staff requesting information regarding Mike’s season of competition as well as his competitive history (See Exhibit 1). The Department responded with a detailed analysis outlining its knowledge (and previous investigation) of Mike’s participation in the National American Football League (“NAFL”), the NCM’s inquiry into the same and the resulting classification by the NCAA of Mike as a junior with one year of eligibility remaining (See Exhibit 2). In response to the information provided, the Big 12 was satisfied with the University’s Investigation into this matter (See Exhibit 3).
The Department thereafter received a phone call from Florida State’s (“FSU”) Compliance Department, During the phone call, it became evident that FSU had seen the broadcast and inquired of the Big 12 to investigate the matter. The FSU Compliance Department stated that they were aware of a box score on the internet that reflected that Mike played after his 21st birthday.
The Department’s. response was that we were aware of the box score; however, based on our prior investigation the box score was incorrect. Regardless, the Department decided to again investigate the matter.
The Department contacted Dennis Felton, a former assistant coach for the Maryland Marauders, who stated that he thought that Mike played during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons; therefore, it is conceivable, if Dennis’s memory is correct, that Mike played organized football after Mike’s 2IY birthday.
The purpose of this Memorandum (and supporting documentation) is to present this matter to the NCAA Amateurism Department to ensure that the University and the NCAA are aligned in their understanding of Mike’s amateur status and current classification (“junior”). The University’s position (classification) In this matter is based on the investigation the NCAA conducted related to Mike’s certification, the Department’s investigation into Mike’s participation in the NAFL, which Includes a conversation with Terry Sullivan, the former Commissioner of the NAFL (See Exhibit 4 and Exhibit 5), investigation/conversations with Mike Balogun, the Department’s conversations with John Shukie (See Exhibits) at the NCAA, and the sworn affidavits from Mike Balogun and Gary Rice, the owner of the Maryland Marauders from 2003-2005 (See Exhibit land 8).
We, at the University of Oklahoma, are fully aware of our NCAA requirements and want to take every opportunity available to ensure that we do not violate any NCAA rules and regulations. Though we feel that you will reach the same conclusion that we have in regards to Mike’s classification, we are sending you this information and request that you review the same. If you have any questions, comments or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As one can see, the reporting of the Balogun story matches up with the contents of this letter, which alleges that FSU “inquired of the Big 12 to investigate the matter.”
Florida State officials may be telling the truth, that no one from their office contacted the Big 12.
But this letter suggests otherwise.
-JT
Practice report (8-21-09)
Apologies for posting this practice report so late. It’s been a long day, and with Wort and Balogun, a longer week. Obviously, the big news of the day was that Tom Wort was going to miss the season with a torn ACL. This comes after a week after it was revealed the NCAA was investigating the eligibility of Mike Balogun.
With Wort out, and Balogun’s status in limbo, this is how I see the LB depth chart heading into the Sept. 5 opener with BYU:
Middle
4;Ryan Reynolds;6-1;225;Sr.
*10;Mike Balogun;6-0;247;Sr.
12;Austin Box;6-2;220;So.
56;Ronnell Lewis;6-2;232;Fr.
Weak-side
28;Travis Lewis;6-2;232;So.
12;Austin Box;6-2;220;So.
55;Jaydan Bird;6-1;227;Fr.
Strong-side
22;Keenan Clayton;6-2;221;Sr.
31;Daniel Franklin;6-2;219;RFr.
21;J.R. Bryant;6-2;225;Sr.
* Eligibility currently being questioned by the NCAA
Other notes from practice:
* D-coordinator Brent Venables said there’s no way that Brandon Crow moves back to LB from fullback. Crow is currently working behind Matt Clapp on the depth chart there. Said Venables: “He’s doing a good job over there.”
* Venables also explained why JR Bryant has played so little this fall.
“He’s still working his way back. He didn’t come back at a point we would have liked him to be at. So he’s still trying to work his way back.”
* Venables has been really pleased with his young DBs.
“We feel like we have a identified a couple of young guys, which has been talked about, in Marcus Trice and Demontre Hurst. They will both play and play in significant situations. They’re very instinctual and good football players. And they are not physically overwhelmed. So, those two guys are helping us with some depth and Marcus can play the nickel and be a safety as well. He can do a number of different things.
Demontre has played corner primarily and done really well. He had a couple of picks yesterday. One was an incredible catch that he takes from somebody and he actually should have had three. The third one he broke on and it just went through his hands. He’s played like that on a consistent basis. I feel really good about those guys.”
* Venables was also high on his safeties, who are basically both first-year full-time starters.
“Quinton and Sam have done really well and been very consistent. And again we know that our next level at safety are guys that haven’t been in a game before. So we obviously want to stay healthy and try to bring those guys along.”
* Venables confirmed freshman DT Jamarkus McFarland will play this season and not redshirt.
“I think Jamarkus McFarland will help us as far as a young guy that hasn’t played.”
-JT
Practice report (8-20-09)
For OU, the luck keeps getting worse for its middle linebackers. A week after it was revealed the NCAA was investigating the eligibility of Mike Balogun, freshman Tom Wort injures his knee in practice.
“He was just jumping up for a ball and came down funny,” coach Bob Stoops said Thursday. “We’re worried about his knee. We’ll see what the doctors say. I can’t detail it here today without them having a chance to thoroughly look at it.”
Doesn’t sound good, but maybe Wort, who was vying to be on the 2-deep depth chart, will be OK. If not, count on Austin Box going back to middle linebacker to add depth to the position, something the Sooners have struggled to maintain having been ravaged by injuries there the last two seasons.
But in Box, OU should be fine. Box started 4 games there last year, and proved capable of playing the position. He may have to go back and forth though between weak side, where he’s been playing, and the middle. One more injury, though, pending the outcome of Balogun’s bout with the NCAA, and linebacker depth could become an issue again for the Sooners.
Other news from practice:
* Running back DeMarco Murray said he feels 100 percent and is basically back at practice. Murray won’t be participating in any contact drills, but that’s just a precaution. The coaches are doing the same thing with Chris Brown.
* Center Ben Habern’s back flared up again Wed., which is a troubling sign.
Said Habern, “It’s good. It just kinda flared up on me yesterday after going full speed on it. I think they just wana be careful with me and don’t throw me in there too quick day after day. They’re trying to keep it from flaring up on me. So I know that’s smart. It’s feeling better but it probably needs a couple of days of rest.”
Habern is running out of days to rest. The Sooners open up two weeks from Saturday.
-JT
Breaking down the wide receivers
-JT
Bradford tops Mel Kiper’s Big Board
Sam Bradford has found himself atop Mel Kiper’s 2010 NFL Draft Big Board. Considering Bradford turned down a chance to be a top five pick in 2009, it’s no real surprise, but Kiper’s comments are a little puzzling.
1. *Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: Has underrated arm and great feel for position and is super-accurate.
I’m not too sure who’s underrating Bradford’s arm, but he should get comfortable looking down at the rest of the prospects for next year’s draft.
Worth noting: No. 4 on Kiper’s board? Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who also could have been a top 10 pick in 2009.
UPDATE (4:31 p.m.): Here’s video of Kiper revealing his board on ESPN earlier today.
