O’Hara wins kicking job
OU coach Bob Stoops announced on his weekly radio show Tuesday night that sophomore walk-on Patrick O’Hara has won the kicking competition.
O’Hara was 6-of-9 on field goals last season, 15-of-15 on PATs. Stoops said earlier Tuesday he had selected his kicker but wanted to talk to all four candidates before announcing it publicly.
Stoops said it won’t be a one-game audition.
“It’s (based) over the past couple of weeks,” Stoops said. “(O’Hara), in my eyes, overall has been more consistent. He needs to be given an opportunity to keep it and improve with it as opposed to some knee-jerk reaction and change it every kick.”
Sooners expecting big things from OG Gabe Ikard
Two years ago, Gabe Ikard was suiting for tight end for Class 4A Bishop McGuinness.
In four days, he’ll be suiting up for offensive guard for the Division I Sooners. And not only suiting up, but playing, too.
Ikard, a redshirt freshmen out of Oklahoma City, has made remarkable progress in just a little over a year in Norman. Despite having little time to learn offensive line and put on the necessary weight (he’s put on 50 pounds in a year) to play there.
“Coming out and going to a completely new position is pretty impressive,” said starting right tackle Eric Mensik, who converted to line from tackle late last season. “He’s done a great job,” “And from watching film, he’s coming off the ball good, he’s got good feet and hands so from what the coaches have taught us he’s taken it very well.”
So well in fact that Ikard is pushing Stephen Good for a starting role at left guard.
“Stephen Good has played, Tyler Evans has played. But if you watch Gabe Ikard and (freshman) Bronson Irwin behind them, they look better than them in practice most of the time,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. “So you’re going to see Ikard out there.”
At worst, Ikard will be OU’s top reserve off the sidelines at guard, with the capability to play center, too.
“He’s worked hard to be in a position to play and make an impact and I believe he will,” coach Bob Stoops said. “He’s been a real positive addition to that group.”
-JT
Sooners to use pair of freshmen on kick returns
Oklahoma will feature true freshmen Trey Franks and Brennan Clay on kick returns Saturday against Utah State, coach Bob Stoops said during his weekly press conference Tuesday.
Franks was a state champion in track in Texas. Clay, a dynamic RB and receiver in San Diego. Both players have showed tremendous playmaking ability in practice.
The Sooners, however, may have a different, more veteran look for Florida State. Stoops indicated DeMarco Murray will ultimately handle kickoffs in spots, just not against Utah State. Mossis Madu, who is suspended for the opener, is expected to handle a role on returns when he comes back for FSU. Cameron Kenney could also handle returns, if needed.
Other news and notes from Tuesday’s press conference:
* Clay is the No. 2 RB, ahead of Jermie Calhoun and Jonathan Miller.
* Stoops has chosen a kicker, but won’t make an announcement until Wednesday. He still has to have a discussion with the kickers. The decision will probably be either Pat O’Hara or Jimmy Stevens.
* Tony Jefferson has won the starting nickelback job. Joseph Ibiloye will also play there.
* Drew Allen is the No. 2 QB. Kevin Wilson indicated it’s likely Blake Bell will redshirt, but that decision hasn’t been made just yet.
* CB Aaron Colvin will rotate in with Demontre Hurst at field corner.l
* Jaz Reynolds is behind Dejuan Miller and Cam Kenney in the receiving competition. He has a ways to go before playing much.
* Adrian Taylor will practice more today. Stoops is hoping Taylor gives them 15-20 snaps a game to start out the season.
* Kevin Wilson said it’s possible that freshman tackles Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson don’t redshirt. Other freshmen expected to play include Trey Millard, Clay, Joe Powell, Franks, Kenny Stills, Bronson Irwin, Austin Woods, Austin Haywood, and possibly Roy Finch, depending on how quick he returns from a hairline fracture in his ankle.
-JT
OU’s Bob Stoops: 2004 National Championship should be vacated
Bob Stoops looks up during the last seconds of the first half against the University of Southern California (USC) in the Orange Bowl National Championship game at Pro Player Stadium in Miami on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The most interesting? The 2004 National Championship.
Now that everyone’s asking Reggie Bush to return his Heisman — see Mack Brown, USC athletic director — the natural question is what should be done about the Trojans National Championship? Remember, USC man-handled the Sooners 55-19 in the Orange Bowl that year for the title, while Auburn finished the year 12-0 with a Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
Stoops says the 2004 National Championship should be vacated.
“The reason to leave it blank is everyone, obviously, is not on the same playing field,” Stoops told the Dan Patrick Show.
“I think it’s the right thing, just to vacate it. And no one is asking my opinion, it’s just that I don’t think there’s a good way for anyone to claim it.”
And what about 12-0 Auburn?
“I’m not Auburn, so they can do whatever they feel they need to do in the end. But they didn’t play in the game and they didn’t play against Reggie Bush either.”
MORE FROM THE STOOPS ON THE DAN PATRICK SHOW
* On what means more to recruits, national championships or high draft picks: “I would say probably overall the national championship. Those are team recognitions and awards and players realize that they would have a chance to do that kind of thing would probably help you more overall than just those guys being picked.”
* On what Landry Jones does better than Sam Bradford: “(Deep breath) Uh…grows a moustache and that would probably be about it right now, but he’s working toward all the stuff on the field. (The moustache) worked really well for him last year. Hopefully it’s a little more improved with a year more maturity.”
