ESPN analyst and draft guru Mel Kiper updated his "Big Board" for the 2010 NFL Draft with a few changes. Released yesterday, Kiper ranked three Sooners on his board, Nebraska's DT Ndamukong Suh topped Kiper's rankings.
Here's look at rankings of Sooners and Big 12 players on Kiper's latest draft board:
Ranking, Player, Position, Team and Last week's ranking
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska - Same 2. Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma - Up One
3. Eric Berry, S Tennessee - Down One
4. Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida - Same 5. Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma - Same
6. Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State
7. Jake Locker, QB Washington
8. Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame
9. Taylor Mays, S USC
10. Joe Haden, CB Florida
11. Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State
18. Sean Wetherspoon, LB Missouri
20. Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB Texas 21. Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma
22. Colt McCoy, QB Texas
TE Jermaine Gresham to enter the 2010 NFL Draft: Bob Stoops said Tuesday that injured tight end Jermaine Gresham will enter the NFL Draft after this season. "Jermaine's going to go into the draft," Stoops said. The discussion arose during Stoops' weekly press conference. He was asked if he regrets not encouraging Sam Bradford and Gresham to enter the draft after last season. "I don't get that and I don't think most people do," Stoops said. "For me to force a guy out ... What if it isn't the right decision? I don't need to tell you how things can always go in a draft, so in the end it's not my job to force a guy to come out." (OKBlitz.com) Note: On Mel Kiper's preseason big board, Jermaine Gresham was ranked at No. 15 overall prospect in college football.
Gresham out for season after having season-ending knee surgery: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham, a preseason All-American, will miss the 2009 season after undergoing knee surgery, Tuesday. The senior led OU in touchdown receptions last season with 14. "We feel badly for Jermaine," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He worked very hard and very selflessly to get himself ready for the season. We share in the disappointment he is experiencing now and will do everything we can to help him in his rehab efforts. "The good news is that he is expected to heal fully. Many athletes have had this procedure and bounced back at 100 percent. We expect that to be the case for Jermaine." Gresham missed the season opener against BYU, then underwent additional evaluation before athroscopic surgery on Tuesday. (SoonerSports PR)
Stoops: Jermaine Gresham will miss season opener: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops announced today that tight end Jermaine Gresham will miss Saturday's season opener against Brigham Young due to a knee injury. The senior has cartilage damage in his right knee and the evaluation process is continuing. Stoops said that Gresham along with team doctors and athletic training staff are considering treatment options that could have a bearing on his return.(SoonerSports PR)
Report: Jermaine Gresham injures knee: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham injured his knee in practice this week, three sources with knowledge of the injury have confirmed to The Oklahoman. Neither the severity of the injury nor Gresham's status for Saturday's game against Brigham Young are known. (The Oklahoman) UPDATE: ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting, Jermaine Gresham is not likely to play in Oklahoma's season opener against BYU on Saturday. (ESPN.com)
Bradford ranked No. 1 on Kiper's big board: ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper recently released his first big board for the 2010 NFL draft. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is atop the board at No. 1 selection followed by four defensive players, including OU's Gerald McCoy at No. 4. The pair of Bradford and McCoy aren't the only Sooners listed, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams are also among the top 15 prospects listed for next year's draft.
Mel Kiper on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford:
Has underrated arm and great feel for position and is super-accurate.
Bradford, Brown, Gresham and Murray named to Maxwell watch list: Four Oklahoma players are on the preseason watch list for the 73rd Maxwell Award. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement today. There are a total of 55 players on the list. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top player in college football. Quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Chris Brown, tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back DeMarco Murray are all on the list. Bradford won the Heisman Trophy last season, while Gresham was a first-team All-American. Brown and Murray both eclipsed 1,000 yards for the season with 1,220 and 1,002 respectively. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest football club in the United States. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 4th and three finalists for each award will be announced November 23rd. The winner of the 2009 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 10, 2009. (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford, Gresham on Walter Camp watch list: Two Sooners were named on the Walter Camp Award preseason watch list on Friday. OU quarterback Sam Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham are among those named to the list. Last year's winner Colt McCoy of Texas is also on the list. The Camp award goes to college football's top overall player and is voted on annually by the 119 FBS head coaches. The last Sooner rewarded the Walter Camp Award was Josh Heupel in 2000, overall four Sooners have won the prestigious award.
