Eldridge, English out for season: Defensive end Auston English and tight end/guard Brody Eldridge suffered season-ending injuries Saturday at Nebraska, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday. English is scheduled for surgery today to repair a torn tendon in his foot. Eldridge has an AC joint sprain -- the same type shoulder injury that sidelined quarterback Sam Bradford -- but Stoops said his course of treatment has yet to be determined. "[Eldridge's] total situation I will talk about once I have more details," Stoops said. (Star-Telegram)

Labels: Auston English, Brody Eldridge, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners

OU's Brody Eldridge to miss Saturday's Texas A&M game: An Oklahoma offensive line already hounded by penalties and shoddy blocking will be without its most consistent member Saturday night against Texas A&M. Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Monday that starting left guard Brody Eldridge will miss the 6 p.m. matchup with the Aggies due to a shoulder injury sustained during last Saturday's 10-3 loss at Nebraska. Eldridge, according to both Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, has been OU's highest-grading lineman since moving to guard from tight end before the Oct. 17 game against Texas. (Tulsa World) NOTE: Stoops did not give an update on defensive end Auston English's status concerning Saturday's game.

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas A M

Brody Eldridge suffers broken finger in loss to BYU: The Tulsa World is reporting, Brody Eldridge, the most effective member of Oklahoma’s lackluster offensive line Saturday, has a broken bone in his finger, coach Bob Stoops confirmed Wednesday after practice. Eldridge did participate in Wednesday's practice and is expected to play Saturday against Idaho State. Earlier this week, OU coaches said Eldridge was working more at tight end, his position the past three years, than at center, where he started in the Sooners' 14-13 loss to BYU. "I think Brody had the best grade of the linemen. He had 20 knockdowns," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. "But I felt we missed an edge with Jermaine being out." (Tulsa World)

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Injury

Eldridge earns high praise from Coach Wilson: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson threw an incredible amount of praise on center/tight end Brody Eldridge Tuesday. Eldridge was announced as the starter at center against BYU. He was a starter at either tight end or fullback the last three seasons. Despite weighing just 265 pounds, Wilson believes Eldridge is the cream of the crop of OU's offensive line. "Brody is as good as the guy who played last year (Jon Cooper) right now," Wilson said. "He blocks those big guys we've got that are as good as anybody we'll see right now." (Norman Transcript)


Other OU Football News
Habern now listed as Eldridge's backup: The Norman Transcript

Sooners defense must shoulder load early on: Tulsa World

OU's Sam Bradford takes aim at second Heisman, national title: Austin American-Statesman

Speak softly? Not Slingin' Sam Bradford: The Oklahoman

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma Sooners

A few surprises on OU's depth chart: It's looking like former tight end Brody Eldridge could be Oklahoma's starting center Saturday against Brigham Young. The Sooners released their official Week 1 depth chart, and Eldridge is listed as the first-team center, ahead of Ben Habern, who just returned to practice from an inflamed back last week. Another surprise on the offensive line depth chart is Jarvis Jones being listed as the starter at right guard, instead of sophomore Stephen Good, who is Brian Simmons' backup at left guard. (The Oklahoman)

Related:
Oklahoma Sooners Football Depth Chart

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Offense Line, Oklahoma Sooners

Team captains chosen for 2009 season: Oklahoma announced its team captains today for the 2009 football season. The captains were selected in a vote by the team. The four players accumulating the most votes were quarterback Sam Bradford, tight end Brody Eldridge, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Ryan Reynolds. According to head coach Bob Stoops, enough other players received considerable votes that another captain roles will rotate among a group comprised of defensive end Jeremy Beal, running back Chris Brown, fullback Matt Clapp, linebacker Keenan Clayton, Auston English, Jermaine Gresham and Trent Williams. "I appreciate the four who received the most votes and they will represent the team well," Stoops said, "but I also think it says a lot about our program that so many other players were mentioned on the ballots. We have a large pool of players who fit the role of captain and that tells me that we have a healthy and cohesive locker room." (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma Sooners, Ryan Reynolds, Sam Bradford

TE Brody Eldridge at center in practice: With Oklahoma's top two centers battling nagging injuries, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has had to get creative in furnishing his first-team offensive line. At the moment, with starting center Ben Habern dealing with a flaring muscle in his back and top reserve Brian Lepak out at least another week with a high-ankle sprain, Wilson has tight end Brody Eldridge working at center with the first-team offense. "If we were playing today, and Ben is limited and Lepak is limited, who's your center? It's probably Brody," Wilson said. (The Oklahoman)

