Chat Recap: Jake Trotter
Sam Bradford aftermath
The center of the sports world Monday resided in Norman, Okla., where former OU quarterback Sam Bradford dazzled NFL personnel by completing 62 of 63 passes during his debut workout that received rave reviews across the board.
Among the most interesting tidbits to come out of the workout was this from ProFootballTalk.com:
We’re hearing from multiple league and media sources that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford could refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the Rams.
In the past four drafts, the only top pick not signed in advance of the commencement of the selection process was Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He ultimately held out into the regular season.
If Bradford declines to agree to terms before being picked, and if the Rams ultimately don’t select him, Bradford would slide to the Redskins at No. 4, at worst. (He also could end up going second or third, if a team that needs a quarterback moves up.) Operating from the four hole, Bradford likely would then attempt to invoke the so-called “quarterback premium” in the hopes of getting more than the first overall pick, just as Matt Ryan did from the third spot two years ago.
If the Rams pick Bradford without a contract in place, the leverage then flips to the player, with the Rams compelled to get the guy signed in the hopes of justifying the pick and turning around a franchise that seems far longer than a decade removed from a Super Bowl win.
We also don’t rule out the Rams picking Bradford and then attempting to trade him, like the Chargers did six years ago with Eli Manning.
The Washington Post, among other newspapers, had a similar report: In this year’s draft, could Sam Bradford be the new Eli Manning?
After Bradford knocked his workout out of the park Monday, negotiations between the Rams and Bradford’s agent, Tom Condon, will be something to watch over the next few weeks.
Below, everything else you could possibly want to read about Bradford’s big day:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Bradford’s pro day: 63 passes, one hit ground
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Bradford would be a player, not a savior
Sports Illustrated: One respected talent evaluator can imagine Bradford with Redskins
Philadelphia Inquirer: Bradford workout could advance pick by Rams
Washington Post: The Redskins, Shanahans and Sam Bradford might be an ideal combo
Washington Post: Bradford looks like near-certain top pick
Washington Post: Sam Bradford impresses
Oklahoma Daily: Bradford impresses scouts at pro day
Dallas Morning News: Can Sam Bradford be another Troy Aikman?
ESPN: Source: Rams await Bradford workout
ESPN: Drafting DTs is risky proposition
New York Times: Bradford Awes Observers in Pro Day Workout
Detroit Free-Press: Sam Bradford’s workout increases Lions’ chances of landing Ndamukong Suh
Northeastern Sports Network: Sam Bradford Touted as Next Troy Aikman or Eli Manning After Pro Day Performance
Seattle Times: Pete Carroll on Sam Bradford’s pro day: ‘He lit it up.’
AP: Ex-Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford shows passing accuracy during a workout for NFL teams
Cleveland Plain-Dealer: Cleveland Browns will spend extra pre-draft time with QBs Sam Bradford
-JT
Follow Jake Trotter on Twitter: @Jake_Trotter.
OU spring practice report: Days 4-7
Oklahoma Sooner players and coaches met with reporters for the first time since Saturday’s intrasquad 90-play scrimmage, which was closed to the media and to the public.
Among the highlights:
Running back Jermie Calhoun rushed for 3 TDs. A pair of 1-yarders and a 20-yard scamper.
“I think I dragged one of our players a couple times,” Calhoun said. “It was a good day for me.”
Calhoun’s teammates and coaches were impressed with the sophomore running back’s performance.
Said QB Landry Jones: “We ran the ball really well. Jermie and Mossis Madu really ran the ball well.”
Said tight end Trent Ratterree: “Jermie is running really physical.”
Said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson: “Nice to see Jermie run with power, good pad level. He had some nice runs.”
* Tight end James Hanna and WR Jaz Reynolds both added big plays. Hanna took a quick out route, broke a tackle, and raced about 65 yards for a TD. With one hand, Reynolds caught a tipped pass for a long TD reception.
* OU’s two trouble spots last season, WR and OL, had nice scrimmages. The Sooners dropped 3 of the first 4 passes from the scrimmage, but caught everything in sight after that. The line, meanwhile, more than held its own against OU’s defensive front, as the offense was able to grind out rushing yards throughout the day.
