Former Sooner WR Manuel Johnson expects Ryan Broyles to play: Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Manuel Johnson, who is on the team's practice squad after playing at Oklahoma last season, said Wednesday that he expects injured Sooners receiver Ryan Broyles to play Saturday against Texas in Dallas. OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said earlier this week that there is really no chance that Broyles could injure himself worse by playing. It really comes down to range of motion and pain tollerance for Broyles, Wilson said, and how productive he can be for the team. Johnson said he often texts and talks to Broyles and is confident that he'll play against the Longhorns. Johnson played with Broyles last season in Norman. "Yeah, he'll play," Johnson said from the Cowboys practice facility at Valley Ranch. "It will help." (Dallas Morning News)
Former Sooner Manuel Johnson signs with Dallas Cowboys: Former Oklahoma wide receiver Manuel Johnson has agreed to a four-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Morning News reported on its Web site. Johnson, who finished his career at OU with 119 catches for 1,710 yards and 17 touchdowns, was a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in April's NFL Draft. (The Oklahoman) DMN web site reports, Johnson will receive four-year deals with minimum base salaries worth $310,000 (2009), $395,000 (2010), $480,000 (2011) and $565,000 (2012).(Dallas Morning News)
Manny Johnson uninjured after Cowboys' practice facility collapse: Former Oklahoma receiver Manuel Johnson escaped injury Saturday when the Dallas Cowboys' indoor training facility collapsed during a severe thunderstorm in Irving, Texas. Johnson was a seventh-round draft pick by the Cowboys in the most recent NFL Draft. He said Sunday that he was working out at the facility when the accident occurred, but was uninjured. (SoonerSports.com)
Dallas Cowboys select Manuel Johnson 229th overall: Cowboys selected Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson with the No. 229 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Basically the Sooners' third receiver behind SE Juaquin Iglesias and TE Jermaine Gresham last season, Johnson finished up with nine touchdowns and a 17.0 YPC average on 42 grabs. Johnson is lanky at 6'0/183 and lacks great speed, though, and has some of the draft's smaller hands at 8 3/4'. (Rotoworld)
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)
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.
Alexander talks about stabbing: For the first time since being stabbed in the arm at a party after the opener, defensive end Frank Alexander spoke with the media on Tuesday. "The coaches were very understanding of the situation and came to see me in the hospital, which made me feel good to know I had their support and that they care about me," Alexander said. "They just told me to come back stronger. I've learned a lesson; my mother always tells me that nothing good happens after midnight, and I guess she was right." (The Oklahoman)
OU injury report: Bob Stoops said Tuesday that wide receiver Manuel Johnson was "getting closer" to returning to the lineup for Saturday's game against Nebraska. Johnson "caught some balls, did some drills yesterday, is supposed to do more today. So it should be just how comfortable he is at the end of the week and how much of the game plan, meaning in practice, he's able to execute. We'll just have to see by the end of the week." Tight end Brody Eldridge was full speed at practice on Monday and is expected to play, Stoops said. Offensive lineman Branndon Braxton, coming off an ankle injury against TCU, sustained a shoulder injury last week, said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. (Tulsa World)
OU-Nebraska Game of the Century reunion set: They won't be suiting up, but more than 50 Oklahoma and Nebraska players who participated in the 1971 Game of the Century will be honored during Saturday's game. Among those who plan to attend the ceremonies: Tom Brahaney, Leon Crosswhite, Chuck Fairbanks, Greg Pruitt, Joe Wylie from OU and John Dutton, Larry Jacobson, Jeff Kinney, Tom Osborne and Johnny Rodgers from Nebraska. (The Oklahoman)
Johnson limited in practice: Receiver Manny Johnson participated in practice Monday on a limited basis, and coach Bob Stoops said his status for Saturday's game with Nebraska would be determined as the week progressed. (Star-Telegram)
Granger finally speaks: Monday night after practice, Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger met the media for the first time since being sent home from the Fiesta Bowl for trying to steal a coat. He was reluctant to talk much about that incident. "It was a mistake. I apologized," he said. "I'm just happy to be back playing at the university." Was Granger worried that might not happen? "I'm just happy that it didn't," he replied. (Tulsa World)