Moreland rejoins team: After leaving the team for personal reasons in the spring, kicker Matt Moreland has rejoined the Sooners. Moreland handled OU's kickoffs last season. He'll compete with redshirt freshman Tress Way for kickoff duties this year. (The Oklahoman)

OU's Mossis Madu just wants the ball: The Oklahoman

Ex-Sooners join Dibble coach Charley North in bringing pride, optimism to small school: The Oklahoman

OU's trouble lies with the kickers: Tulsa World

5 Reasons Why Kansas Could Defeat Oklahoma This Season: KUSports.com

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Matt Moreland, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Eldridge near 100 percent: After battling an ankle injury the last month, tight end Brody Eldridge is finally close to 100 percent, thanks to a week of rest during OU's bye week. Said Stoops, "That's a positive." (The Oklahoman)

Norman gets respect: When Bob Stoops asked fans to be louder, he wasn't admonishing Sooner Nation. He just wants to have every possible advantage. But Tech defensive end Jake Ratliff, for one, thinks OU fans won't have a problem getting loud. "Norman's a tough place to play," Ratliff said. "I mean, there's 90,000 fans screaming at you. It's a fun place to go. Don't get me wrong. It's a fun place to go and I like playing up there. But it's definitely a tough place to play, especially after playing (at home) the last two weeks." (Tulsa World)

Lots of press: If the magnitude of a game is reflected in the media coverage, Saturday's game is big. Oklahoma officials anticipate issuing about 340 media credentials, up from about 230 for most games. (Dallas Morning News)

Meet the Boz: Former OU linebacker Brian Bosworth is scheduled to attend a pregame tailgate party at Sooner Legends Inn and Suites in Norman on Friday from 7-9:30. The event is limited to 150 registered guests and can be reserved by calling 405-701-8100. (Tulsa World)

Predecessors see nothing but greatness in Tech's Harrell: The Oklahoman

OU's dilemma -- To squib or not against Tech: The Oklahoman

Sooner speed vs. Raider power: Tulsa World

Know the foe -- Texas Tech: Tulsa World

Up close with DeMarcus Granger: Tulsa World

Saturday is a battle of which team flinches first: Tulsa World

Bradford can't even remember Tech: Norman Transcript

Tech's secondary confident it can handle Oklahoma: Star-Telegram

Staubach is pulling for Texas Tech: Star-Telegram

Old friend Leach now dangerous foe for Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News

Tech football drawing unparalleled attention: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Stoops calling for more 'ruckus' from fans: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

More on the line this weekend than Oklahoma-Texas Tech: USA Today

Who would you rather have at QB: Texas Tech's Graham Harrel: Sporting News

Who would you rather have at QB: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford: Sporting News

Tech's togetherness built through nocturnal workouts: ESPN.com

Improved running game boosts Tech's hopes: ESPN.com

Labels: Brian Bosworth, Brody Eldridge, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Tech

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops expects Johnson, Elridge to play Saturday: Coach Bob Stoops said he expects tight end Brody Eldridge (sprained ankle) and wide receiver Manny Johnson (dislocated elbow) to play Saturday. "Brody is likely," Stoops said. "With Manny, it's just going to be how comfortable he feels wearing the brace Thursday." (The Oklahoman)

OU Fans raise 30k for 14 Foundation Thanksgiving Food Drive: More than $30,000, a record for the event, was raised last Saturday for Josh Heupel's 14 Foundation Thanksgiving Food Drive. The drive was held prior to last Saturday's Oklahoma-Nebraska football game in Norman. As a result, some 34,000 meals will be provided for families throughout the state of Oklahoma. (More at SoonerSports.com)

Reynolds undergoes successful knee surgery: Ryan Reynolds, the middle linebacker lost to a torn knee ligament against Texas Oct. 11, underwent surgery a week ago. "It went great," OU coach Bob Stoops reported. "There were no other issues, which sometimes there are, whether it's cartilage or other ligaments. It was just the (anterior cruciate) ligament. Everything else was perfectly intact, which wasn't the case in his other surgery (in the spring of 2007). Hopefully this one will heal quicker and better." (Tulsa World)