“The line did pretty good,” coach Bob Stoops said. “They’re doing a good job. Competing hard.”
Other notes from Tuesday’s practice:
* Slot receiver Ryan Broyles has been dealing with a slight hamstring pull, which kept him out of the scrimmage. He practiced some Tuesday.
* Wilson admitted he’s toying with the idea of playing 6-foot-5 wideout Dejuan Miller in the flex some, similar to what OU did with Jermaine Gresham two years ago. That season, Gresham was deadly in the red zone thanks to his combination of size and speed. Wilson envisions Miller also creating matchup problems. But first, Wilson has to figure out this spring if Miller can handle the scheme, blocking and technique differences of playing inside.
* Running back DeMarco Murray, who is not taking part in live drills during the spring, has been trying out yoga to help improve his flexibility and and maybe help keep him from tearing or straining muscles. He said the idea came from his dad.
“I’m not very flexible,” he said. “It’s to get me stretched out, keep my hamstring and things loose and not tight. And I’ve heard it helps prevent a lot of injuries, especially from running backs.”
Murray said he’s making gains this off-season unlike the last two, when he’s been coming off serious injuries. As a freshman, he dislocated a kneecap. As a sophomore, tore his quad. While he dealt with a sprained ankle last year, Murray said he’s healthy and looking forward to increasing his speed and strength during the next four months.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I think that’s really going to help me.”
* True freshman Kenny Stills continues to make noise this spring, and could join the WR rotation as early as this fall.
“He’s showing some flash and some savviness,” Wilson said.
Stills is currently working at wideout, but could over time eventually play some in the slot.
* Ratterree continues to be the frontrunner in the 3-headed tight end competition. Hanna has the most athleticism and big-play ability, exemplified by his TD catch in the scrimmage.
6-foot-7, 265-pound Lane Johnson is the biggest of the three tight ends. But the converted QB is still learning the position and could be a year away from significantly contributing.
“For Lane, it’s coming in short glitches,” Wilson said.
That leaves Ratterree, who remains the most consistent TE on the roster.
* Center Ben Habern returned to practice this week. Habern is coming off a broken fibula. For now, Brian Lepak will man the starting role at center, backed up by freshman Gabe Ikard. Look for Habern to resume his spot atop the depth chart as he works back into form.
* The starting secondary continues to be Demontre Hurst and Jamell Fleming at CB, and Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson at safety.
* Boise State coach Chris Petersen visited Tuesday’s practice. Former South Florida coach Jim Leavitt has also been in Norman. Leavitt and Stoops go back to their days as co-defensive coordinators at Kansas State under Bill Snyder in the 1990s.
-JT
Follow Jake Trotter on Twitter: @Jake_Trotter.
Sam Bradford Pro Day Chat
The Oklahoman’s Ryan Aber was at Sam Bradford’s Pro Day Monday, providing live updates and answering questions from readers. Here’s the full recap.
Q&A: OU linebacker Travis Lewis
Not long ago, it was Travis Lewis who was the young, inexperienced one in the linebacking corps.
Now, with Ryan Reynolds and Keenan Clayton both out of eligibility, it’s Lewis who is the veteran and leader of a host of young, talented, but relatively inexperienced linebackers.
Lewis answered a few questions about himself, and the young bunch of Ronnell Lewis, Tom Wort, Jaydan Bird and Dan Franklin following OU’s third spring practice:
How are the younger guys doing?
“They’re doing good. They surprise me every day. In the film room, they want to learn. It’s fun seeing them develop and become good players. When I leave, I’m not worried. Jaydan, Ronnell, Tom, they could all potentially be starters. So, they’re coming along great.”
Seems it wasn’t long ago we were talking about you being the young linebacker. Now, you’re the elder statesman. Seem like it’s been a quick turnaround?
“It actually seems like a long time ago. It feels like it was forever. But I feel I like I’ve been through the system. I feel like coach V doesn’t have to coach me. I pretty much know the system. I can go out there and call the defense with confidence.”
What do you want to show those young guys?
