Smith to play 15-20 plays on Offense:Athletically, cornerback Reggie Smith shouldn't have a problem playing wide receiver. Coach Bob Stoops said he anticipates 15-20 plays a game for Smith on offense, and Smith said he has a restricted package of just a few plays, so he should be fine mentally. He's in good enough shape, so stamina shouldn't hold him back. Still, there are challenges. "The games are so hectic on the sidelines, can we find him?" Wilson said. "We tried to play Dan Cody some at tight end; Tommie Harris has done it. Can you find him? Sometimes they're over there on the bench and they're talking defensively or they're tired. It'll be interesting to see in the heat of battle how much that really plays out." (Tulsa World)
Peterson a Buzz on Yahoo!: Peterson, according to data compiled by Internet search engine Yahoo, is the second-most searched college football player in the country. No. 1 was Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn is third and Cal running back Marshawn Lynch is fourth. (Tulsa World)
Updated NEXT Game Preview:Local Links added, Internet-Satellite Radio Information and pre-game information available on NEXT Game page. Cohen, Knall to share punting: SoonerSports.com
Stoops doesn't think losing Bomar will hurt Sooners: Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops knows what might have been. That's why he inserted Rhett Bomar into the lineup early last season. That's why the Sooners boss doesn't think the loss of Bomar at quarterback changes things much for his offense. "Truthfully, I think most people got caught up in what Rhett might have been some day," Stoops said. "The truth is we lost a guy who finished the year with 10 interceptions and 10 touchdowns. It isn't like you lose (former Heisman Trophy winner) Jason White who had maybe 40 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Now that's different." (Birmingham News)
Report: Quinn to Montana: J.D. Quinn, the offensive lineman dismissed from the team prior to preseason camp for violating NCAA extra-benefit rules, has apparently found a new home. Quinn will enroll at Division I-AA Montana, according to an ESPN.com report Tuesday, meaning he can play this season for the Grizzlies if he is reinstated by the NCAA. Quinn lost his eligibility when he and teammate Rhett Bomar were booted for earning money for work they did not do at the Norman car dealership Big Red Sports and Imports. Montana must apply for Quinn's reinstatement, and then wait for the NCAA's ruling. (Tulsa World)
Injured Johnson to attempt to play Sat.: Oklahoma's No. 3 receiver, sophomore Manuel Johnson, has been running on his injured knee and could play in Saturday's season opener against visiting UAB. Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said at Tuesday's media luncheon that Johnson is hopeful that he'll be able to play, though no determination has been made. If Johnson can't go, head coach Bob Stoops has said either Reggie Smith or Fred Strong will be used as the No. 3 receiver. Stoops said Johnson is the only player whose injury status for Saturday's game is currently in question. (NewsOK.com)
Two punters to play at UAB: Head coach Bob Stoops announced on his weekly radio show Tuesday night that Michael Cohen and Mike Knall could both punt against UAB on Saturday night. His inclination is to use Cohen on distance kicks and Knall in field-position situations. Earlier Tuesday, Stoops said he had been encouraged by both punters' preseason camps. "They both have competed really well and have made each other better," Stoops said. (Tulsa World)
Cooper to start: C Jon Cooper said he no longer feels bothered by the broken ankle injury he suffered against Texas Tech last year. He should start Saturday. (Dallas Morning News)
Bomar considered Illionois State: Before deciding to enroll at Sam Houston State on Monday, former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar visited the Illinois State campus and considered joining the Redbirds. The Sooners' starter at quarterback last season, Bomar was dismissed from the team this summer for receiving "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked" during employment at a car dealership, according to a statement from the school. "He contacted us. He was looking for a place," ISU coach Denver Johnson said Tuesday. "I had some history there. A good friend of mine is on the staff with his dad. I've known his dad for a long time, but I don't know him well. He's a high school coach in Texas." (PantaGraph) All Day All-Access: SoonerSports.com
Next Game, Oklahoma vs. UAB: University of Oklahoma game preview, including kickoff time, location, ticket, radio, television information; University of Oklahoma football records and more on Oklahoma next game page.