Team has utmost respect for McCoy: SoonerSports.com

A&M relies on youth to build on two straight wins: The Oklahoman

OSU's Bedlam ticket policy staying: The Oklahoman

Haters of Venables should get a clue: Tulsa World

A&M has some confidence: Norman Transcript

BCS system, not playoffs, is best for college football: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma-Texas A&M preview capsule: Dallas Morning News

Sooners-BYU not a done deal, not is anything else these days: Star-Telegram

Numbers are against A&M beating OU: The Battalion

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Charity, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners, Ryan Reynolds

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoop, Sooners not looking past Texas A&M: While there was clearly some Sooner celebrating going on over Texas Tech's upset of Texas on Saturday night, Bob Stoops said the focus going forward won't be on OU's revived chances in the Big 12 South and nationally. It'll be on Texas A&M. "That's what it is," Stoops said. "We've got Texas A&M. We've got to hopefully continue to make improvement and be at our best when we go down there and play." (The Oklahoman)

OU Injury update:Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said wide receiver Manny Johnson did not re-injure his right elbow against Nebraska. The senior played early, but was on the sideline for the last three quarters. "Manny is fine, he just didn't quite feel comfortable enough once he was out there," Stoops said. "He hasn't set himself back any." It was the same case for tight end Brody Eldridge. He played in the first quarter, but was in street clothes and wearing a medical boot on his right foot by the end of the game. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Eldridge's removal was precautionary. The Sooners were up 35-0 by the end of the first quarter. "Brody got kicked by one of our own guys and kind of aggravated his ankle," he said. "I thought, well we're doing good so If I don't need him I'm going to hold him." (Norman Transcript) No word on Auston English's status.

Sooners still in title hunt: Norman Transcript

Johnson, Eldridge doing fine: Norman Transcript

Unraveling the Big 12 South: Tulsa World

Next three games can set up title try: Tulsa World

Know the Foe -- Texas A&M: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

For Keenan Clayton, dad does know best: The Oklahoman

Four questions about OU football: The Oklahoman

OU offense has Wilson to thank: The Oklahoman

College football intrigue abounds in the coming days: Star-Telegram

Big 12 tiebreaker rules: Dallas Morning News

Now Texas Tech faces gauntlet that Longhorns did: Dallas Morning News

Husker Monday Review - OU Game: Nebraska State Paper

Big 12 tiebreaker and a prediction for the final four weeks: ESPN.com

Red Raiders don't receive BCS love Longhorns did: Sportsline.com

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Injury, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas A M

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Manny Johnson likely out at Kansas State: Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that wide receiver Manny Johnson, who suffered a dislocated elbow in the win over Kansas, is "doubtful" for Saturday's game at Kansas State. "He's doubtful for this week," Stoops said. "His elbow was dislocated. It's back (in place). There are no other issues around it. There's a chance by the end of the week he'll be comfortable enough to play. But it's questionable this week and likely (he'll be able to play) after that." (The Oklahoman)

Eldridge and Braxton update: After practice Monday night, Stoops said tight end and captain Brody Eldridge was getting closer to being ready to play this week after spraining an ankle last week. Stoops said Eldridge was likely to play at Manhattan. Stoops on Sunday said offensive lineman Branndon Braxton also was closer to rejoining the rotation at left tackle and guard, but still has issues with a leg injury suffered vs. TCU. (Tulsa World)

Bradford nominated for All-American Player of the Week: Four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award have been announced after the seventh week of college football action, and now it's up to fans to determine the winner. University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, University of Iowa running back Shonn Greene, University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Penn State University running back Evan Royster have been selected by ESPN as this week's top candidates, based on the players' outstanding performances over the weekend. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phone to opt in for the chance to vote. (Find more info at espnallamerica.com)