“I’m just trying to show them how to work, how to prepare. Being a leader, being vocal on the field. In the film room, sit up front, ask all the questions that need to be asked. Learn how to prepare for game situations.”
We’ve seen flashes from the young guys, but what is the upside with this corps?
“Working out with them, how strong they are, how fast they’ve developed, it’s amazing to see. To see how strong and explosive they are. That’s why I’m not worried about them. They’re going to be great players. They all could potentially be starters. Good to see how far they’ve come.”
How is Tom doing, coming back for the ACL tear?
“Tom is doing well. The knee isn’t bothering him. He looks like the Tom of old. Flying around, missing a couple tackles, making plays. He’s looking good. The knee doesn’t look like it’s bothering him.”
What stands out about Ronnell?
“Man, he’s strong. When he first got in here, he (benched) 315, like 10-12 times. The other backers, we’re doing 275. Just his strength. Line him up, put him up against a tight end and let him go to work. He has that strength. All he needs to do is get in that film room and learn the defense. That’s the hardest part. He already has all the physical traits to make him a special player. But that’s only half the battle. The other half is getting in the film room and learning the defense. He’ll come along. He’s come a long way since he first got there, not being able to answer questions. He can answer a few questions now. He’s getting better.”
What’s it like watching his special teams hits in the film room?
“Looking bad, that one A&M hit, when he gave that guy a concussion. The guy got up, fell down, got up and fell down again. Coach Stoops went back and watched it with all the guys. It was just like, dang. Because I saw it live, I saw it happen, but it’s another thing seeing it on film. He’s a pretty special player. He’s got the physical part down. That’s not his problem. Striking people, that’s natural for him. That’s half the battle. Coaching him up, that’s the other half. He’ll get it. He wants to learn. He’s in the film room, he’s paying attention.”
Last year, the rotation at linebacker was pretty much set, with you at the weak side, Ryan in the middle, and Keenan on the strong side. This spring, is coach Venables trying some different combinations to find the right fit?
“That Mike and that Sam are wide open. Coach V said it many times. He’s looking for that one who steps up and stamps his name on that position. I think he feels nobody has really done that yet. Box is a veteran, played in the system. But coach V is letting Tom run with me, and those guys are rotating at Sam. It’s up for grabs and up to those guys to go get it.”
Suffice to say then, you’ll for sure be staying on the weak side?
“Yeah, that’s where I’m gonna be.”
-JT
Follow Jake Trotter on Twitter: @Jake_Trotter.
Breaking down OU basketball in 2010-11
Wednesday, the OU men’s basketball program issued a release, confirming the departures of Ray Willis and Tommy Mason-Griffin. Willis is transferring. Mason-Griffin is turning pro.
That hardly throws the book on this off-season.
Willie Warren is still determining whether to turn pro, too. And Tiny Gallon’s status remains in limbo and OU officials investigate the nature of a $3,000 wired deposit into his personal bank account by a financial advisor.
Still, closure on Mason-Griffin and Willis provides some clarity on what next year’s team might look like.
My best guess at this point is that Warren leaves and Gallon stays. Warren’s intention all along has been to bolt for the NBA. And unless something goes wrong with his recovery from minor ankle surgery, then you have to think he’ll follow through.
As for Gallon, my belief is that he’ll be back. He might have to sit out a few games, and pay back any illicit money. But I think he’ll be back.
That leaves OU’s roster rotation of returning players — as of right now — looking something like this:
PG: None
SG: Steven Pledger
SF: Cade Davis
PF Andrew Fitzgerald, Kyle Hardrick
C: Tiny Gallon, Orlando Allen
I’m not 100 percent convinced Hardrick or Allen will be back, but there’s been nothing to suggest they’re leaving either. So for now they stay in the rotation.
Now, add OU’s two signess, guard T.J. Taylor and forward Cameron Clark, and I think OU’s rotation adjusts to this:
PG: T.J. Taylor
SG: Cade Davis, Steven Pledger
SF: Cameron Clark
PF Andrew Fitzgerald, Kyle Hardrick
C: Tiny Gallon, Orlando Allen
This team has several weaknesses, but the starting lineup isn’t horrible, either.
As to the weaknesses: point guard play and frontline depth (not to mention scoring and defense). But improving point guard play should help the offense, added frontline depth will augment the defense.
Point guard play
Jeff Capel has to sign at least 1-2 junior-college points guards to plug the weakness here. Taylor is a nice player, but he’s more of a 2-guard than a true point. Relying on a freshman 2-guard to man the point all alone is asking for calamity.
According to OUInsider.com, Capel has offered three juco guards:
* Marquise Carter (6-foot-4) of Three Rivers C.C. He is the younger brother of former Sooner Nate Carter. Carter also has offers from Gonzaga and Wichita State. Carter is rated the No. 26 JUCO prospect by Rivals.com. Carter, however, is more of a combo guard. He averaged 17.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
* Josh Watkins (6-foot) of Howard College. Watkins is from New York Wadleigh High. He averaged 14 points, five rebounds and four assists this year while leading Howard to the JUCO national title game win over Three Rivers. He outplayed Carter in that game to earn tourney MVP honors. Watkins has been talking with Cincinnati, West Virginia and Florida State, among others.
* Daniel West (6-feet-2) of Pensacola JC. West originally signed with Tennessee out of Saginaw, Mich., but didn’t get past NCAA clearinghouse. He was also recruited by SMU and St. John’s coming out of high school.
Frontline Depth
If Gallon comes back, OU potentially could have a serviceable 1-2 punch inside with Gallon and Fitzgerald.
But after that, well, not much.
Allen didn’t play much at all this past season, even when OU had frontline issues. But Allen was a much bigger part of the rotation than Hardrick, who played a total of 4 minutes the whole season. Provided these guys don’t make dramatic improvement, they won’t be counted on to fill OU’s frontcourt void off the bench.
That means Capel, just as he does at point guard, needs to add some bodies on the post.
The guy Capel has been targeting for awhile is Southern Idaho (Juan Pattillo’s college) center Aziz N’Diaye. The 7-foot-1, 255-pounder has offers from Loyola Marymount, Oregon State, Washington and Colorado, among others.
N’Diaye took an official visit to Norman Feb. 5.
Landing N’Diaye could go a long way in alleviating the frontline depth woes.
Best-case lineup (assuming Warren leaves, Gallon stays)
PG: Josh Watkins, Marquis Carter
SG: Cade Davis, T.J. Taylor
SF: Cameron Clark, Steven Pledger
PF Tiny Gallon, Andrew Fitzgerald, Kyle Hardrick
C: Aziz N’Diaye, Fitzgerald, Orlando Allen
Now, is that an NCAA Tournament team? Doubtful.
But if Clark, a top-30 rated prospect, is as good as advertised, and Gallon can turn around his off-the-court issues, it is a team you can rebuild around.
However, if Gallon is forced out due to his financial advisor issues, OU can’t sign a juco point, and N’Diaye decides to go elsewhere, next year could be a long season, with little light at the end of the tunnel.
That’s why the next month will be something to follow for OU basketball. Both in who leaves. And in who Capel is able to bring in.
-JT
Follow Jake Trotter on Twitter: @Jake_Trotter.
OU spring practice report: Day 3
Remember football? I hardly do after all this crazy week of OU basketball. But the Sooners did complete spring practice No. 3 Monday.
OU has been trying something it learned while visiting Nick Saban’s coaching staff from Alabama.
In the words of running back Mossis Madu: “The two teams are on different sides of the field. The coaches have said they don’t want to see guys standing around. So instead of the second team watching the first team, now we have both teams going all out the whole practice. I think today we got in 120 plays a couple of weeks ago.
“This spring has been based on speed. Right now with the way practices are going, the people do look a lot faster and swifter. We’re also doing the A Team and B Team type of stuff, so guys are out there getting a whole lot of reps.”
That kind of practice plan has done well in developing depth at Alabama. There’s a reason why Bama, even after losing key players off its national championship team, will be ranked No. 1 preseason.
For young, second-team guys like Javon Harris, Kenny Stills, Dan Franklin, Bronson Irwin, Gabe Lynn, so on and so forth, this kind of work could prove to expedite their development.
