Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Braxton and Williams returned to practice Monday: Senior free safety Darien Williams and offensive tackle Branndon Braxton returned to practice Monday. For Williams, it was the first practice of the year. Offseason knee surgery kept him out of spring practice, and a surgically repaired stress fracture in his foot forced him to miss the beginning of training camp. "He was a little rusty out there," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "Gotta get to communicating, quit thinking. But it was good to see him back." Braxton's ankle injury was minor. (NewsOK.com) Sooners to find direction at QB this week? Oklahoma could see some movement in the quarterback race by the end of the week, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Monday."This is a big week," he said. "We're going to work on our identity, No. 1. I think as this week goes, we need to probably start making the decisions."The Sooners have set a mini-scrimmage for Wednesday and another major scrimmage Saturday night. (Star-Telegram) Patrick on crutches at practice: Senior running back Allen Patrick, the Sooners' expected starter, left Monday morning's practice on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot. (Dallas Morning News) Pair of Sooners demoted: DeMarcus Granger and Steven Coleman, who both saw significant action last season, were demoted because they showed up to preseason camp out of shape. "It's all about playing hard," [Jackie] Shipp said. (Norman Transcript)
OU opens second week of preseason: SoonerSports.comPreseason practice video interviews: SoonerSports.comOU to scrimmage twice this week as it seeks QB: Tulsa WorldCoaches pleased with trio: Tulsa WorldOklahoma Practice Report: Tulsa WorldReceiving corps is a strength for '07 Sooners: The OklahomanIrving-ex Tennell seeing better at OU: Dallas Morning News
Labels: 2007 Storyline, Allen Patrick, Branndon Braxton, Darien Williams, Injuries, Practice, Quarterbacks
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 TranscriptLabels: Brody Eldridge, Darien Williams, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Sooners' grab Big XII honors, Stoops Coach of the Year, Rufus Defense Player of the Year: Sooner coach Bob Stoops was named the Big 12 Conference’s coach of the year by both the conference’s coaches and the Associated Press. Linebacker Rufus Alexander was named the Big 12’s defensive player of the year by the coaches. Running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Chris Messner and defensive ends C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine were also first-team selections by the coaches. (The Associated Press team has yet to be released). The second-team and honorable mention selections were also loaded with Sooners. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, kicker Garrett Hartley and defensive backs Marcus Walker, Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were second-team selections. OU’s honorable mention selections included Steven Coleman (defensive tackle), Brody Eldridge (fullback), Joe Jon Finley (tight end), Lendy Holmes (defensive back), Zach Latimer (LB), Allen Patrick (running back), Duke Robinson (offensive line), Reggie Smith (return specialist), Paul Thompson (quarterback), Brandon Walker (offensive line) and Darien Williams (defensive back). It is the third time Stoops has received the award and the sixth time a Sooner has won offensive or defensive player of the year recognition. (Norman Transcript) Team Awards: Bob Stoops said he appreciated being selected Tuesday as the Big 12 Coach of the Year by his peers, who also named Sooners linebacker Rufus Alexander as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. "To me, those are team awards. I'll make it a point that our players understand that the only reason we got those is because of how hard the team has worked," Stoops said. "And I know Rufus feels the same way." (Star-Telegram) Peterson likely for Bowl Game: Bob Stoops erased any uncertainty about Adrian Peterson's availability for the Big 12 Championship Game, saying Tuesday that the star running back will not play Saturday against Nebraska but is "very likely" to play in the bowl game. Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State. Stoops had said Monday that it was "unlikely" Peterson would play, but he gave a more definitive answer Tuesday at his weekly media luncheon. "He's close," Stoops said. "He could be cleared to play. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play, but there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong, took a severe hit — I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point. "We're not going to take that chance." Though Peterson is regarded as possibly the best running back in college football, the Sooners haven't been lacking in run production since his injury. (NewsOK.com) Coach Stoops staying put, he says: "I'm not interested in any jobs," he said. That hasn't kept writers in Alabama from throwing Stoops' name into the pool of candidates to replace recently fired Mike Shula. Or an Orlando columnist from urging Miami to pursue Stoops as the Hurricanes' next coach. Or other media from suggesting that Stoops would be interested in whatever NFL jobs open in the coming weeks. "That's amazing," Stoops said. "Every coach, they find out through all of you guys (the media) they're a candidate. No one ever knows. Whoever has a winning record, oh, he's a candidate. It's silly the way it all works." (Tulsa World) Weather in the forecast for the Sooners: With forecasts calling for temperatures in the 20s Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., Bob Stoops faces the task of preparing his team to play in such weather. "We could ride up to Minnesota and have some practices I guess," Stoops said Tuesday. "(The weather is) not gonna matter. I think, more than anything, wind matters in games more than cold does." The wind is not expected to be blowing significantly Saturday. Thompson said he has never played in a game where the temperature was below 20. "If it's 17 degrees, I'm in bed somewhere," he said. (NewsOK.com) Williams to return after injury: Stoops said free safety Darien Williams will return Saturday night after missing the OSU game with a knee injury. That will allow Nic Harris to move back to his nickel safety / linebacker position. (Tulsa World) Venables Broyles Award Finalist: Oklahoma associate head coach Brent Venables has been named as one of five finalists for the 11th Frank Broyles Award. The honor is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football. Venables, who also is defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Sooners, is in his eighth season at OU. The other finalists are Ohio State passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels; Virginia