Off-field subplot has calmed: Norman Transcript

Manny likely out: Norman Transcript

Stoops says Manuel Johnson 'doubtful' for KSU: Tulsa World

Listen to Bob Stoops' Big 12 teleconference: Tulsa World

OU could take cues from 'Cats: Tulsa World

Harris is game for new role: The Oklahoman

Stoops -- We'll try to stay in the title race: The Oklahoman

Wildcats embrace difficult stretch: Topeka Capital-Journal

Prince set for QB duel: Topeka Capital-Journal

K-State still confident heading into Oklahoma game: Kansas City Star

KSU puts up bold front for OU: Wichita Eagle

Murray's flashy running style last seen before his injury: ESPN.com

Eerie parallels between early careers of Pelini and Stoops: ESPN.com

Labels: Branndon Braxton, Brody Eldridge, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Allen Patrick and Brody Eldridge to be heldout of scrimmage: Running back Allen Patrick and tight end Brody Eldridge will be held out of Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday because of injuries, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. Stoops said he didn't have a timeframe for when Patrick would return other than "when he's ready." "It'll be next week sometime hopefully," Stoops said Friday. Eldridge has been practicing after having surgery to fix a broken ankle this summer, but he was held out of the first scrimmage. "I don't want to get Brody in there. He's played enough," Stoops said. (AP/NewsOK.com)

Sooners to Recite Oath: SoonerSports.com

Labels: Allen Patrick, Brody Eldridge, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma QBs talk about getting the nod: From the Tulsa World..
"It'd be great for me," Joey Halzle said. "This is what I've been working at my whole life. I've always wanted to get to this level, and once I got to this level, play. So this would be one of my dreams come true."

"It would mean a lot," said Sam Bradford. "Growing up here, my dad played here, just coming to the games as a kid, it's kind of been one of my dreams growing up as a kid. I think it would definitely mean a lot to me to walk out there and play in front of 85,000."

"I think everybody, every little kid, dreams of that moment," said Keith Nichol. "You watch college football at home on Saturdays, just a year ago, I was watching preseason stuff on ESPN. I was dreaming of it then, what it'd be like. To say I wasn't doing it now would be a lie. So yeah, I dream of it."

Large crowd at Meet the Sooners: OU's annual Meet the Sooners Day drew an estimated 10,000 fans on Friday, according to the school's event management staff. (Tulsa World)

McEachern to play after all: [Hayes] McEachern, a film and video studies major, was on hand Friday and said he plans to play this season after all. "I kind of determined that if I look back on it in a couple years, will I regret quitting?” McEachern said. "And I figured I would.” (NewsOK.com)

Eldridge back in limited role: Tight end / fullback Brody Eldridge injured his knee and ankle in the Red / White Game (he had a screw implanted in his leg to stabilize the ankle), but seems to be on his way back. "Brody Eldridge is hands-down the best blocker on our football team," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who added that Eldridge has returned to practice in a limited role. "They don't want to overdo it and have some irritation." (Tulsa World)

OU coaches visit Patriots' camp: Last weekend, Bob Stoops and several assistants were on the sidelines for a couple of New England Patriot workouts. "Tom Brady's arm wasn't very impressive, but his anticipation and his knowledge and his placement of the ball was so strong," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson noted. It's a point that relates to the Sooners' three starting quarterback candidates. (Tulsa World)

D. Williams back in week or two: Senior starting free safety Darien Williams is "still another week or so away” after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot July 16. "He's moving around and said he feels great,” Stoops said. (NewsOK.com)

It's English's time to shine on Sooner D-line: The Oklahoman

Sooners' QB possibility -- Go with 2: The Oklahoman

McCoy arrives with heavy heart: The Oklahoman

Running backs will have to share wealth: The Oklahoman

Glamour position not big draw for autograph seekers: The Oklahoman

Sooners counting on Reynolds: The Oklahoman

With Williams out, Sooners' DBs get a chance to shine: Tulsa World

Fans serenade Sooner head coach: Tulsa World

Lines long for Stoops, others: Tulsa World

Stoops doesn't rule out using two QBs: Tulsa World

Meet the QB candidates: Tulsa World

Aggie coach tries to agitate Sooners: Tulsa World

Q&A with Bob Stoops: Tulsa World

Strong up front: Norman Transcript

Reynolds back on the field: Norman Transcript

Who's the next QB?: Norman Transcript

Madu is sometimes the forgotten man in OU's crowded backfield: Norman Transcript

Will OU use two QBs?: Norman Transcript

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Darien Williams, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Smith and Harris on Thorpe watch list: Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith and safety Nic Harris are both on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award. The list was derived through a point system based on preseason All-America teams listed in various football publications. The Thorpe Award, based in Oklahoma City, is presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back. It is named after Jim Thorpe, considered by many to be history's greatest all-around athlete. Oklahoma players have won the Thorpe Award three times. Rickey Dixon won it in 1987 before Roy Williams claimed it in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003. Harris, a junior from Alexandria, La., saw action in 13 games last season with eight starts. He accumulated 68 tackles to go with a team-high four interceptions. Smith, a junior from Edmond, Okla., spent last season at safety before moving to corner in the spring. In 2006, he was a first-tam All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press after notching 40 tackles. He also interception three passes, which he returned for 94 yards and one touchdown. The watch list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner is announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, nationally telecast on December 6. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 12. (SoonerSports PR)