Stoops had plenty more to say about Jermaine Gresham, Sam Bradford and whether or not he’d drive a burnt orange car if one was given to him.
Hear the full interview here.
– Asst. Sports Editor, Ryan Sharp
What do you think of OU’s non-conference scheduling philosophy?
Bob Stoops today during the Big 12 coaches weekly teleconference: Big non-conference games ‘high risk, low reward’
Power Lunch Chat Recap: Jake Trotter
Freshman fullback Trey Millard ‘a load’
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables was asked a question about freshman linebacker Corey Nelson the other day, but thought the question was about freshman fullback Trey Millard.
“Man, he’s a load at fullback,” Venables said. “We haven’t had a load like that since J.D. (Runnels).”
Despite being on campus for only a couple of months, Millard is OU’s starter at fullback over redshirt freshman Marshall Musil.
“Millard’s been a better blocker,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. “He’s probably the most skilled guy, and he’s blocked better than Brandon Crow and Marshall Musil. Right now he’s still a freshman and learning, but he’s 250 and he does have speed and he stumbles into good blocks. He’s still learning how to do it right every time but he’s got a chance.”
-JT
RB Roy Finch could be out two months with hairline fracture in ankle
Oklahoma freshman running back Roy Finch sustained a hairline fracture in his ankle, when he injured it during last week’s scrimmage, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday.
The injury originally was believed to be only a sprain.
“He’s in a cast, walking around best he can on crutches,” Stoops said. “He has a good attitude. Roy will do well. He’ll be back. And we expect him to play. They don’t foresee any complications. There’s no dislocation. Hopefully it goes smoothly.”
A timeline hasn’t been set for Finch’s return. Stoops said that type of injury usually takes six to eight to eight weeks of recovery but added: “There’s no displacement. It’s not like that. It’s just a little crack in the bone that should heal fine hopefully… They may X-ray it in five weeks and it looks good.”
Finch turned heads early in the preseason with his ability to make plays in the open field, and was vying for the backup running back spot behind starter DeMarco Murray.
Stoops said he still expects Finch to play this season, despite the injury, though it’s possible Finch ends up redshirting, especially if he misses the first half of the season.
In other injury news, defensive end Frank Alexander suffered a sprained ankle. Stoops said Alexander is probable for the season opener but a decision might not be made until late next week. Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor is making progress. Stoops said Taylor hasn’t been ruled out for the season opener but if he plays will be limited.
Jake Trotter, Mike Baldwin
Kevin Wilson says freshman Austin Haywood OU’s best receiving tight end
Austin Haywood, a freshman tight end out of Southmoore High School, is still learning the plays. Still learning how to block. Still learning the speed of the college game.
But one thing he can do well already is catch the ball downfield. Perhaps better than any other Sooner tight end. Which is why he’s likely to see time in OU’s tight end rotation this season.
“He is really good in the passing game,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. “He is still learning how to block, and learning who he has. Not necessarily in the run game, but in protection what adjustments he has to make. Those other guys (Trent Ratterree, James Hanna) are a little bit cleaner.
“But as far as running in space and catching, feeling routes and knowing where to settle and catching a football, he is our best tight end.”
Haywood is still making “some errors,” which is natural of a freshman. But Wilson sees similarities with Haywood in former All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham.
“There are some errors that would really haunt us,” Wilson said. ” It is not that he can’t block, but it is just processing and knowing what he is doing. It is harder than you think and it is just hard.
“So, we will work him in and we will keep him moving, but it will be a slight move at a time. Jermaine was kind of like that because we used his catching skills and as we kept going that first year he got more and more involved.
“Austin is not the next Jermaine. But he is a skilled receiver.”
-JT
New fried foods at the Texas State Fair
Plan on putting on the pounds this OU-Texas weekend.
According to the Dallas Morning News, here’s some of what will be served (fried) at this year’s State Fair of Texas:
Fried Beer: Beer-filled pretzel pocket is deep-fried to a golden brown. One bite and the escaping beer serves as a dipping sauce. 21 and over, ID required.
Deep Fried Frozen Margarita: Sweet & creamy funnel cake batter is deliciously coupled with margarita ingredients. Fried, dusted with a tangy lemon/lime mixture and lightly spritzed with south of the border flavor, it’s served in a salt rimmed glass. 21 and over, ID required.
Fried Lemonade: Lemon flavored pastry is made from Country Time®lemonade. First baked, then fried, this taste treat is glazed with a mix of lemonade, powdered sugar, and lemon zest.
Fernie’s Fried Club Salad: Super colossal 12” spinach wrap surrounds generous layers of juicy diced ham & chicken, shredded iceberg, crunchy carrot strips, ripe cherry tomatoes, shredded sharp cheddar and hickory smoked bacon. Deep fried until lightly crispy; topped with deep-fried sour dough croutons on a stick & served on a bed of shredded romaine lettuce. Choice of creamy Ranch, Thousand Island or Caesar dressing.
Texas Fried Frito Pie: A generous portion of savory Texas born chili accented with a hint of sharp cheddar encased in everybody’s favorite corn chip. Lightly battered and fried to a golden brown perfection. With its smooth medley of hot, meaty, crunchy, salty, cheesy, oozing goodness; “Texas Fried Frito Pie” transports you back to the golden age of Fair Food.
The State Fair opens Sept. 24 and goes through Oct. 17.
-JT