2009 Walter Camp Award preseason watch list: Jahvid Best, RB, Jr., California Arrelious Benn, WR, Jr., Illinois Eric Berry, DB, Jr., Tennessee Sam Bradford, QB, Jr., Oklahoma LaGarrette Blount, RB, Sr., Oregon Dez Bryant, WR, Jr., Oklahoma State Daryll Clark, QB, Sr., Penn State Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Jr., Georgia Tech Mardy Gilyard, WR, Sr., Cincinnati Jermaine Gresham, TE, Sr., Oklahoma Max Hall, QB, Sr., Brigham Young Tim Hiller, QB, Sr., Western Michigan Jerry Hughes, DE, Sr., TCU Kendall Hunter, RB, Jr., Oklahoma State Taylor Mays, DB, Sr., USC Colt McCoy, QB, Sr., Texas Kellen Moore, QB, So., Boise State Todd Reesing, QB, Sr., Kansas Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, So., Oregon State George Selvie, DE, Sr., South Florida Jordan Shipley, WR, Sr., Texas Rusty Smith, QB, Sr., Florida Atlantic Jevan Snead, QB, Jr., Mississippi Brandon Spikes, LB, Sr., Florida Golden Tate, WR, Jr., Notre Dame Tim Tebow, QB, Sr., Florida Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Sr., Missouri
Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham on Mackey Watch List: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham is on the 2009 John Mackey Award watch list released Wednesday by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 John Mackey winner will be announced on December 10, 2009. A first-team All-American last season by The Sporting News, Gresham hauled in 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Sooners in 2008. The TD total was the most ever in one season by an OU player. Gresham, a Mackey finalist last season, has 26 career touchdown receptions, just five off the school record held by Mark Clayton. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham and Bob Stoops video from various media outlets at Big 12 media days in Irving, TX.
From ESPN.com
From FOXSports.com
<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=1dfc268f-79eb-4f81-a4f5-037f35e509db&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral" target="_new" title="Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma">Video: Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma</a>
Eight Sooners on All-Big 12 team; Bradford named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) and Phil Taylor (Baylor) highlight the 2009 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, chosen by media representatives who cover the Conference. Bradford was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and selected the preseason squad's quarterback. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Bradford was also a consensus All-America while winning the Davey O'Brien and Sammy Baugh awards. Suh garnered honors as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and as a defensive linemen on the preseason team. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team a year ago after leading the Conference linemen with 76 tackles. Taylor, a transfer from Penn State, was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year. The defensive tackle will have two years of eligibility remaining after playing in 18 games as a freshman and sophomore at PSU. He sat out the 2008 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. (Big 12 Sports PR)
2009 Media Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (QB, 6-4, 223, Jr/2L, Oklahoma City, Okla.) Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (DT, 6-4, 300, Sr/3L, Portland, Ore.) Newcomer of the Year: Phil Taylor, Baylor (DT, 6-4, 355, Jr/TR, Clinton, Md.)
Offense Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown WR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas TE Jermaine Gresham* Oklahoma 6-6 258 Sr/3L Ardmore, Okla. OL Russell Okung* Oklahoma State 6-6 305 Sr/3L Fort Bend, Texas OL Trent Williams* Oklahoma 6-5 318 Sr/3L Longview, Texas C Chris Hall# Texas 6-4 295 Sr/3L Irving, Texas OL Adam Ulatoski* Texas 6-6 310 Sr/3L Southlake, Texas OL Brandon Carter Texas Tech 6-7 354 Sr/3L Longview, Texas WR Dezmon Briscoe# Kansas 6-3 202 Jr/2L Dallas, Texas QB Sam Bradford* Oklahoma 6-4 223 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla. RB Kendall Hunter* Oklahoma State 5-8 190 Jr/2L Tyler, Texas RB DeMarco Murray^* Oklahoma 6-1 214 Jr/2L Las Vegas, Nev. PK Alex Henery Nebraska 6-2 175 Jr/2L Omaha, Neb. KR Perrish Cox Oklahoma State 6-0 195 Sr/3L Waco, Texas
Defense Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown DL Ndamukong Suh# Nebraska 6-4 300 Sr/3L Portland, Ore. DL Gerald McCoy* Oklahoma 6-4 297 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla. DL Jeremy Beal# Oklahoma 6-3 261 Jr/2L Carrollton, Texas DL Sergio Kindle Texas 6-4 255 Sr/3L Dallas, Texas LB Sean Weatherspoon*^ Missouri 6-2 245 Sr/3L Jasper, Texas LB Joe Pawelek*^ Baylor 6-2 240 Sr/3L San Antonio, Texas LB Travis Lewis Oklahoma 6-2 232 So/1L San Antonio, Texas DB Darrell Stuckey* Kansas 6-1 205 Sr/3L Kansas City, Kan. DB Jordan Lake*^ Baylor 6-1 215 Sr/3L Houston, Texas DB Dominique Franks# Oklahoma 6-0 192 Jr/2L Tulsa, Okla. DB Earl Thomas Texas 5-10 197 So/1L Orange, Texas P Derek Epperson Baylor 6-3 235 Jr/2L Southlake, Texas PR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas ^ 2008 Preseason Team * 2008 All-Big 12 First Team selection # 2008 All-Big 12 Second Team selection
Sooners announce team representatives for Big 12 media days: Coach Stoops will take Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy and Jermaine Gresham to Arlington as OU's representatives for the annual Big 12 media days on Tuesday, July 28.(SoonerSports.com)
Big 12 Media Days Lineup
Day 1: Monday, July 27
* Nebraska: Head Coach Bo Pelini, RB Roy Helu Jr., C Jacob Hickman, DT Ndamukong Suh
* Oklahoma State: Head Coach Mike Gundy, Assistant Head Coach Jason Jones, QB Zac Robinson, LB Andre Sexton, WR Dez Bryant
* Iowa State: Head Coach Paul Rhoads, QB Austen Arnaud, OL Reggie Stephens, DL Nate Frere
* Texas A&M: Head Coach Mike Sherman, players TBA
Day 2: Tuesday, July 28
* Missouri: Head Coach Gary Pinkel, LB Sean Weatherspoon, NT Jaron Baston, OG Kurtis Gregory
* Baylor: Head Coach Art Briles, Defensive Coordinator Brian Norwood, QB Robert Griffin III, FS Jordan Lake, LB Joe Pawelek, C J.D. Walton
* Kansas: Head Coach Mark Mangino, QB Todd Reesing, WR Kerry Meier, DE Max Onyegbule
* Oklahoma: Head Coach Bob Stoops, QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham
Day 3: Wednesday, July 29
* Kansas State: Head Coach Bill Snyder, players TBA
* Texas Tech: Head Coach Mike Leach, OL Brandon Carter, CB Jamar Wall, DL Colby Whitlock
* Colorado: Head Coach Dan Hawkins, Associate Head Coach Brian Cabral, TE Riar Greer, LB Marcus Burton, LB Jeff Smart
* Texas: Head Coach Mack Brown, players TBA
ESPN's Todd McShay's early mock draft: Oklahoma Sooners could have as many as four prospects in top seven picks in next year's NFL Draft, according to McShay's Scouts Inc. 2010 mock draft. Most notably the Big 12 dominates the top 10 with nine of the ten prospects from Big 12 schools.
McShay's projected top 10: 1. St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 2. Cleveland Browns -- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska 3. Detroit Lions -- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State 4. Oakland Raiders -- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma 5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma 6. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) -- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas 7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma 8. San Francisco 49ers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC 9. Green Bay Packers -- Adam Ulatoski, OT, Texas 10. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) -- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Sooners in early 2010 NFL mock drafts: Here's a look at early 2010 NFL mock drafts. Sooners have a consensuses of four possible first-rounders -- quarterback, Sam Bradford, defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy, Tight end, Jermaine Gresham, and offensive tackle, Trent Williams.
SI.com's Andrew Perloff's mock draft here. 1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT 10. Green Bay Packers: Trent Williams, OT 24. Tennessee: Titans Jermaine Gresham, TE 32. San Diego: DeMarco Murray, RB
SI.com's Tony Pauline's top prospects here. 3) Jermaine Gresham, TE 4) Sam Bradford, QB 6) Gerald McCoy, DT 11) Trent Williams, OT 20) DeMarcus Granger, DT 36) Auston English, DE
Sportsline.com's Chad Reuter's top prospects here. Mid-first rounders Jermaine Gresham, TE Trent Williams, OT
Top Underclassmen Sam Bradford, QB DeMarco Murray, RB Gerald McCoy, Dt
Jermaine Gresham arrested for failure to pay seatbelt citation: Oklahoma All-Big 12 tight end Jermaine Gresham was arrested by Norman police Monday night on an outstanding warrant issued after he failed to pay a seatbelt citation.Gresham had been issued a citation on Feb. 2. Norman police Lt. Jennifer Newell said Gresham did not pay the ticket and did not appear before authorities to set a court date.After his arrest, Gresham was booked by Norman police. He was released after posting a $349 bond to comply with the warrant and the oustanding citation.(ESPN.com)
Stoops looks toward less experienced Calhoun and Johnson: Oklahoma fans can expect to see a glimpse of the future in spring drills and scrimmages with both freshmen running backs Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson.