Eldridge on Mackey watch list: Oklahoma's Brody Eldridge has been named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate tight end. A total of 31 players are on the initial list for consideration for the award, which is presented by the Nassau (NY) County Sports Commission. An Oklahoma player has never won the award, although Trent Smith was one of three finalists in 2002. Eldridge, a sophomore from La Cygne, Kan., played in 14 games last season with seven starting assignments. Often referred to by Sooner coaches as one of the team's best blockers, Eldridge caught three passes for 18 yards. The Mackey Award will be presented in mid-December. It is named for former Colts great John Mackey. (SoonerSports PR)

Texas coach Brown sees a balanced Big 12: The Oklahoman

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Watch List

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Update: Eldridge's sprained knee ligament: Tight end Brody Eldridge suffered a sprained knee ligament injury after being tackled hard, Wilson said. (Dallas Morning News) (4/8/07) Mild MCL Sprain: The injury is being reported as low grade sprain. As bad as the hit looked, Oklahoma tight end Brody Eldridge seems lucky to have come away with only a sprain. In Saturday's Red-White game at Owen Field, Eldridge was hit hard by linebackers Lewis Baker and Mike Reed, knocking him back and rolling his left leg beneath him. Tests revealed only a mild MCL sprain as well as a high ankle sprain. (NewsOK.com)

Go Inside OU's Last Spring Practice: SoonerSports.com

Labels: Brody Eldridge, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Soooner Football Articles and Notes

Jerseys to include names in '07? Oklahoma played last season without players' names on the backs of their jerseys, but Saturday, the Sooners' jerseys included their names. Stoops said he would probably keep them that way in the fall, too. "Right now, the players wanted to," he said. "I asked them ... can they remain unselfish about it and not worry about whose name's on the back and more about who's on the front?" They assured the coach that they could. "If they'll continue to act that way," Stoops said, "maybe we'll keep 'em that way." (NewsOK.com)

Murray still getting used to the cameras: After Oklahoma's Red/White spring game Saturday at Owen Field, DeMarco Murray was the media darling. Even if the redshirt freshman wasn't ready for it."I'm not comfortable at all, to be honest," Murray said. "I'm trying to get used to all these interviews. I haven't had this many interviews since my senior year in high school." (Norman Transcript)

No press for the QBs: He enforced the policy [limited press access] again Saturday when he didn't allow OU's three quarterbacks to meet the press after the annual Red / White Game at Memorial Stadium. (Tulsa World)

Eldridge's sprained knee ligament: Tight end Brody Eldridge suffered a sprained knee ligament injury after being tackled hard, Wilson said. (Dallas Morning News) The injury is being reported as low grade sprain.

Walk-on Whitson makes a impact: [Carter] Whitson, a walk-on who played high school ball for his dad, Brent, at Broken Arrow and Shawnee, did more than enough to atone for the missed block. He was OU's third-leading receiver Saturday with two catches for 45 yards. (Tulsa World)

McCoy Practice Injury: Nose guard Gerald McCoy was a late scratch for the Red-White game. The ballyhooed redshirt freshman has been practicing with pain in his calf muscle, but when he jumped over a lineman Thursday, he landed wrong on his leg. "My calf muscle kind of stretched out a little bit, strained it a little bit," McCoy said. "They said they were going to see what happened this morning. Then they said they were going to hold me out, just let me rest a little bit." (NewsOK.com)

Open it up: Norman Transcript

What we learned at Red/White: Norman Transcript

Few QB clues surface in chilly Red/White Game: Tulsa World

Murray steals Sooner show: Tulsa World

Stock Report -- Quarterbacks: The Oklahoman

Best 'o' the blog: The Oklahoman

Murray continues to impress, no true leader at quarterback: The Oklahoman

Lessons in the press box with an expert at his side: The Oklahoman

Quarterbacks remain mum at OU: The Oklahoman

Sooners' backs look promising: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Labels: Brody Eldridge, DeMarco Murray, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Walk-On