“Guys get better from practicing,” said wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. “This gets them more practice reps.”
* Speaking of Madu, the rising senior from Norman is enjoying being back at running back, after last year’s experiment sitting the bench at receiver.
“Running back is home for me,” he said. “It comes natural to me. I just hope I can get out there and make plays.”
Madu is probably the favorite to back up DeMarco Murray at RB, and in that capacity, Madu should see several carries next season, something he’s pumped about after spending most of last season on the sidelines.
“I could be selfish and say that last year was a lost year,” Madu said of his move to receiver. “But it was one of those things that they asked me to do. They told me before hand that I had an opportunity to start there but in the end it was just harder for me to adapt to.”
Madu thinks that season at receiver could help him become a better overall back.
“I see myself running routes out of the backfield better this year,” he said. “I’m catching the ball a whole lot easier this year. It feels like the routes I’m running at tailback are so easy because it’s a lot slower of a route for a running back.”
Coach Bob Stoops has been very pleased with Madu up to this point: “Mossis is doing great. He really looks like he’s in great shape, he’s had a great winter, you can tell. He looks really quick and he’s doing a lot of things really well.
“He’s a natural at (running back). He has a good feel for things and he can do a lot of things and he’s a good-, hard-playing guy that has a lot to him. We want to give him those opportunities and he’s looked good in spring. It’s only been one day in pads but I can tell he’s had a good winter and he’s moving well.”
* Stoops discussed Monday the imminent arrival of Boise State coach Chris Petersen. I asked Stoops if one of the things they’d discuss would be trick plays.
“I’m going to try and find out some of theirs,” Stoops joked. “Mine used to work a long time ago but it’s been a little while since they have. No one notices them when they don’t work.”
Stoops, on a more serious note: “I really appreciate and respect everything they do and we’ll share ideas and confer on things. Just like everyone has made a big deal on Coach Saban and I and Alabama. This isn’t uncommon. We get together and share ideas and there’s always different ways of doing things and seeing things through someone else’s eyes and that’s what coaches do to a degree.”
Peterson is also visiting Oregon’s practice next week. It’s unclear exactly what day Peterson will be in Norman.
* Receiver Ryan Broyles has been working on his strength this off-season. He’s up to benching 330 pounds, a career-high for him. He thinks he’s only going to get stronger during the summer.
Said Broyles: “Really I feel like I put on more strength during the summer time because we work hard during the summer.”
Mark Clayton said during OU’s pro day earlier this month that he and Broyles have begun to develop a relationship.
Broyles discussed that, saying “I started talking to Mark probably eight months ago, before the season started. He’s always got good advice and growing up here in Norman I’ve always looked up to him. And he knows that. He’s always got things to say and I’m always there to listen. I’m taking in as much information as I can from a guy that’s been through this system and now in the NFL.”
* Offensive guard/tackle Jarvis Jones has been cleared by doctors to practice after undergoing season-ending heel surgery last fall.
I asked Jones about the change in dedication and commitment from the offensive line Stoops referred to earlier this month, Jones said it’s off-the-field stuff as well as on-the-field. He said the line is going to class, taking care of their classwork. Jones said he was one of the problems last year. Now, he’s trying to become one of the solutions.
“I’m working toward being a better person, a better character guy,” he said.
* On the advice of trainers, Murray has been doing yoga this off-season to help him avoid any future injuries. Murray is trying to become more flexible, which should not only enhance his agility, but prevent his tendons and muscles from tearing. Murray has suffered turf toe, a dislocated kneecap, a torn quad and a sprained ankle his first four years at OU. Murray’s sprained ankle is nearly all healed. He says it’s about 90 percent.
Murray is not expected to do any scrimmaging or live drills this spring, in an effort to keep him healthy.
* True freshman WR Sheldon McClain has been fully cleared for practice. McClain, who enrolled early at OU, tore his ACL during his senior season of high school.