OU-Texas A&M kickoff TBD: The kickoff time for Oklahoma's Nov. 8 game at Texas A&M won't be set until Sunday following this week's Big 12 Conference games. ABC has invoked its six-day window for announcing its Nov. 8 Big 12 options. The OU-A&M game will be shown on either FSN at 11 a.m., or on ABC at 2:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. (Tulsa World)
Manny Johnson out today: Oklahoma wide receiver Manny Johnson is wearing a sling and won't play in today's game against Kansas State. Johnson dislocated his left elbow against Kansas last weekend. Still, coach Bob Stoops said earlier in the week Johnson had a chance of playing against the Wildcats. (The Oklahoman's OU Blog)
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)
Manny Johnson update: Oklahoma wide receiver Manuel Johnson walked off Owen Field with his left arm in a sling Saturday, after dislocating his elbow on the Sooners' fifth play. Afterward, coach Bob Stoops said: "It's probably likely that he'll play this week." "He said it hurts, but he thinks he'll be back soon," OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "I hope he's back soon." (Tulsa World)
Granger may return to practice Monday? Injured defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (foot) may be ready to return to practice next week in preparation for Texas. "The reports to this point are positive," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "There is good speculation that he could practice Monday. So we'll see." (The Oklahoman)
Robinson benched due to disciplinary? Stoops said left guard Duke Robinson's absence from the lineup throughout the TCU game was not injury related and was "more of a disciplinary issue" that was "not related to a few weeks ago" when Robinson was benched for the Tennessee-Chattanooga game. (Tulsa World)
Alexander to return soon? Stoops also said injured redshirt freshman defensive end Frank Alexander could return to practice Monday as well. Alexander has missed OU's last three games and isn't expected to play against Baylor on Saturday. Alexander is still recovering from a stab wound he suffered at a Norman nightclub. (Dallas Morning News)
Johnson disputes holding call: Oklahoma slot receiver Manny Johnson politely disputed the flag he received for holding on a play that wiped out an apparent 66-yard touchdown catch by tight end Jermaine Gresham in the first quarter against TCU on Saturday. "I'd tell you if I was holding him," Johnson said Tuesday. "I don't think it was a hold. It was a good block." Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson seemed to back Johnson. "If the [official] wants to call that," Wilson said, "I guess he calls it. In my eyes, it was hard to give [Johnson] a minus."(Star-Telegram)
Johnson named Big 12 offensive player of the week: Manual Johnson (Oklahoma), Trent Hunter (Texas A&M) and Nate Swift (Nebraska) have been named Big 12 Conference Football Players of the Week as selected by a media panel. All three received their first career weekly award. (Big 12 Sports PR)
BIG 12 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Manual Johnson, Oklahoma, WR, Sr, Gilmer, Texas Playing against the nation's top-ranked defense, Manual Johnson set a school record with 206 receiving yards on five receptions in OU's 35-10 win over No. 24 TCU. He broke Mark Clayton's record of 190 yards against Texas in 2003. Johnson also became the second player in OU history to record three plays of 55+ yards in the same game, joining Antonio Perkins (three punt returns against UCLA in 2003). Johnson recorded touchdown receptions of 79, 55 and 63 yards against the Horned Frogs and averaged 41.2 yards per reception.
Johnson sets receiving record: On an offense loaded with playmakers, Johnson was the most lethal Saturday, finishing with five catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns. The 206 yards set a Sooner record for receiving yards in a game, eclipsing Mark Clayton's 190 yards against Baylor in 2003. "Manny Johnson had such a huge game," coach Bob Stoops said. "I told him I thought that was one of the best performances we've had by a wide receiver here in 10 years." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford's performance: Sam Bradford's career-best 411 passing yards is the third-most all-time by a Sooner quarterback. In addition, Bradford's 202 first-quarter passing yards set an OU record for passing yards in the opening quarter by a Sooner quarterback.