Tech defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Bud Foster; Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring and Louisville offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. The winner of the 2006 Broyles Award will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, in Little Rock, Ark., at a banquet presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock. (SoonerSports PR) 'No excuses' works for Sooners: The Oklahoman OU has done just fine without its starting RB: The Oklahoman Alexander takes pride in defensive performance: The Oklahoman Peterson out: Norman Transcript Stoops, Alexander Big 12's best: Norman Transcript It should be cold at Arrowhead: Norman Transcript Stoops is top coach in Big 12: Tulsa World Gundy has seen both teams, and he likes Sooners: Tulsa World Peterson out for Big 12 title game: Tulsa World Huskers 'D' fierce: Tulsa World Memorable moments -- OU versus Nebraska: Tulsa World OU's Peterson won't play in Big 12 title game: Dallas Morning News Sooners' defense gets act together: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Huskers counting on run defense: Kansas City Star Another back carries Sooners: Kansas City Star Nebraska focuses on tackling OU's backs: Lincoln Journal-Star Thompson helps OU reach its goals: Lincoln Journal-Star Taylor happy to be playing Sooners: Lincoln Journal-Star Sooners in the Pros -- Week 12: SoonerSports.com Labels: Adrian Peterson, Award, Bob Stoops, Bowl Game, Brent Venables, Darien Williams, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Rufus Alexander
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Bob Stoops Website in the works: Asked on Tuesday if he had thought about launching his own Web site -- www.BobStoops.com -- the Oklahoma head football coach's response drew uncontrolled laughter. "What do you do with it?" he asked the questioner. Then, Stoops revealed the truth. "Yeah," he said, "I'm working on one. I think." The OU Internet Technology department is developing a site that will be devoted strictly to Sooner football, particularly recruiting. The name is still fluid, as is the content and presentation, but BobStoops.com is a strong possibility. "From what I understand," Stoops said, "somebody's working on one for me, I think." Actually, said associate athletic director for media relations Kenny Mossman, Stoops was the driving force behind the idea. "He sought us out and asked us to work on that project. He's definitely interested in it," Mossman said. "He sees a tremendous value in it. He's personally not very Web-savvy, but he understands the value of it." Mossman said the site will be housed within the athletic department's address -- www.SoonerSports.com (More at Tulsa World)Oklahoma's Hartley Groza Finalist: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the top kicker in college football. The Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Palm Beach County Sports Commission made the announcement Tuesday. The award is presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The other finalists are John Vaughn of Auburn and Arthur Carmody of Louisville. Hartley has connected on 17 of 18 field goals this season. His only miss on the year came on a blocked 44-yard field goal against Oregon. Hartley currently ranks No. 2 among all players in the Big 12 Conference with 8.2 points per game. The junior place-kicker’s season long is a 46-yard field goal against Iowa State. Hartley has also remained perfect this season in extra point attempts going 39-of-39. Twice this year Hartley was named a Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Star of the Week. (SoonerSports PR)Aggie win, OU win over O-State equals incentives: Stoops has thousands of reasons to pull for the Aggies – approximately $230,000 worth of reasons. That's how much money Stoops could make in contract incentives if his Sooners get into the Big 12 championship game. According to the contract, Stoops would earn $60,000 just for playing in the Big 12 title game or $80,000 if OU wins it. Then, Stoops would make an additional $100,000 for participating in one of the four BCS bowls. He'll also earn $50,000 if OU finishes in the top 20 of the BCS standings, which is possible now, or $75,000 for landing in the top 10. (Dallas Morning News)Williams Questionable: Free safety Darien Williams is, in secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright's estimation, 70 percent after injuring a knee last week at Baylor. Asked after practice Tuesday if he thought he'd play at Oklahoma State Saturday, Williams said: "Probably. I don't know for sure, but I'm leaning that way." Wright said if Williams can't go, nickel back Nic Harris would replace him in the Sooners' 4-3 base defense. Harris would return to the nickel safety / linebacker position in OU's five-defensive back set, with Jason Carter joining Reggie Smith at safety. (Tulsa World)Stoops expects Peterson to Return: Will Adrian Peterson ever play again in crimson and cream? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops sounded like a believer Tuesday. "I'm pretty convinced of that," Stoops said. "Things may change, but at this point it hasn't for him." Peterson was hopeful to return from a broken collarbone in time to play in Saturday's Bedlam game. That possibility was ruled out after a bone scan done Monday. Stoops said he was uncertain whether Peterson might make it back should the Sooners make the Big 12 title game Dec. 2. Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson, said Monday that his son still wanted to play for OU in a bowl game. As for the long layoff — the injury occurred Oct. 14 and a late-December or early January bowl is expected for the Sooners — Stoops said it's no concern. "He's out there running and doing things, training," Stoops said. "He's in shape. (NewsOK.com) OU Scholars: Fullback Dane Zaslaw, defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and defensive end Larry Birdine represent OU on the Academic All-Big 12 first team released Tuesday. Lofton and running back Jacob Gutierrez made the second team. (Tulsa World)
Is Stoops feeling the Bedlam?: Norman Transcript
Williams uncertain for Saturday: Norman Transcript
OU secondary puzzle complete: The Oklahoman
OU secondary -- The pieces of the puzzle: The Oklahoman
OSU's Bowman, Woods confident: The Oklahoman
OU's Malcolm Kelly large and in charge: Tulsa World
Crimson, cream no more for Adrian: Tulsa World
The Sooner and Cowboy defense face task of containing Bowman and Kelly: Tulsa World
Turnovers an issue: Tulsa World
Third-string RB ready for the Bedlam to begin: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Labels: Adrian Peterson, Bob Stoops, Darien Williams, Garrett Hartley, Website
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