Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesGranger, Harris, English named to Nagurski watch list: Oklahoma football players Auston English, DeMarcus Granger and Nic Harris are among 88 players selected for the preseason Bronko Nagurski watch list for defensive player of the year. English, a junior defensive end from Canadian, Texas, led the Big 12 in quarterback sacks last season despite missing three games with a fractured ankle. Granger, a junior defensive tackle from Dallas, had 35 tackles last season, his first as a starter, and had 3.5 quarterback sacks in 13 games before a shoplifting arrest two days before the Fiesta Bowl got him suspended for the game. Harris, a senior safety from Alexandria, La., was All-Big 12 last season, when he had 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He is recovering from offseason knee surgery and missed all of spring practice. The Sooners have had two previous Nagurski winners: Roy Williams in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003. (Tulsa World)OU football notebook: The OklahomanKU lured Mangino from Sooners, but it took some work: Tulsa World BlogKeith Nichol's Plan Sounded Good at the Time: AOL FanhouseBig Twelve South: Spring Updates: College Football Fantasy InsiderLabels: Auston English, DeMarcus Granger, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Watch List
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Nic Harris on Lott Watch List: Oklahoma's Nic Harris is among 42 of the nation's top collegiate defensive players who have been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy Watch List, which was announced Friday. Harris is a 6-3, 232-pound senior defensive back, who was on the Lott Watch List a year ago. He recorded 74 tackles, including 9.5 for losses and had a pair of interceptions last season. There are seven repeat nominees for the award, including James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, a finalist last year. The other players nominated for a second straight year are Harris, Jonathan Casillas of Wisconsin, Brian Cushing of USC, Maurice Crum Jr. of Notre Dame, Darryl Richard of Georgia Tech and Zack Follett of Cal. Thirty-five different schools are represented on the Watch List. (SoonerSports PR) The life of a Sooner defensive end: Norman TranscriptOU says it isn't backed into a corner: Tulsa WorldBlue-chip back Johnson has shot at encore: The Oklahoman
Sooner D-Line Should Dominate: Crimson and Crime Machine
Labels: Nic Harris, Watch List
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Nic Harris named to Good Works Team: Oklahoma free safety Nic Harris has been named to the 2007 American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team ®. The AFCA accolade is for his contributions in the community. The two 11-man teams, a Division I-A team and a combined team from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA, honors players for their dedication and committment to community service. The AFCA has been selecting the Good Works Team since 1997. Harris, a junior, served as president and is an active member of BridgeBuilders, an African-American student-athlete network group at Oklahoma. Bridgebuilders joined forces with Norman's Food for Friends Community Action Agency and helped serve lunch to less fortunate in the community. Through four games, Harris has 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, four pass deflections and two fumbles forced. OU running back Jacob Gutierrez was named to the Good Works team last season. (SoonerSports.com)Stoops not concerned with elevation: Stoops said he has no concerns playing in the high elevation Saturday at Colorado. "It hasn't been a factor yet," Stoops said. "And this isn't our first time up there." (Norman Transcript)Buffs next for No. 3 Sooners: SoonerSports.comIglesias grabbing attention as possession receiver: The OklahomanStoops -- Bradford getting more confident: The OklahomanSuccess at Tulsa could net Patrick more carries: The OklahomanOU Notebook: The OklahomanGundy on Gundy: Norman Transcript
Colorado coach bucks pressure on son: Tulsa WorldOU Notebook -- Gundy family values: Tulsa WorldStoops says he understands Gundy's criticism: Tulsa WorldOU's Finley has scary incident at breakfast: Dallas Morning NewsNo. 3 Sooners quickly gain Buffs' attention: Denver PostBuffs aim to cook up turnovers vs. OU: Boulder Daily CameraLabels: Colorado Buffalo, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesSooners' Harris honored: Oklahoma junior free safety Nic Harris has been selected to the 16th annual Good Works Team, chosen by the American Football Coaches Association to recognize football players’ involvement in their communities. There are two 11-man teams, one for Division I-A and one for all other college football divisions.Harris was president and is an active member of Bridge- Builders, an African-American Student-Athlete network group at OU. He helped BridgeBuilders foster relationships with students at Madison Elementary School and residents of Brookhaven Nursing Center, and teamed with Norman’s Food for Friends Community Action Agency to serve lunch to the less fortunate in the community. BridgeBuilders also raised money to provide Thanksgiving dinners to needy families in the Norman area. (Tulsa World)Caleb out: OU co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin confirmed that second-string receiver Brandon Caleb will not play Saturday. Caleb, a sophomore, suffered what coach Bob Stoops called a slight knee sprain during practice last week. Coaches have offered no timetable for Caleb's return. (NewsOK.com)Report: Sooners add Fuller commitment: Jeff Fuller, a wide receiver from McKinney, Texas, has given a verbal commitment to Oklahoma, according to recruiting Web site Rivals.com. The 6-4, 200- pound Fuller, who attended last week’s victory over Miami, reportedly announced he would not take scheduled visits to Florida and Ohio State.(Tulsa World)Utah State quotes on Oklahoma: SoonerSports.comSooner vision -- An eighth national title?: The OklahomanLonghorns casting wary eye northward toward dominant Sooners: The OklahomanSmith returns to Sooners' sidelines: The OklahomanKelly has become Sooners' top offensive threat: Norman TranscriptZaslaw's effort rewarded: Tulsa World
OU -- Know the foe: Tulsa World
OU Questions: Tulsa WorldMaturity paying off for Sooners: Dallas Morning NewsBradford for Heisman? Not so fast, pardner: Houston ChronicleStoops works his QB alchemy once more: CBS SportslineDo top teams have championship QBs?: FoxSports.comNo way USC, LSU, Oklahoma all go undefeated: SI.comLabels: Injury, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesSmith 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 OklahomanLabels: Brody Eldridge, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Watch List
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
OU's Harris on Lott Watch List: University of Oklahoma defensive back Nic Harris has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2007 Ronnie Lott Trophy.Harris, a junior from Alexandria, La., played nickel back and strong safety last season and is expected to line up exclusively at strong safety this season. He is one of 42 defenders on the watch list.Harris was third on the OU team last season with 68 tackles and led the Sooners with four interceptions. (Tulsa World)Injury Report; Reynold out atleast four month, Madu spained ankle: Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Reynolds is set to have surgery on the torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee today and might be out at least four months The early diagnosis of the injury, which occurred Wednesday, was a partially torn LCL that would require only four to six weeks of rehabilitation... Norman native Mossis Madu, who has worked himself into some playing time both at running back and slot receiver for the Sooners, suffered a high left ankle sprain Monday. (From NewsOK.com)
Stoops confident in LB core: Personnel has changed. Expectations have not. "It's coming," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "The guys that have looked the best have a chance to be a really, really good group. Ryan Reynolds and Curtis Lofton inside and Demarrio Pleasant and Lewis (Baker), who's played a ton out on the perimeter, those guys are solid. "The other guys, it's just learning everything. They're getting better. Mike Reed is doing a good job, and Lamont (Robinson) is getting better. It just takes some time, takes a lot of snaps." (Tulsa World)Class of '08 Recruit Arrested: Justin Johnson, a Gilmer, Texas, running back who has verbally committed to play at Oklahoma in 2008, was one of three people who voluntarily surrendered to police last Thursday for misdemeanor criminal mischief warrants, according to a report Saturday in the Longview (Texas) News-Journal. Johnson, the No. 2-rated running back in Texas, Arsenial Richardson and Dean Griffith have confessed to spray painting various marks on at least one car Feb. 24. The investigation is ongoing and the Upshur County sheriff's office anticipates charging the multiple juvenile offenders with crimes associated with these acts. (NewsOK.com)Go Inside OU Spring Practice No. 10: SoonerSports.comSooners no longer have lone distinction: The OklahomanTable Set for Red-White event: Ada Evening NewsLabels: 2007 Storyline, Arrested, Bob Stoops, Defense, Injuries, Mossis Madu, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Ryan Reynolds
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Nebraska sees no difference in Sooners without Peterson: Nebraska linebacker Corey McKeon said he hasn't noticed a drop-off in OU's running game without Adrian Peterson. "It's Oklahoma, and you know they'll have good running backs," McKeon said. "Adrian Peterson casts a very large shadow... You could be the second-best running back in the nation and be playing behind Adrian Peterson." McKeon wasn't sure of Peterson's replacement's name, just the number. But he saw a similarity. "No. 23 (Allen Patrick), he looks just like Adrian running hard out there," McKeon said. "He's a downhill guy and he's going to be tough to play against." (NewsOK.com)