Williams injured: OU right tackle Trent Williams left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle, according to OU coach Bob Stoops. Williams was hurt when Bradford was sacked and his momentum carried him onto the side Williams' leg. Williams played in the second half. He limped off the field at the end of the game with his foot heavily taped. (Tulsa World)
Thunder players in attendance: NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant was interviewed on the field during the second half. Durant and several Oklahoma City Thunder teammates like Jeff Green, D.J. White, Kyle Weaver and others watched the game from Thunder owner Clay Bennett's suite. (The Oklahoman)
Johnson comfortable with move outside: With Malcolm Kelly's early departure to the NFL, Oklahoma has been experimenting with different combinations at receiver. One of those includes sliding senior Manuel Johnson from the slot to wide receiver alongside Juaquin Iglesias. "I like playing outside a tremendous amount," Johnson said. "I'll get a few more touches there." That will also allow offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to plug potential playmaker Ryan Broyles some in the slot. Broyles impressed during the spring before suffering a broken collarbone. When Johnson is outside, expect Wilson to also put the ball in the hands of running back DeMarco Murray and tight end Jermaine Gresham out of the slot, which won't help the cause of defensive coordinators around the league. (The Oklahoman)
Johnson returns to spring practice: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said wide receiver Manuel Johnson returned Thursday, but offensive lineman Duke Robinson isn't expected to be back on the field until next week. (Norman Transcript)
Allen Patrick practices limited: Junior Allen Patrick, is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Patrick sat out of last Saturday's 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick practiced in a limited capacity Monday and the injury has improved from where it was last week. "He did a little bit, but not a lot," he said. "He's better, better than he was Friday." But there was no indication given about Patrick's availability for the Baylor game. (Norman Transcript)
No Future Information on Peterson: Stoops said there was no update on the status of tailback Adrian Peterson, who has missed four games with a broken collarbone. "He's not playing this week," Stoops said. "Next week if you want to talk about it, we'll talk about it. There's nothing else." (Dallas Morning News)
More on Manuel Johnson: OU receiver Manuel Johnson was released from the hospital and attended team meetings Monday, according to Sooners co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin. Johnson was knocked unconscious and experienced temporary numbness after a helmet-to-helmet hit last Saturday night. He spent the night at OU Medical Center. Stoops said Johnson is scheduled to begin some weight-lifting and running later this week, but he won't play Saturday at Baylor. (NewsOK.com)
Manuel Johnson out for Baylor: Oklahoma receiver Manuel Johnson won't play Saturday against Baylor after being knocked out in the Sooners' game against Texas Tech. Johnson -- who has 23 catches for 255 yards -- was hospitalized after the game but returned home Sunday. Fellow receiver Malcolm Kelly says his roommate has a bad concussion but is all right now. Kelly says Johnson came home laughing and joking. Johnson had just caught a four-yard pass when he and Texas Tech's Chris Parker collided and hit helmets. Johnson had to be carted off the field and taken to a waiting ambulance. Kelly says all remembered was getting tackled and then waking up in the X-ray room. (AP/KOTV.com)
Peterson back for Bedlam? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that tailback Adrian Peterson might play in the Sooners' regular-season finale Nov. 25 against Oklahoma State. "Next week would be six weeks," Stoops said, referring to the time passed since Peterson fractured his left collarbone diving into the end zone to score a late touchdown against Iowa State. Stoops said Peterson would be re-evaluated next week and a determination would be made then. Peterson has been running and lifting weights the past few weeks. (Star-Telegram)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Johnson Recovering, to be released Sun. Night or Monday: The outlook for Manuel Johnson, the Oklahoma wide receiver who was knocked unconscious in the fourth quarter of Saturday's victory over Texas Tech, is encouraging. "Everything is all checked out fine," Sooner coach Bob Stoops said. "He'll be released from the hospital later this afternoon or first thing in the morning." Johnson was kept for precautionary reasons. Stoops said Johnson was getting some feeling back while lying on the Texas Tech sideline for nearly 15 minutes. (Tulsa World)
