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Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Birdine and Alexander on Nagurski Watch List: Oklahoma players Rufus Alexander and Larry Birdine are on the 50-member Nagurski Award Watch List that was released today by the Football Writers Association of America. The Nagurski Award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player. Alexander, a junior linebacker from Baton Rouge, La., is the Sooners’ top returning tackler after making 74 stops last season. He also had three fumble recoveries, a pair of sacks and one interception. Birdine, a senior defensive end from Lawton, Okla., ranked No. 3 in the Big 12 last season with seven sacks. It was a remarkable feat considering he did not start a game while backing up All-Big 12 selections Dan Cody and Jonathan Jackson. Birdine finished the season with 39 total tackles. He also broke up four passes and recovered one fumble. (SoonerSports)

Calmus in Bartlesville for Benefit Dinner: Former Jenks High School superstar and Oklahoma Sooner Rocky Calmus made a guest appearance at the Bruin Youth Quarterback Club Benefit Dinner at the Bartlesville Community Center on Friday. Calmus, who is heading into his fourth year with the Tennessee Titans, was the evenings featured speaker. Calmus spoke of the importance of having good, quality football programs for youth even as young as the first grade. He stated that getting a youngster passionate about the sport of football early will not only improve the Bruin program in years to come, but also hive the athletes a better chance of fulfilling their dreams on the football field. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise)