Oklahoma DEs Beal and English on mid-season Hendricks Award watch list: Oklahoma defensive ends Jeremy Beal and Auston English are two of forty players on the mid-season watch list for the Hendricks Award. The award is presented yearly to the best defensive end in college football. In three games, Beal has nine tackles (five for losses) and three sacks. He has also forced a pair of fumbles. English has five tackles (two for loss) and one sack. (KTUL)
English earns starting job at DE: Senior Auston English will join fellow defensive end Jeremy Beal in the starting lineup when the Sooners take on Brigham Young, defensive ends coach Chris Wilson said Thursday. English beat out sophomore Frank Alexander, who will be the third end in the rotation. Redshirt freshmen R.J. Washington and David King, who returned to practice recently from a concussion, are still competing for the No. 4 defensive end spot. (The Oklahoman)
Beal only starter named at defensive end: Oklahoma assistant coach Chris Wilson says the competition at defensive end is still wide open. Sophomore Frank Alexander and redshirt freshman R.J. Washington have impressed coaches, but none have played to the level of Jeremy Beal, who Wilson said was the only player he could name as a starter this early in camp. "He's playing really smart," Wilson said. Wilson said Auston English is also in the mix for a starting spot. As for Washington, Wilson says he's happy that the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder is starting to play to his potential. "He had that label of being the top player a couple years ago, and that's a lot of pressure for a young guy," Wilson said. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners working out several at center: Two days into practice, the Sooners had lost their top-two centers to injury in Ben Habern (inflamed back) and Brian Lepak (high-ankle sprain). As a result, offensive line coach James Patton has been forced to work tackle Trent Williams, guard Stephen Good and tight end Brody Eldridge at center. (The Oklahoman)
Pair of Sooners named to Hendricks Award watch list: Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal and Auston English are two of the 15 players who have been named to the preseason watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award, which is presented annually to college football's top defensive end. The Ted Hendricks Foundation, which sponsors the award, made the announcement. Beal started all 14 games last season logging 61 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and three fumbles caused. The Carrollton, Texas, junior also broke up four passes. English, a senior from Canadian, Texas, played in 11 games last season with nine starts. He sustained a sprained knee in the 10th game (Nebraska) of the season and saw a reduction in playing time. He still finished with 33 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also recovered one fumble and broke up one pass. The Hendricks Award, now in its eighth year, is named in honor of college football's first three-time, first-team All-American. After a college career at Miami (Fla.), Hendricks's professional career spanned 15 years and 215 consecutive games. (SoonerSports PR)
English returns to practice: Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said defensive end Auston English went through a full practice Monday and should be able to play in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. English missed the last three games with a knee sprain. (Norman Transcript)
Wilson named a Broyles Award finalist: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is among five finalists for the Frank Broyles Award, given annually to college football's top assistant coach. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 in Little Rock. Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen, TCU defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas, Ball State offensive coordinator Stan Parrish and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong are the other finalists. (Tulsa World)
Auston English expected to miss Bedlam: A fractured ankle kept the Oklahoma defensive end from last year's 49-17 victory over Oklahoma State. This time, the problem is a sprained left knee suffered against Nebraska Nov. 1. "He's progressing well, but we don't expect him to play this week," OU coach Bob Stoops said during the Big 12 teleconference Monday morning. Asked if English could return for the Big 12 championship Dec. 6, should the Sooners win in Stillwater Saturday night and then win a three-way Big 12 South tiebreaker via BCS ranking, Stoops said: "Possibly. I'm sure they'll evaluate him a little later in the week. He's getting better, but I couldn't tell you about next week." (Tulsa World)
Gresham Mackey Award finalist: Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham was today announced as one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the top tight end in college football. Gresham leads the Big 12, which produced all three finalists, in touchdown receptions by tight ends with 10. He has 41 grabs for 648 yards, an average of 15.8 per catch, a figure that also leads the conference. The junior from Ardmore, Okla., also has been a key component in Oklahoma's potent rushing attack by averaging 5.7 knockdown blocks per game. The Sooners rank No. 3 nationally in total offense and No. 20 in rushing offense. Gresham is trying to become the first Sooner to win the award. Trent Smith was a finalist for the Mackey in 2001. (SoonerSports PR)
Auston English out with sprained knee: Oklahoma has lost another one of its top defensive players to injury. A month after linebacker Ryan Reynolds suffered a season-ending knee injury, defensive end Auston English could be lost for the rest of the regular season, coach Bob Stoops said Monday morning on the Big 12 football coaches' teleconference. English sprained his knee during the third quarter of Saturday night's win over Nebraska, and "we're thinking his injury is going to be maybe three weeks." (More at Tulsa World) Stoops told reporters Frank Alexander will likely replace English.
English suffers sprained ankle: Auston English slowly rose from the bench, a black brace around his injured left knee, stood still for a minute or so, then sat back down. Twenty yards down the Oklahoma sideline, Jeremy Beal jogged off the field, having just harassed Nebraska into another punt, and was greeted appreciatedly by defensive coordinator Brent Venables. It was a case of one defensive end stepping up with the other in limbo late Saturday night. This might be the story of the Sooners' D-line, if not their defense in general, for a while. "It's a sprain," OU coach Bob Stoops announced of English's knee. "How long (English will be out), we'll just have to see. I'll let people know once they give me a number." (Tulsa World)
Points... OU's 35 points in the opening period marked the third time this season that OU has scored 28 or more points in the first quarter, a school record.
And.. more points: The Sooners' 62 points were its most ever against Nebraska. OU's 49 first-half points against NU marked its most ever in a half against the Cornhuskers. The Sooners' previous best against Nebraska was 34 in the second half of the 1954 contest.
Oklahoma's English, Robinson among Lombardi semifinalists: Oklahoma's Auston English and Duke Robinson are among the 12 semifinalists announced for the 39th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia. The group was made public Thursday at a kickoff event at SRO Sports Bar & Café. This year's award dinner will be held on December 10 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston. English is a defensive end for the Sooners, while Robinson is the offensive left guard. Robinson was s semifinalist last season as well. Both hope to become the fourth OU player to win the coveted honor. Lee Roy Selmon won the Lombardi in 1975, Tony Casillas in 1995 and Tommie Harris in 2003. (SoonerSports.com)
Sooners begin two-a-days: Heavy rain greeted the Sooners Monday morning as two-a-day practices commenced. The team worked inside the Everest Training Facility for the second time this preseason beginning at 9 a.m. Oklahoma will alternate between two-a-day and single practices this week with Monday, Wednesday and Friday scheduled as the double days. The team's second scrimmage will be Saturday at the stadium. The August 18th practices will be open to the public but all other practices and scrimmages are closed. (More at SoonerSports.com)
English still recovering: Starting defensive ends Auston English and Jeremy Beal continue their recovery from ailments. English says he is still a week from returning full-go from his appendectomy. "I'm just lifting, conditioning, trying to maintain what I have, gradually getting into some non-contact drills, footwork, things like that," he said. "It's really frustrating because you see those guys making strides and really meshing as a D-line. You want to be in the mix and get that cohesion with the rest of the group." (Tulsa World)
Jarboe to choose a college this week? In a T-shirt, shorts and trademark dreads, Jarboe strolled the buggy Cedar Grove practice field last week while his old team worked out in the heat. He talked to coaches, gave tips to players, answered calls on his cellphone. Coaches say a string of schools have called -- from Big Ten and SEC programs to historically black colleges. He's eligible to play this season and could choose a new school this week. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Lendy Holmes back at corner: Holmes, who spent all of last season and this past spring at free safety, is back working at the field cornerback spot in practice. That was the position Holmes started at during the 2006 season, when he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Junior Brian Jackson is currently starting at the other cornerback spot, with sophomore Jonathan Nelson backing him up. Sophomore Dominique Franks, who had three picks in the Red-White spring game, is playing behind Holmes. That means Nic Harris is moving from strong safety to free safety, and redshirt freshman Sam Proctor, who had a terrific spring, is in the starting lineup at the moment at strong safety. (The Oklahoman)
Auston English injury update: Defensive end Auston English underwent an appendectomy recently and is being held out of preseason practices until fully healed. He said Wednesday he expects to be back on the field by OU's Aug. 30 season opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga. "It's really just day-to-day and depends on how I'm feeling and on how our medical staff wants to do it." he said. (Norman Transcript)
Balogun surprises OU coaching staff: Junior college transfer linebacker Mike Balogun, expected to rotate with Ryan Reynolds in the middle, has been so impressive in just three days of camp that defensive coordinator Brent Venables said his role might be expanded." He may be one of our top three linebackers," Venables said. Balogun, who is 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, was selected the Defensive Player of the Year in his conference last season at Lackawanna (Md.) College. (Star-Telegram)
Gredham happy about his former HS coach's move: When Gresham heard of Mike Loyd leaving Ardmore High School for a job in Florida, he was happy for his high school coach. "I talked to him all the time," Gresham said. "If he likes it down there and thinks he can better himself down there with an opportunity, I'm all for him. He is a great coach. He taught me all I need to know. He is reason why I'm here today. I would be playing college football if it wasn't for him, so I'm very happy or him." (Norwich Bulletin)
Interesting item: As posted at The Lost Ogle, Josh and Jenna sitting in a tree, and originally posted at The Dirty. Judge for yourself.. Hmmm...
English has emergency appendectomy; expected back by season-opener: Preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year Auston English is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an emergency appendectomy last weekend in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma sports information director Kenny Mossman said Monday that OU doctors believe English will be ready for the Sooners' opener Aug. 30 against Chattanooga. The Sooners begin preseason team practices next Monday. "The operation is already a week old and he's begun his recuperation," Mossman said. "Our trainers think he can make a complete recovery and be ready for the opening game of the season." (ESPN.com)
Sooners at Big 12 Media Day Representing OU will be Head Coach Bob Stoops; OL Jon Cooper, DB Nic Harris, WR Manual Johnson
No television coverage mentioned, video available at Big12sports.com
English on Hendricks watch list: Oklahoma defensive end Auston English continues to receive preseason recognition. The week after being chosen the Big 12's preseason defensive player of the year, English has been named to the watch list for the Ted Hendricks award. The honor is presented annually to the top defensive end in college football. (Tulsa World)
Granger, Harris, English named to Nagurski watch list: Oklahoma football players Auston English, DeMarcus Granger and Nic Harris are among 88 players selected for the preseason Bronko Nagurski watch list for defensive player of the year. English, a junior defensive end from Canadian, Texas, led the Big 12 in quarterback sacks last season despite missing three games with a fractured ankle. Granger, a junior defensive tackle from Dallas, had 35 tackles last season, his first as a starter, and had 3.5 quarterback sacks in 13 games before a shoplifting arrest two days before the Fiesta Bowl got him suspended for the game. Harris, a senior safety from Alexandria, La., was All-Big 12 last season, when he had 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He is recovering from offseason knee surgery and missed all of spring practice. The Sooners have had two previous Nagurski winners: Roy Williams in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003. (Tulsa World)
Duke Robinson and Auston English on Lombardi Award watch list: Oklahoma's Duke Robinson and Auston English are on the watch list for the 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award. They are among 54 players named to the preliminary list. Robinson, OU's left guard, was a consensus All-American last year, for a Sooners offense that ranked No. 1 nationally in passing efficiency, No. 5 in scoring, No. 5 in sacks allowed, No. 19 in total yards and No. 30 in rushing. One finalist and three semi-finalists from last year's Rotary Lombardi Award voting are among 54 players selected to the 2008 preliminary watch list released today. The 6-5, 330-pound senior graded at 85% last season. He was on the field for 663 plays with 97 knockdowns. English, a junior defense end, was No. 15 in the nation last season with .86 sacks per game. He had a total of 15 despite missing four games due to injury. English also had a team-high 13 tackles for loss. His 1.18 tackles for loss per game led the Big 12. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defensive players who line up within five yards of the football. The candidates earned a place on the preliminary watch list by earning All-American honors or by being named to their respective all-conference first team as selected by the conference's head coaches. (SoonerSports PR)
Former OU winners of the Lombardi Award: 1975 Lee Roy Selmon 1985 Tony Casillas 2003 Tommie Harris
English update; back to practice: Defensive end Auston English, on the mend from a broken ankle and a bout with the flu, took part in his first interviews on Sunday morning, then practiced Sunday afternoon for the first time since arriving in Scottsdale. "Other than the sickness, I'm feeling great," he said. "I haven't got out of my room but to go eat." The flu bug may be a blessing in disguise for English, giving him even more time to rest the ankle that knocked him out of three games. He returned in a limited capacity for the Big 12 championship, but figures to be full speed after another three weeks of rest. "I was good to go once we left Norman," he said. "I was looking forward to getting out here and having a full go at it. I would have liked to have gotten those few extra days of practice, but it is what it is." Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he'd like to be able to start English and play him the entire game. (Tulsa World)
Venables unsure who'll start at CB: Sunday morning, OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's still unsure who will start at cornerback opposite Marcus Walker. Sophomore Brian Jackson and redshirt freshman Dominique Franks have been battling for that spot all week. Venables said OU likely would have a starter picked by today. "Experience would help in that position, but we're not in a position to have that,” Venables said. (NewsOK.com)
Venables interviewed for Arkansas job: If then-Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino hadn't taken the Arkansas head coaching job Dec. 11, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables could have been headed to Fayetteville, Ark. Venables said he interviewed for the Arkansas job and it "went well." "Had they not gotten Coach Petrino," Venables said, "their plan was to go with a proven coordinator, and it was down to me and another guy." (Dallas Morning News)
Former OU Coaches Mike Stoops and Fairbanks stop by practice: Former Sooner coach Mike Stoops, now head coach 100 miles south at the University of Arizona in Tucson, visited practice Saturday, his final chance to catch up with a handful of remaining players who played for him at OU in 2003, including defensive back Darien Williams, linebackers Lewis Baker and Demarrio Pleasant, defensive ends Alonzo Dotson and John Williams and fullback (ex-linebacker) Dane Zaslaw. Chuck Fairbanks, OU's head coach from 1967-72, is a Phoenix-area resident and also dropped by. (Tulsa World)
English remains out of practice: OU defensive end Auston English missed his third consecutive practice Saturday because of the flu. English, the Big 12 sack leader, has participated in team meetings at the Sooners' hotel, but hasn't made it to a practice yet in Arizona. Coach Bob Stoops said that English's ankle is fine and that he didn't want English practicing sick. "He's close, he's better,” Stoops said. "He'll be fine.” English missed the final three games of the regular season because of a hairline fracture in his right ankle. (The Oklahoman)
Malcolm Kelly expects to return next season: Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is one of several players who will have to decide whether to come back for their senior season or enter the NFL draft following the Fiesta Bowl. Kelly, who many project as OU’s highest pick if he goes, said he hasn’t made a decision. “As of right now, I’m still coming back.” he said. “I have not had any paperwork come back in, so I am still coming back next year. We’ll see more on that after the season, but I expect to be back.” (Norman Transcript)
Fiesta Bowl swag: The rundown of gifts received by the OU football players from the Fiesta Bowl and the university: A $300 Best Buy gift card, a 20-inch flat-screen TV, Oakley sunglasses with built-in MP3 player, Fiesta Bowl watches, loads of OU and Fiesta Bowl apparel. And that's not all. "Oh, and the per diem out here, too. Pick up some cash, have a little bit of fun," said kicker Garrett Hartley. "We got $200 the other night. I don't know when we get our next." (Tulsa World)
English sidelined with a cold: Oklahoma defensive end Auston English is recovering from an ankle injury, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said, but wasn't at practice Thursday for another reason. "The ankle is fine, but he's got a little bit of a cold," said Stoops, who expects the 6-foot-3, 257-pound sophomore to play. (Arizona Republic)
DeMarco Murray fine after surgery: OU running back DeMarco Murray, who had knee surgery a few weeks ago to repair a dislocated kneecap, said Thursday he's doing better. "I feel good, just rehabbing right now,” said Murray, who is still walking with a noticeable limp. Murray suffered the injury against Texas Tech while trying to recover an onside kick. (NewsOK.com)
West Virginia's White impressed with OU: White said third-ranked Oklahoma is playing at a national-championship level right now, even if the Sooners have to wait until next season to fulfill their promise. "I think they're the best team in the country," White said. "Their athleticism is far beyond any other team we've played. "They make plays. That says Oklahoma to me," he said. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Franks and Jackson competing for starting CB role: Brian Jackson and Dominique Franks are both competing to replace Reggie Smith as starting cornerback. Both, Stoops said, "are doing a nice job, so we'll see. Very confident and pleased with the way the two of them are working, so we'll work it out during the week. More than likely, they'll both play." (Tulsa World)
