Sam Bradford 3rd in ESPN’s Heisman Watch
Third place? That could change soon.
ESPN’s first Heisman Watch of 2009 debuted last week. So why is the returning Heisman winner on a national championship contender a distant third with no first place votes?
Questions about OU’s O-line linger, though Bradford and the Sooners have a chance to make an early statement in their season-opener against BYU in Cowboys Stadium.
Don’t expect Bradford to be constantly on the run this year with the new four linemen up front, but a 300-yard, 4 TD performance against the No. 24 Cougars could shake up the top 3 while Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy frost a couple of cupcakes in Charleston Southern and Louisiana-Monroe.
Sam Bradford still improving
Bradford is in his fourth fall camp.
As impressive as Sam Bradford was in 2008, perspective reminds us that the Putnam City native is still only 21. Translation: He’s going to get better.
Bradford is in the middle of his fourth fall preseason camp, and coach Bob Stoops is reminding anyone who’ll listen that his star didn’t spend the summer sitting on the couch watching his highlight reels.
“He’s stronger, he’s quicker, the ball comes out faster,” Stoops said. “I’m sure he’s been processing. He has another year of experience on the field.”
An inexperienced receiving corps will probably contribute to a slight drop in production more than the offensive line will, but Bradford could be better than ever physically and mentally.
Reliving OU-Ohio State 1983
-JT
Reliving OU-Ohio State 1977
-JT
What they’re saying about OU-Ohio State
Here are some of the best quotes from among the many people interviewed for Sunday’s Oklahoma-Ohio State story:
“Many of the fans and former players, we pull for this team so hard. This is our team. Like the Buckeye fans, we want them to win the national championship to make us happy. And for them, these kids.” — Steve Owens, who won the Heisman at OU in 1969
“The perception is when these guys step outside their crummy league, they get blasted. It’s not true, but it’s hard to say it’s not true, because according to the numbers, it is.” — Bruce Hooley, former Ohio State beat writer for the Cleveland Plain-Dealer who now hosts a Columbus sports talk radio show
“I wouldn’t call OU a perennial runner-up. You’ve got to look at all those national championships.” — Ken Silver, who is an OU fan from Edmond
“In this age of texting, twittering, the bowl losses have terribly tarnished OU’s legacy. People don’t know about 47 games or Bud Wilkinson or Barry Switzer. They don’t even know that Bob Stoops won a national championship. All they know is that OU keeps losing the big game. I don’t like it. But the only way to change it is OU is going to have to win a national championship” — Skip Bayless, an ESPN commentator who grew up in Oklahoma City an avid Sooner fan
“To me, (the national title losses are) disappointing, but after living through that defeat of Miami in 2002, it doesn’t hurt me that bad.” — Tim Haladay, who is an Ohio State grad living in Edmond
“OU has great coaches, but they need to step it up again in a big game. It’s starting to become embarrassing with the bowl (losses).” — David Jessup, who is an OU fan from Ponca City
“I really felt like we had the talent and the chemistry capable of winning all those games. It’s hard to be perfect always, but dang it, that’s the way it ought to be.” — Mike Vaughan, who was an All-American offensive tackle at OU in the 1970s
“Being a passionate fan, I can never remember losing a game (Florida) when it didn’t even hurt at the end because you’re getting your butt kicked so bad.” — Shaun McGinnis, who is an Ohio State grad living in Norman
“Everyone that knows I love OU gives me a hard time that they choke. It’s hard and gets frustrating. But they’re getting there. It’s fun to watch. I try to look forward to next year when it’s over, that we’ll get there again, we’ll get another shot. I try to stay positive.” — Evan Ritz, who is a Sooner fan enrolled at the University of Maryland
“The perception of Oklahoma right now is consistently good on a regular basis, consistently competing for conference championships. But can’t get it done in the big game. Against other conferences like the SEC or Pac-10, can’t compete. I think that’s pretty much Ohio State’s thing too. That’s their national perception, as well.” — Kyle Salomon, who is a student at OU
“I see the frustration for both fan bases.” — Sam Rampey, who is an Ohio State fan living in Oklahoma City
“I think Ohio State appeared to be a little bit complacent in the practices. Being at the game that night, everyone was a little complacent, particularly after (Ted Ginn Jr.) took the opening kickoff for a touchdown. It was one of those games where one team wanted it more.” — Jack Park, who is a radio commentator and Ohio State football author and historian, discussing the Buckeyes’ 41-14 loss to Florida in the 2007 BCS national championship game
“I view it as the same way that the coaching staff views it — I’d rather be playing in it and lose it than not have a chance to win.” — Bill Moakley, who is an OU fan from Purcell
“There are a lot of fair-weather fans out there who are upset we haven’t gone all the way. But I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I think Bob Stoops is a great coach.” — Shannon Olson, who is an OU fan from Yukon
-JT
Practice report (8-14-09)
The news coming from today is that Mike Balogun is ineligible pending an NCAA investigation about whether he played semi-pro ball after his 21st birthday. If he did, then he’s done for the season. If not, Balogun will reinstated.
But should that stick, Austin Box will play a more prominent role this year, as Ryan Reynolds’ backup in the middle. We’ll know about more Balogun by next Wed. Stay tuned.
Other notes from practice:
* O-line coach James Patton said Brody Eldridge will move back to tight end once starting center Ben Habern is back 100 percent. I asked Patton where it’s possible Eldridge would remain on the o-line even after that happened, and he said, “No.” Coach Bob Stoops said he expects Habern to be able to do more work on Monday.