With starting running back DeMarco Murray injured (knee) and recent comments of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on second-string Chris Brown:
"They (Chris Brown and Jermaine Gresham) don't need to prove anything to me," Stoops said. "I know what they can do. I'm not interested in seeing Chris get banged around at all. "
BYU. Miami. Tulsa. Texas. They can all expect the dynamic duo of Murray and Brown (not adding Madu at slot). And another, only one can guess, in spring drills -- Calhoun or Johnson -- whoever takes initiative to break out will likely be third-string come September. Its anyone's guess looking at their past H.S. credentials.
Box expected to miss spring practice: Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box is expected to miss spring practice due to elbow surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. Box dislocated the elbow as a senior at Enid High School, and injured it again last year causing him to miss most of spring practice. Box, a rising sophomore, has battled several injuries since coming to Norman. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops reaction to Williams, Gresham, Bradford return: In addition to Sam Bradford's announcement that he plans to remain at Oklahoma, two other Sooners also announced that they plan to play for the Sooners next year. Both tight end Jermaine Gresham and Trent Williams said they will return for the 2009 season. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy announced earlier that he also will return. "We are pleased that these players are returning to our program," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "They understand the value of gaining another year of experience and improving their position in the draft along with the value of either finishing their degree or being within a few hours of completing it. "I also think our players recognize the opportunities we have as a program to pursue more championships and that's something that means a lot to all of us." (SoonerSports.com)
Bradford, Gresham, McCoy, Robinson earn All-American honors: Sophomore defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and junior tight end Jermaine Gresham (Ardmore, Okla.) joined sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and senior offensive guard Duke Robinson (Atlanta, Ga.) as All-Americans for OU in 2008. This marks the seventh time in Bob Stoops' 10 seasons at Oklahoma that the Sooners have produced multiple All-Americans in the same season. Oklahoma has now produced 148 First Team All-Americans overall since Claude Reeds first earned the honor in 1913. Under Coach Stoops, 28 Sooners have earned All-America honors. The NCAA officially recognizes the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America teams in determining consensus (listed by at least half) and unanimous (listed by all) selections. (SoonerSports.com)
Murray: I feel like my old self: The sophomore running back was badgered by questions of whether the offseason knee surgery he suffered was hampering him. He was adamant it wasn't. But his seven carries for 6 yards against Texas couldn't hide the truth. "I just didn't have it in me. Something wasn't right. I wasn't normal," he said. "I didn't have that pep in my step. The last couple weeks I've been feeling great," Murray said. "I feel like my old self." (Norman Transcript)
Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission for the second consecutive week. Gresham is the only three-time recipient of the honor this season. (The Oklahoman)
Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week for the second time this season. Gresham caught five passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. (The Oklahoman)
More honors: Sam Bradford and running back DeMarco Murray were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American team on Wednesday. Bradford carries a 3.95 GPA in finance, while Murray has a 3.31 in communications. Both were named to the second team. Also, OU had a 13th player named to the Big 12 Conference All-Academic team in Kyle Johnson, a senior from Konawa. (Tulsa World) Find more from earlier this week here and here.
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)
Senior day vs. Texas Tech: Lost in the hoopla of Saturday night's matchup is the fact that 20 Oklahoma seniors are playing their final game at Owen Field. "They've been a great group of seniors and great attitude guys," coach Bob Stoops said, "and I really thought they stepped up early on in the year and really have shown a lot of leadership, maybe more so than some of the seniors we've had, which you appreciate as a coach." OU is 39-11, 24-8 in the Big 12 Conference and has won back-to-back league championships over the seniors' four-year tenure. (Tulsa World)
Halzle working on childrens coloring book: (Joey) Halzle is developing a coloring book for kids at The Children's Hospital at the OU Medical Center. He hopes to use photographs of Sooner players, which will be turned into pictures that can be colored, then bound together. He wants to include quotes, too, words that would encourage and inspire children battling life-threatening illnesses. These are kids, after all, who touched Halzle's heart. "It puts things in perspective," he said of visiting The Children's Hospital. "It's a great experience to go and spend time." (More at The Oklahoman)