Coach Stoops live at Noon: Head coach Bob Stoops will hold his first weekly press conference of the season on Tuesday at noon. The O-Zone will webcast the event live. Members should log in and click "Live Events" in the main menu. The event link will go active when the feed begins from the stadium. (SoonerSports.com)
Quinn enrolls at Montana? [J.D.] Quinn, an offensive lineman, also has three years of eligibility remaining. He will reportedly enroll at Montana, also a Division I-AA school. (Norman Transcript)
Third Starting LB TBA: OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's still undecided on his third starter at linebacker. "Still competing," Venables said. "Might be a game-time deal." Seniors Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer are set, but junior Demarrio Pleasant and sophomore Curtis Lofton are vying for the Sam spot. And Venables suggested that Nic Harris is pushing for time, as the nickel back or at linebacker. (NewsOK.com)
M. Johnson likely out for UAB: OU coach Bob Stoops said the only player who could miss Saturday's game would be sophomore wide receiver Manuel Johnson. Johnson suffered an ankle injury during OU's only open scrimmage Aug. 12. Malcolm Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias are OU's starters, but Johnson could have been used in three-receiver sets. His injury could mean more playing time for sophomore Fred Strong, but Stoops said it could also mean more offense for cornerback Reggie Smith. (Norman Transcript)
Herb's Annual List is Out: ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit released his annual Herbie Awards Monday, and OU was represented. Adrian Peterson was named best running back. Rufus Alexander was named No. 2 outside linebacker, behind Penn State's Paul Posluszny. Larry Birdine was listed among the top seven defensive ends. And Kelly topped the list entitled, "What's My Name: Players who will be household names by October." Notably left out of the 'Herbies' was Stoops, who did not make the cut of five best game-day coaches (Pete Carroll, Mack Brown, Jim Tressel, Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez). (Tulsa World)
Former Oklahoma QB Bomar enrolls at Sam Houston State: Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar has enrolled at Sam Houston State, a school spokesman said Monday. But at this point, it's still unclear if he can practice, much less play, with the Division I-AA Bearkats. "At this point, quite honestly, we don't know what his situation is working out wit the team," Sam Houston State spokesman Paul Ridings said. "But we have begun the reinstatement process with the NCAA." Bomar, a sophomore from Grand Prairie, was kicked off the OU football team in early August for violating NCAA rules. He and teammate J.D. Quinn received money for work they did not perform at a car dealership in Norman, Okla. Under normal transfer rules, a player going from a Division I-A school to a I-AA school can play immediately and not sit out one year. Bomar, however, must have his playing status evaluated by the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement committee. (Dallas Morning News)
Change in jersey numbers: According to the latest Oklahoma football roster, a few more players have switched jersey numbers. Among the changes, sophomore receiver Manuel Johnson switched from No. 6 to 1. But the most notable change is that of freshman running back DeMarco Murray from No. 3 to the now-infamous No. 7, most recently held by dismissed quarterback Rhett Bomar. It's still doubtful Sooner fans will see No. 7 on the field this season. Murray, a true freshman from Las Vegas, has been hampered by a severe turf toe injury and will likely be redshirted. The No. 63 jersey of J.D. Quinn, who was dismissed with Bomar on Aug. 2, has not been issued to a current player. (NewsOK.com)
Clapp to start at fullback: Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson announced Friday that sophomore Matt Clapp has won the fullback job. Clapp had been in a battle with Dane Zaslaw and transplanted linebacker Ian Pleasant. "In this last week and a half, Matt has been settling in and has by far been our best fullback," Wilson said. "Is he tremendously great? No. But shoot, he's a second-year guy. "And he's 240 and he' playing hard and he's gaining confidence." (NewsOK.com)
Sooners name team captains: The Oklahoma football team selected its captains for the 2006 season. Quarterback Paul Thompson, offensive tackle Chris Messner, linebacker Rufus Alexander and defensive end C.J. Ah You were recognized by head coach Bob Stoops at the Big Red Rally at Owen Field Thursday evening. All four players are seniors. Thompson, Alexander and Ah You spoke briefly to the crowd. Messner left the event earlier to attend an evening class. (SoonerSports.com)
Special teams brief: Walk-on Derek Shaw appears to have won the deep snapper job, succeeding four-year mainstay Jacob Rice. Transfers Mike Knall and Michael Cohen are still battling for the punter's job, and Bob Stoops said that contest likely will go into next week. Both have been "pretty solid," Stoops said. Coaches prefer that place-kicker Garrett Hartley not punt. He is resting this week because of a sore leg. (Star-Telegram)
Heisman Winner Steve Owens statue to be unveiled Sept. 2: The Oklahoma Centennial Commission and the University of Oklahoma will unveil a heroic-size statue honoring the OU Heisman trophy winner, Steve Owens, on the east side of Memorial Stadium. The ceremony will take place Saturday, Sept. 2, at 3:30 p.m., two and a half hours before OU's first home game against the UAB. The statue of Owens, the 1969 Heisman winner, was designed by the late Oklahoma sculptor Nick Calcagno and is the second of four currently planned for the park. A larger-than-life statue of Billy Vessels (Heisman 1952) was unveiled in September 2005. Statues of the university's other Heisman winners, Billy Sims (1978 Heisman) and Jason White (2003 Heisman), will be dedicated in 2007. This is a project of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma. Dignataries expected to attend include David L., Boren, OU President, Lee Allan Smith, Chairman of Centennial Projects and Events, Blake Wade, Executive Director, Oklahoma Centennial Commission, Joe Castiglione, OU Athletic Director, Barry Switzer, former OU head coach, Mike Harper, former OU player, Billy Sims, OU Heisman Trophy Winner and Jason White, OU Heisman Trophy Winner. (SoonerSports.com)
Freshmen playing time in '06:Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops identified four true freshmen he expects to play this season and three others who fall into the "possibly" category. After Wednesday's practice, Stoops said tight end Jermaine Gresham will "for sure" be on the field, along with receivers Adron Tennell and Brandon Caleb, and offensive lineman Chase Beeler. Offensive lineman Trent Williams could possibly be a contributor this season, along with running back Mossis Madu and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The depth ahead of him at his position could be what leads to McCoy being redshirted. (NewsOK.com)
Cooper back to practice: Sophomore center Jon Cooper returned to practice this week after missing several sessions with a bruised knee. Stoops said Cooper "looked good the last couple of days" and said Jenks freshman Chase Beeler "is doing a good job getting better, and (starting left tackle) Chris Messner's done a good job in there as well." (Tulsa World)
Brad McRae "knowlingly" mislead Oklahoma and Stoops: In the report, OU alleges McRae, Big Red's former general manager, "knowingly" aided Bomar and Quinn in NCAA rules violations. McRae declined comment on Wednesday. According to the interview transcript, Stoops said he knew McRae as "a local businessman," but said he did not have a "personal relationship." Speaking of his call to McRae, Stoops said: "I had specifically asked to make sure that they're working the hours they're supposed to work, that they're getting paid as they should, that they're treating them like you would your other employees." OU director of football operations Merv Johnson and defensive coordinator Brent Venables were also interviewed by compliance officials Aug. 3. Along with Stoops, they denied any knowledge of rules violations at the dealership. "None of our coaches would tolerate that," Venables said. (NewsOK.com)
Texas State turns away Quinn and Bomar: Banished Oklahoma football players Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn approached Texas State about possibly transferring to the Division I-AA school but were turned down, Bobcats coach David Bailiff said Wednesday. Bailiff said he spoke by phone with both players after they were dismissed from the Sooners football team in early August. The players accepted money from a Norman car dealership for work they did not perform, a violation of NCAA rules. (Austin American-Statesman)
Linebacker Lofton could be in rotation: Lofton played so well in practices at two linebacker spots -- Sam and Mike -- that he may be forcing his way onto the field. OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's even considering a rotation that involves Pleasant, Lofton and Mike linebacker Zach Latimer. "Curtis is really, really good at Mike or Sam," Venables said. "He's been every bit as good as Demarrio or Zach. It's my responsibility over the next week is to find out who's my best three linebackers." (NewsOK.com)
