Oklahoma Sooners Football Blog: (9/15) Oregon a 'defining point', Jacob Gutierrez honored, and Oklahoma Sooner Articles

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Expect less snaps for Kelly? Oklahoma's Kevin Sumlin on WR Malcolm Kelly's workload: "Malcolm's (Kelly) out there (against Washington) for close to 50 or 60 snaps when you count the penalty snaps," said wide receiver coach Kevin Sumlin. "That's maybe too many." (Tulsa World)

Nic Harris enjoying defensive roles: Harris is the first-team nickelback. He also works as a backup strong safety, free safety and strongside linebacker. "Sometimes it gets mind-boggling," the sophomore said. "You have to understand all the different rotations." "If coach tells me to play the nickel, I'll play the nickel. If he tells me to play strong or free (safety), I'm gonna play that. If he tells me to go under water and hold my breath for 30 minutes, I'm gonna try to do that, too." (NewsOK.com)

Gutierrez honored with AFCA Good Works Team: Oklahoma running back Jacob Gutierrez has been named to the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for 2006. He is the first Sooner ever to earn the honor The two 11-man teams, a Division I-A team and a combined team from Divisions I-AA, II, III and the NAIA, honor players for their dedication and commitment to community service. From 1992-1996, the Good Works Team was selected by the College Football Association. When the CFA disbanded in 1997, the AFCA began selecting the teams. Gutierrez has put in more than 100 hours of community service in a year in Norman. He was presented with the Norman United Way Young Volunteer of the Year Award in 2005 and was the only football player among the six collegiate finalists for the 2006 John Wooden Citizenship Award presented by Athletes for a Better World. A running back from San Antonio, Texas, Gutierrez has worked directly with the Madison and Cleveland (Okla.) Elementary reading program and has been an FCA Huddle Leader at Irving Middle School in Norma. He participates in the annual FCA Food Drive benefiting needy families and interacting with children. “It never ceases to amaze me to see the contributions student-athletes make to their communities,” AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff said. “Often times, these young men are better known for the good things they do on the field. The AFCA is proud to recognize these student-athletes for the good things they do in their communities.” (SoonerSports.com)

A Greater challenge than the Holiday Bowl: Sooner's Defensive expects tougher challenge than last year's Ducks: "They're going to be a lot harder than in the Holiday Bowl," OU defensive end Larry Birdine said of the Ducks. "I think (quarterback Dennis Dixon) was just one threat then, pretty much running. But now he's got that pass in the equation." (Tulsa World)

Oklahoma JUCO commitment arrested: Garden City (Kan.) Community College offensive lineman Phil Loadhold, who has committed to play for Oklahoma next season, was arrested early Sunday morning in Manhattan, Kan., on allegations of disorderly conduct. According to the Garden City Telegram, the 20-year-old Loadholt, 6-foot-9, 340 pounds, was arrested at 2:30 a.m. Sunday and later released on $750 bond. Oklahoma coaches cannot comment on a recruit until he has signed a letter of intent. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners see Oregon game as 'big' and 'the defining point': "Definitely, it's a big game," defensive end Larry Birdine said. "They're ranked, and we're ranked [No. 15] and I think we both have our backs against the wall. We don't think the media is giving us enough credit. "We definitely think they're a worthy opponent. It's a great challenge... and I think it's going to be a great game." Most view OU's performance as a window to the rest of the season. "This can be the defining point in our season as far as the direction we want to go in," quarterback Paul Thompson said in agreement. "A lot is riding on this game. I'm excited to see what this team can do." (Star-Telegram)

Coach Switzer on the Sports Blitz: Barry Switzer will be a guest in studio on "The Oklahoma Sports Blitz," 10:25 p.m. Sunday, KWTV-9.