Gresham not thinking NFL.. right now: There is speculation that tight end Jermaine Gresham is among the Sooner underclassmen who are NFL draft-worthy and, therefore, might consider this a final home game. "It never came up in my mind," Gresham said earlier this week. "I just play football one game at a time. No looking to the future." (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham a Mackey semifinalist: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham was one of eight semi-finalists announced Monday for the 2008 John Mackey Award. Gresham leads the Sooners with nine touchdown receptions this season. The junior from Ardmore, Okla., is OU's all-time career leader at tight end in TD receptions with 21. In addition to Gresham, the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) listed Chase Coffman (JR, Missouri), Jared Cook (JR, South Carolina), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, Arkansas). (SoonerSports PR)
Venables offers no comment about Clemson interview: (Brent) Venables met with the media Monday for the first time since his interview with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips last Tuesday about the ACC school's head coaching position. The Sooner defensive coordinator decline to comment on how the interview went. "I have nothing to say about that," he said. (Norman Transcript)
Jermaine Gresham named Mackey Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma has been named John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The Big 12 Conference junior recorded seven receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns as Oklahoma defeated Cincinnati 52-26. Other candidates considered for this week's Tight End of the Week include Dennis Pitta of BYU and D.J. Williams of Arkansas. The John Mackey Tight End of the Week is an honor distinct and different from the annual John Mackey Award. This weekly honor was started in 2004 to draw attention to individual play by tight ends during the active season. (SoonerSports PR)
Moreland to keep punting duties: Bishop Kelley walk-on (Matt Moreland) appears in no danger of losing his job. "They're adequate," coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday of Moreland's kicks. "I think he's capable of more. I'm still hopeful, as he keeps ironing out his technique, that that will happen. But I don't see anyone else kicking them out all the time." Some have suggested that Stoops try Tress Way, the Union freshman who the Sooners hope to redshirt. "Tress does well, but not any better. At this point, anyway," Stoops said. "I'm awfully excited about Tress. But at this point, it isn't something I feel is going to be an improvement." (Tulsa World)
R.J. Washington to see action soon? Oklahoma standout freshman R.J. Washington, a Keller Fossil Ridge graduate, could join the defensive end rotation, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. Stoops said Washington has progressed. "We're working more and more in practice and getting close to putting R.J. Washington in there as well just because he has shown the ability and the consistency that we need," Stoops said. "So that's exciting, too." (Dallas Morning News)
Gresham on leaving to the NFL early: Wednesday he (Jermaine Gresham) said an early jump is unlikely. "My first goal here is to get a degree," Gresham said. "I really don't see that (leaving early) happening. The other reason is I don't think I'm good enough. "If I had (Adrian Peterson's) talent, it would be a no-brainer. But I don't have that kind of talent." (Norman Transcript)
DeMarco Murray suffers minor ankle sprain: Running back DeMarco Murray saw limited work Friday after suffering what coach Bob Stoops said is a "slight sprain on his ankle" during practice Wednesday. "He's fine," Stoops said. "It's a minor one. We were limited in what we had him do today. It's a small twist that wasn't a big deal." (The Oklahoman)
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...
Josh Jarboe likely to remain with team: Stoops indicated Thursday he won't remove Jarboe from the squad. "Kick a guy off the team for what he says?" Stoops said. The whole Internet culture frustrates Stoops. "We're starting to talk about everything kids say and do," Stoops said. "Now we're in people's homes, in their private spaces." (The Oklahoman) Related:Josh Jarboe is back! This time freestyling!!
Gresham on Mackey watch list: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham is among those on the preseason watch list for the 2008 John Mackey Award. The honor is presented annually by the Nassau County Sports Commission to the top tight end in college football. The 6-6, 261-pound Gresham, who also is on the watch list for the Maxwell Award as college football's top overall player, was an honorable mention All-American last year by Sports Illustrated after hauling in 37 receptions for 518 yards and 11 touchdowns. The TD figure was the second-highest in school history. A junior from Ardmore, Okla., Gresham ranks No. 11 all-time at Oklahoma with 12 touchdown grabs. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Sooners back to practice: With 12 days since OU's last session (a scrimmage on March 14), Oklahoma worked in full pads for two and one-half hours. Although Monday's scheduled practice was postponed due to rain, the team got its complete practice in under partly cloudy skies on Tuesday. OU will practice again Wednesday and Friday before holding a scrimmage on Saturday. (SoonerSports.com) Gresham returns to spring practices: Walking off Owen Field after Tuesday's practice, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops turned and shouted in the direction of a few reporters huddled around sophomore Jermaine Gresham. "The big dog!" Stoops hollered. "He's loose again." Stoops was obviously glad to have his 6-foot-7 tight end back on the practice field. Gresham missed the five practices before spring break because of a minor injury. The Ardmore product says he's in good physical shape right now, but the missed time has him playing catch-up on the mental part of the game. "I wasn't in there doing it and wasn't getting the reps at it," he said. (NewsOK.com)