* I spoke with Brody about the challenges of playing center. He said the biggest thing is learning how to snap the ball. That’s why for the majority of the first hour of Thursday’s open practice, Brody was practicing his shotgun snaps with the QBs, while the rest of the o-line worked on blocking drills.
* Cornerbacks Jamell Fleming (back) and Desmond Jackson (academic misconduct) are being held out of practice right now. That’s why you see true freshman Demontre Hurst getting a strong look at corner. For now, count on him and Lamar Harris being OU’s top two cornerback reserves.
* Bob Stoops still is not ready to name a backup QB between Landry Jones and Drew Allen, though it’s hard to see Jones not being the first QB off the bench.
* WR coach Jay Norvell said while he’s not talked about much, Brandon Caleb is having a solid camp. I asked Norvell how many WRs he plans to play, and ideally he said 6, though wherever the dropoff is, that’s how many he’ll play. Right now, he’s sifting through Caleb, Tennell, Madu, Broyles, Miller, Owens, Reynolds and Kenney (did I forget anyone?)
-JT
Practice report (8-13-09)
The Sooners held their first of two open practices this fall on Thursday. Reporters didn’t have the chance to speak with coaches, however, the first hour was open for our viewing enjoyment.
Some observations:
* Place-kicker Jimmy Stevens had a terrific showing. In my opinion, he was the story of evening. I don’t believe he missed a single attempt during the open part of practice and nailed field goals from 48 and 53 yards out. The 400-500 fans who also showed up gave Stevens one of their biggest ovations. It was just a practice, but this has got to give Stevens some confidence. Walk-on Bryce Easley, who wears No. 94, didn’t have the showing that Stevens did. Tress Way was pretty solid at kicker, but nowhere near Stevens.
* While the rest of the tight ends were working with the offensive line on the sled, Brody Eldridge remained with the QBs working on his shotgun snaps. Clearly, getting him ready an an emergency center is a priority for the coaching staff. But projected starter Ben Habern took part in most of drills today and seems like he close to being back 100 percent. Habern has been held out the last week with a inflamed back. Backup guard-center Brian Lepak dressed, but didn’t participate in practice today still due to a high-ankle sprain.
* Jarvis Jones got some work at guard, while Stephen Good slid over to center during team drills with the first-team offense. Not a bad idea, while Haberns rests up.
* The first-team receivers today were Cameron Kenney, Ryan Broyles and Adron Tennell. On the first play during team, Tennell went up over corner Brian Jackson during a fly pattern and brought down the ball for a terrifc catch.
* The second-team WRs were Jaz Reynolds, Dejuan Miller and Brandon Caleb. Mossis Madu got some work with the first unit, but didn’t start. So did Caleb.
* Kenney and Reynolds both showed why Kevin Wilson raved about them earlier this week. Kenney appears to be a solid route runner with good hands and some savvy. Reynolds has great down-field speed. He outran corner Demontre Hurst down the sidelines, but dropped a pass that hit his hands.
* The second-team defense today was Frank Alexander and RJ Washington at DE; Casey Walker and Stacy McGee at DT; Austin Box, Tom Wort (middle) and Daniel Franklin at LB; Brian Jackson (he also played on the first unit) and Hurst at corner; and Emmanuel Jones and freshman Marcus Trice at safety. Javon Harris didn’t get any reps that I saw at safety.
* Not surprisingly, Sam Bradford put every pass he threw on the money.
* Cameron Kenney and Tress Way both looked strong on punts. Way had a rough spring game, but clearly has some talent. And you can see why Stoops is working Kenney out at punter. Ideally, they’d like to play Way there and leave Kenney at WR. But at least they know they have a decent backup option in Kenney.
* Dom Franks and Ryan Broyles handled all the punt returns.
* Injury report: Defensive end David King did not dress today with an undisclosed injury. He stretched with the team, but that was it. King was ahead of Washington on the depth chart coming into the fall, but that appears to be swinging back the other way. DE Pryce Macon is also out with an undisclosed knee injury. DeMarco Murray, dealing with a hamstring, wore a helmet, but was largely held out.
* DeMarcus Granger and Ryan Reynolds both participated in all drills that I saw. Granger is coming back from, back surgery. Reynolds, knee surgery. Granger needs to lose some weight, but both players look about as healthy as could have been hoped right now.
-JT
Stevens makes Groza watch list
In a bit of a surprise, Oklahoma kicker Jimmy Stevens has been named to the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the kicker of the year.
Stevens, just a sophomore, converted 8-of-11 field goals last season. He also set a school record for extra points made with 92. He did miss five extra points.
The Groza will be presented on Dec. 10 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards program.
No Sooner has ever won the Groza, which has been around since 1992.
-JT
Trio of Sooners on Bednarik watch list
Oklahoma defensive end Jeremy Beal, linebacker Travis Lewis and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy have all been named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to college football’s top defensive player.
Beal, a member of the preseason All-Big 12 team, had 8 ½ sacks and 15 ½ tackles for loss last season.
Lewis, just a sophomore, was named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2008 after breaking the school record for tackles by a freshman with 144.
McCoy, who also is on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, had 11 tackles for loss and 6 ½ sacks last season.
Former Sooner linebacker Teddy Lehman won the Bednarik in 2003.
Semifinalists for the Bednarik will be announced on Nov. 4 and three finalists for the award will be revealed Nov. 23.
The winner will be announced during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.
-JT
Today’s chat
Here’s is the archive of this morning’s OU football chat. We plan to do these every Thursday at 11 a.m. throughout the year.
-JT