Big Red Rally at Stadium today: The Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Thursday, Aug. 24. Fans will be allowed to enter Gate 1 of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 5 p.m. for the event. Seating is available in the west side stands only. The OU football team will hold a brief scrimmage on Owen Field prior to the event which starts at 6:15 p.m. Festivities include a sneak preview of the 2006 team intro video for the UAB game on the stadium video board, performances by the Pride of Oklahoma and Sooner spirit squads plus remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops and team captains. Video cameras will not be permitted inside the stadium, however, point and click cameras are acceptable. At 7:15 p.m., the Little Red Rally, an event aimed at children, begins on the Brooks Mall north of the stadium. (SoonerSports.com)
University of Oklahoma investigation report available: Under the Freedom of Information Act, the University of Oklahoma has released a 28 page summary, regarding the employment of R. Bomar and J.D. Quinn at Big Red Sports and Imports. Report available at KFOR.com
Former ASU QB Keller enrolls at Neb.: Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller has enrolled at the University of Nebraska, a spokeswoman in the registrar and records office at the school told ESPN's Joe Schad on Wednesday morning. Keller is expected to redshirt at Nebraska this season and be eligible to play his final season next year, likely succeeding Zac Taylor as starting quarterback. Keller, who was named the Sun Devils' starting quarterback on Friday only to lose the job to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later, had also considered transferring to Louisville or UTEP, not Colorado or Oklahoma, as reported elsewhere, a source told Schad. (ESPN.com)
528 pages in Oklahoma Investigation: The allegations dropped into University of Oklahoma President David Boren's electronic inbox at 8:13 p.m. last March 3. With a heading of "NCAA Violation at OU," the e-mail said three OU football players "were paid by Big Red Sports and Imports for their services, however they did not have to do a minutes (sic) work... All of this was done as a favor to the OU football team." The message, which helped prompt an internal investigation that eventually led to the dismissals of quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn earlier this month, was obtained Tuesday by The Oklahoman after an open-records request. Included in 528 pages of documents were OU's preliminary report to the NCAA, dated Monday, and interviews conducted by OU's compliance department with football coach Bob Stoops, defensive coordinator Brent Venables and director of football operations Merv Johnson, plus three football players. (More at NewsOK.com)
Keller's father talks with Coach Stoops: Reports have Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller transferring to Nebraska. Not so fast, the player's father said Tuesday, even as the Lincoln Journal Star was set to report today that signs point to Keller joining the Cornhuskers as early as today. Mike Keller, Sam's dad, said Tuesday night not to dismiss a move by his son to Oklahoma, or a number of schools. "I had a phone conversation with Bob Stoops (Tuesday)," Mike Keller said. "And there are some other schools we're talking to. It's been a very hectic couple of days." (NewsOK.com)
Peterson and Alexander on Walter Camp Watchlist: The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the names of 35 "players to watch" for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the nation's fourth-oldest individual college football accolade. The watch list will be narrowed to ten semi-finalists in early November. The 2006 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 119 Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on the ESPN/Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The winner will then receive his trophy at the Foundation's annual national awards banquet on January 13, 2007 at the Yale University Commons in New Haven. Last year's recipient was USC running back Reggie Bush. Walter Camp, "The Father of American football," first selected an All-America team in 1889. Oklahoma's Senior linebacker, Rufus Alexander, and Junior runningback, Adrian Peterson. (Walter Camp Foundation)
Wilson confindent in OL: OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is beginning to feel more secure about his offensive line. At least the starters on the offensive line. "I think the first five is pretty good," Wilson said. "There's a drop to the second group, because we've got freshmen. But the first five is pretty solid." (NewsOK.com)
University of Oklahoma reports NCAA recruiting violations: Oklahoma has self-reported three secondary violations of NCAA bylaws by its football team, including one in which graduate assistants improperly provided transportation to a prospect during his official visit. The university reported to the NCAA that one graduate assistant provided the recruit with transportation to the university and another returned the recruit home. Because the recruit lived more than 30 miles from Oklahoma's Norman campus, the transportation was a violation of NCAA rules, Oklahoma said. In a letter to the NCAA, Oklahoma compliance officials said the violation was inadvertant and occurred because "the prospect suddenly needed a ride to his official visit." (AP/ESPN.com)
No Other Players Found in Investigation: Oklahoma has banned its athletes from working at a car dealership where two football players -- including the team's starting quarterback -- broke NCAA rules by accepting payment for more work than they actually performed. The university, in a report to the NCAA released Tuesday following an open records request by The Associated Press, said it banned athletes from working at Big Red Sports and Imports after Oklahoma's compliance staff received "poor and inappropriate treatment" from the dealership's prior management. In the report, the university said it compared athletes' time cards with class schedules, summer workouts, practice schedules and other time commitments and found no evidence that other athletes were "paid for working during practice or class times." The university report states that Big Red did not maintain consistent, up-to-date records on vehicles, financing and sales and that "the employment records maintained and provided by Big Red for temporary summer employment were also at times incomplete or in conflict with other records they maintained on the same employee." However, the dealership is now under new management and the current owners cooperated with the university's investigation, according to the report. In an interview with Oklahoma investigators, Stoops said he called Big Red manager Brad McRae in either 2004 or 2005 to make sure his players were there and "doing the right things, make sure they're working hard, um, and to make sure things were done right." (In part and more at AP/CNNSI.com)
Middle Tennessee 6:00 kickoff, tickets available: Oklahoma's Sept. 23 game against Middle Tennessee has been set for a 6 p.m., kickoff. The game will be televised on a pay-per-view basis, although details for that telecast are not yet finalized. More information will be released at a later date. Due to returns by the opponent, tickets remain for the match-up between the Sooners and Blue Raiders. Those seats sell for $57 each. They are available online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the ticket office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility. (SoonerSports PR)
UAB tickets available: AB earlier this week returned another 200 tickets that are now available through purchase from the University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office. The Sooners host the Blazers in the season opener for both squads on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the UAB game are $57 each and may be purchased online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, just east of Gaylord Family --Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
Keller to transfer to Neb, Not Oklahoma:ESPN.com is reporting, Former Arizona State Quarterback Sam Keller, is expected to transfer to the University of Nebraska. ESPN also reporting, Oklahoma was not in the running. "Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller is expected to enroll at Nebraska, a source close to Keller told ESPN.com's Joe Schad on Tuesday. An official announcement is expected Thursday. Keller, who was named the Sun Devils' starting quarterback on Friday only to lose the job to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later, had also considered transferring to Louisville or UTEP, not Colorado or Oklahoma, as reported elsewhere, the source said. Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reported earlier that Keller was told Monday by ASU coach Dirk Koetter that he would be released from his scholarship." (ESPN.com)
AZ. State QB looking at Sooners? Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller may be looking for a new school and OU may be a possible destination. Keller was named ASU's starter Friday, only to have the job handed to sophomore Rudy Carpenter two days later by coach Dirk Koetter in a bizarre twist. Now Keller is considering his options. And his father, Mike Keller, said late Monday night that the Sooners are an intriguing possibility. "The Sooners and the University of Oklahoma were a team I originally thought of," Mike Keller said. "I would be flattered if the Sooners were interested." (NewsOK.com)
Apparentely there is footage from the scrimmage second, available on YouTube check it out. Doesn't show much, but is a glimpse.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes University of Oklahoma honors Prentice Gautt: In the fall of 1956, the University of Oklahoma issued jersey No. 38 to a young man from Oklahoma City who shattered stereotypes and set sail on an athletics career marked by achievement, decency and service to thousands of student-athletes. The player who wore that jersey was Prentice Gautt, the first black football player at OU. To honor the 50th anniversary of that achievement, jersey No. 38 will not be issued for the 2006 season at Oklahoma. Instead, the Sooner players will wear a No. 38 sticker on the back of their helmets to commemorate one of the university's most popular alumni. Gautt passed away in March of 2005. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Final Oklahoma Scrimmage Complete: OU concluded its preseason practices with a two-hour session in full pads at Owen Field on Saturday. Classes begin Monday on the Norman campus. The team reverts to its normal schedule next week with a return to the Bud Wilkinson practice fields south of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. A very limited supply of tickets returned by the opponent are available for the game. Sooner fans are encouraged to order online (SoonerSports.com) or call the OU Athletics Ticket Office toll-free at (800) 456-GoOU. (SoonerSports.com) Bomar at Sam Houston Practice:Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar has yet to make a decision on where he is going to transfer, but he was back in Huntsville this week and dropped in on the Bearkats. Bomar was at Bowers Stadium on Tuesday morning to watch the Sam Houston State football team in action. The Bearkat coaching staff still can't talk much about Bomar, who has been busy looking for a new school for more than a week. "There isn’t much more we can say about the situation," SHSU head coach Todd Whitten said. "There is a lot to consider, and we just have to wait for a decision." (The Huntsville Item)
Oklahoma ranked #10 in first AP poll: Oklahoma begins the 2006 season ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press poll released on Friday. The Sooners received 960 votes. Ohio State is No. 1 with Notre Dame, Texas, Auburn and West Virginia in the top five. USC, Florida, LSU, California and OU rounded out the top 10. OU was one of four Big 12 Conference teams in the top 25. Nebraska checked in at No. 20 with Texas Tech at No. 25. Texas A&M received votes. (SoonerSports.com)
Cotton Bowl gets HD upgrade: The State Fair of Texas has chosen Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, S.D., to design and build a true high definition (HD) light emitting diode (LED) video display for the Cotton Bowl, home of the annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, the Red River Rivalry featuring national champion University of Texas and perennial powerhouse Oklahoma, and other football and entertainment events. The Sportsound(R) division of Daktronics will provide a new integrated sound system as part of the multi-million dollar contract. The scoreboard and sound system upgrades are part of a $50 million renovation project which includes increasing the seating capacity from 76,100 to 92,100, and numerous fan amenity improvements. "We are very pleased to announce this significant upgrade to the Cotton Bowl," said Errol McKoy, President of the State Fair of Texas, home of the Cotton Bowl. "More fans at home are watching their favorite sports events on high definition television. Now the Cotton Bowl is one of only a small number of venues in the world at which fans will be able watch live action and highlights in true high definition on state-of-the-art Daktronics technology. We are committed to making the Cotton Bowl one of the very best college football stadiums. This upgrade is a significant part of our plan, and represents the high quality approach we will be taking as we move forward, project by project." The new Cotton Bowl main scoreboard will replace a Daktronics scoreboard that was installed in 1975. This project will be the third in which Daktronics will provide its ProStar(R) LED VideoPlus high definition technology. Dolphin Stadium in Miami boasts two of the world's largest high definition LED displays. The University of Texas will unveil its new high definition ProStar(R) display this fall at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Daktronics (www.daktronics.com) Smith's a triple threat: Norman Transcript