* Norvell said OU’s other true freshman, Kenny Stills, is having a great start to the spring. Freshman Jaz Reynolds also noted that Stills is showing some things in practice, and wouldn’t be surprised, if like Reynolds did last season, Stills avoided redshirt and was part of the receiving rotation as a true freshman.
* Former OU linebacker Gus Jones has resurfaced at Northeastern State University. Jones, a graduate of Wagoner, spent last season redshirting at OU, then at semester’s end, decided he was transferring.
“It was a great experience at OU, but it just wasn’t for me,” Jones told the Muskogee Phoenix. “Why did I leave? I really didn’t fit in. I didn’t want to sit around and wait to play either, but it was tough to leave friends because I’d been with them for six to seven months.
“There are a lot of country kids at NSU and there were very few at Oklahoma. I feel a lot more comfortable at NSU.”
* QB Sam Bradford is in Norman prepping for his March 29 pro day, which will go a long way in determining whether the Rams take him with the No. 1 overall pick. Bradford won’t be lifting or running. He’ll just be throwing, to show his surgically repaired throwing shoulder is good to go. The pro day is closed to the public.
St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney reportedly had a casual meeting with Bradford’s agent in the lobby of the hotel Tuesday where the NFL was conducting its annual meetings.
Tom Condon, the agent, said the discussion with Devaney concerned Bradford’s pro day workout and a follow-up visit between the two sides and a potential private workout.
-JT
Follow Jake Trotter on Twitter: @Jake_Trotter.
Spring Game tickets on sale
Tickets for the April 17 Red-White Spring Football Game are now on sale. Game time is 2 p.m.
Tickets are available for $5 each through April 13. After April 13, tickets will be $10. Tickets are available online at SoonerSports.com, in person at the ou ticket office or by phone at 405-325-2424 or 800-456-GoOU.
For the second straight year, OU will also hold its Legends Classic, a flag football game featuring players from the past. That begins at 1 p.m.
-JT
Mason-Griffin announces he’s turning pro
Tommy Mason-Griffin put an end to all speculation.
The Oklahoma freshman point guard is turning pro.
Mason-Griffin made the announcement late Tuesday night on his Facebook page.
“On a mission,” he wrote. “Its a official dat i am leavin skool and enterin draft. … i aint doin anotha yr.”
Mason-Griffin’s departure comes as a devastating blow to coach Jeff Capel’s rebuilding efforts after the school’s first losing season in 29 years.
The former McDonald’s All-American averaged 14.1 points and 5.0 assists a game during his freshman season at OU while earning third-team All-Big 12 honors.
Down the stretch, after guard Willie Warren underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his ankle, Mason-Griffin handled the point guard duties almost exclusively. In OU’s final 16 games, Mason-Griffin sat the bench a combined total of 17 minutes.
As OU closed the season with nine consecutive losses, Mason-Griffin was one of the team’s few bright spots, setting freshman school records for assists and 3-point baskets.
But Mason-Griffin also had his share of problems at OU.
After returning late from Christmas break, he did not start during OU’s games against Gonzaga on Dec. 31 and Maryland-Eastern Shore on Jan. 4.
Mason-Griffin was also benched during the first half of OU’s Big 12-opening loss at Baylor after an outburst during a practice.
Still, Mason-Griffin improved over the course of the season and provided OU with stability at point guard, something the Sooners could be without next season.
If Warren joins Mason-Griffin in turning pro, as expected, OU will be without anyone capable of running the point on its current roster.
Capel has signed 6-foot-3 shooting guard T.J. Taylor, but will probably have to take a hard look at resolving his point-guard void through the junior-college ranks.
As for Mason-Griffin, his decision to turn pro after just one season in college is sure to be heavily scrutinized.
“Given his small stature and uneven performance this season,” wrote ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford of the 5-foot-11 Mason-Griffin, “he’ll either go in the second round or undrafted.”
-JT
Bradford pro day update
Former OU QB Sam Bradford will hold his Pro Day at 11 a.m. March 29 in Norman. His pro day will consist of throwing only, no other drills (running, lifting).
Some of the top teams in the draft figure to be there.
The Rams recently visited Bradford in Florida. The Redskins have scheduled a private workout for Bradford in April.
-JT