Sooners rally to beat Tech 34-24: Chris Brown started out three spots behind Adrian Peterson on Oklahoma's depth chart at running back. He never thought he'd be the key to a big win down the stretch. Brown, the fourth-string tailback, ran for two fourth-quarter scores and Paul Thompson threw for a career-high 309 yards and two touchdowns as the No. 17 Sooners rallied to beat Texas Tech 34-24 on Saturday night. "The things we've gone through, whoever's in there we're going to win with them," Thompson said. "That's our mind-set. We've got confidence. If something happens no one's freaking out." (AP/SooonerSports.com)
Johnson OK after hit: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he was encouraged by doctors' reports about receiver Manuel Johnson, who was carted off the field Saturday night after experiencing "numbness." "So far, all the X-rays were negative," Stoops said. "Everything (movement), on his way to the hospital, is all coming back to him. At this point, everything is looking good... hopefully, he'll be fine." Late Saturday evening, Johnson was still in the emergency room at OU Medical Center. He was expected to be admitted for an overnight stay for what Stoops called precautionary reasons. Early in the fourth quarter, Johnson caught a short pass, then was hit � fumbling on the play. Texas Tech recovered at the OU 35, but no one was concerned about a momentum swing. Apparently knocked unconscious, Johnson went down on the Tech sidelines. Tech medical personnel immediately waved for OU's medical staff. And the crowd went silent as doctors hovered over Johnson. (More at NewsOK.com)
Hartley gets back-up: Placekicker Garrett Hartley needed a break against Texas Tech after sustaining a slightly sprained ankle during pregame warmups. Hartley, whose kickoffs have routinely gone out of the end zone this season, did not kick off after the opening kick. Instead, freshman Blake Baublits kicked off after the Sooners' scores. Baublits is a walk-on from McKinney, Texas. (Tulsa World)
Gutierrez starts:, Brown gets workload Junior Jacob Gutierrez started at tailback for OU, but [Chris] Brown played almost the entire second half. He had nine carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. "We were in a close game, and they chose me to be out for the remainder of the game to finish it off," Brown said. "That really touched me and made me want to perform to my whole ability." (Dallas Morning News)
Thompson honored with Don Key Award: Quarterback Paul Thompson received the award -- which honors an outstanding senior for his character on and off the field -- before Saturday's game against Texas Tech. But according to the award's namesake, it could have just as easily been given to defensive tackle Carl Pendleton, who is forgoing his senior year to take care of his brother. "They start voting about a month before the award, and there were two names over and over," said Key, a former OU offensive lineman whose career was cut short by injury. "Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl. I have no say-so in the process. The coaches finally decide. "I think they chose Paul because of his incredible attitude toward being a team player." (NewsOK.com)
Recruits in attendance: Upwards of 50 high school recruits and their families were on hand Saturday, including Enid's Austin Box and his parents. Box has verbally committed to the Sooners. One source said that five or six of those were official visits, the rest unofficial. (Tulsa World) Sooners outscore Red Raiders 17-0 in second half: Norman Transcript
Both Adrian and Nelson excited about Saturday: His is the face of a 43-year-old grandfather, a man who once had designs on the NBA, a man who made millions instead dealing crack cocaine, a man who served almost eight years in federal prison. His is the face of Nelson Peterson, and on Saturday -- when 23rd-ranked Oklahoma kicks off at 11:30 a.m. against Iowa State -- for the first time in a long time, that face will be in the stands to watch his son play a football game. "It's very exciting. Been waiting on this moment for eight years," he said. "I finally get an opportunity to see Adrian play in person." "My dad's an emotional guy," Adrian Peterson said. "I feel like I'm the same way. I'm tough, don't get me wrong. But I'm human, too. When different stuff hurts, when you're emotional, it's good to let it out. You don't want to hold stuff like that in." (In part Tulsa World)
M. Johnson sees playing time: Receiver Manuel Johnson suffered a right knee injury in early August and just couldn't get past the nagging pain. The sophomore from Gilmer, Texas, finally felt healthy against Texas, and it showed in his production. Johnson had four catches for 55 yards. He had four catches combined in the three previous games. "It was just a coincidence that I felt good for that game," Johnson said. "When they called my number, I just made the plays." (Dallas Morning News)
Smith's infection kept him off the field on offense: Strong safety Reggie Smith was kept from making his usual cameo appearance at wide receiver Saturday. But that doesn't mean he's done for the year. "(The emergence of wideout Manuel Johnson) really didn't have anything to do with it; he just didn't practice much," receivers coach Kevin Sumlin said, referring to the infection on Smith's lower leg which hampered him last week. (Tulsa World)