Michigan prep QB eyeing Oklahoma? Keith Nichol, the Lowell (Mich.) High School senior rated among the top five prep quarterbacks in the nation, visited OU Wednesday, even through he verbally committed to Michigan State over a year ago. "I am just going out there to reassure myself of my decision," Nichol told the Grand Rapids Press before leaving. "With all the stuff that has been going on, I want to make sure I am where I want to be." Nichol committed to John L. Smith, the Michigan State coach who was fired this season. The Spartans hired Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio to replace Smith this week, and Nichol said he plans to visit Dantonio after his trip to OU. "He is a 17-year-old boy, and we want to make sure we are getting all the information before him that he needs," Gary Nichol, Keith's father, told the Press. "Once he has that information, he will be ready to make a decision." (Tulsa World)
Current Sooners met at Nebraska: Oklahoma defensive backs Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were friends before they became teammates. The sophomores met during the recruiting process. "First time I met Reggie, we were both on a visit to Nebraska," Harris said. "As a matter of fact, we were over at the safeties' house, (Josh and Daniel) Bullocks. We were just talking about recruiting. Exchanging stats. He was overwhelmed at mine. I was overwhelmed at his." Harris, from Alexandria, La., wishes he and Smith, from Edmond, could have teamed up sooner. (NewsOK.com)Pair of Sooners' receives Rivals.com honors: Left tackle Chris Messner and placekicker Garrett Hartley were named to the Rivals.com All-America teams. Messner, a senior from Frederick, was named third-team while Hartley, a junior from Southlake, Texas, was picked second-team. (Tulsa World)Callahan restores order in Lincoln: The OklahomanLonging for the good old days: The OklahomanA rivalry resumed?: The OklahomanBlackledge on OU-Nebraska: The OklahomanSooners' kick-starter settles in: The OklahomanRivalry has a history: Norman TranscriptBeware of underdog: Tulsa WorldTravel to game may be tough: Tulsa WorldWhat others say about the game: Tulsa WorldMemorable moments -- OU versus Nebraska: Tulsa WorldSooner-Husker rivalry not the same as it used to be: Tulsa WorldFreshman leads OU's young line: Tulsa WorldSooner defense makes strides: Lincoln Journal-StarHuskers golden in red zone: Lincoln Journal-StarHusker Football Notes: Lincoln Journal-StarSooner Football Notes: Lincoln Journal-StarSwitzer, Osborne are rivalry royalty: Dallas Morning NewsCornhuskers often Big Red in the red zone: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramDespite dark days, OU ran to daylight: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramDespite adversity, Oklahoma on verge of Big 12 title: SI.comSooners' experience should doom Huskers: San Antonio Express-NewsRetirement seems to suit Switzer fine: Kansas City StarOsborne cannot just fade into background: Kansas City StarLabels: Adrian Peterson, Keith Nichol, Nebraska, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting, Reggie Smith
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Sooners Edge Aggies 17-16: Facing fourth-and-inches from his own 29 with 1:29 left, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wanted to punt to protect a one-point lead against Texas A&M. "The second I said punt it, I looked at all the offensive guys in their eyes, then I thought 'I can't punt it,"' Stoops said.The gamble paid off for the 18th-ranked Sooners, who got the first down they needed to wrap up a 17-16 victory over the 21st-ranked Aggies on Saturday night.Paul Thompson's second effort on a sneak gave Oklahoma (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) the first down, but the play ended up being moot. Texas A&M (8-2, 4-2) - home of the 12th man - was called for having 12 men on the field, giving the Sooners a first down and the ability to run out the clock."That's what we wanted," Thompson said of the call. "We didn't want to give the ball back and allow them to score."The Sooners won their fourth straight in Stoops' 100th game at Oklahoma while breaking a four-game winning streak by the Aggies. (AP/FOXSports.com)Oklahoma-Texas Tech game 6:00 PM FSN: Fox Sports announced that it will televise Oklahoma's final home game of the 2006 season on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Sooners host Texas Tech at 6 p.m. at Owen Field. The OU-Texas Tech game extends the streak of Sooner games on TV to 53. FSN is Cox channel 37 in the Oklahoma City market and channel 27 in the Tulsa market. (SoonerSports PR)Stoops on 4th down, fourth quarter call: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops on fourth down, and inches with 89 seconds remaining: "In the end, I just felt, 'Hey, you know what, we've got to be able to make an inch,' " Stoops reasoned in postgame. "Bottom line, they had the wind. I'm not gonna give them a chance (with the ball back). I just felt we were gonna make it." (Tulsa World)AP 46th rusher to rack up 100 rushing yards in quarter: [Allen] Patrick's 101 yards in the first quarter marked the 46th time in OU history a player has rushed for 100 or more yards in a quarter. His 101 yards in the first quarter ranks 39th on that list. The record for most yards in a quarter is held by Adrian Peterson who rushed for 161 yards against Oklahoma State in the third quarter of the 2004 game. (Oklahoma Notes)Adrian Out of Sling: Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) is no longer wearing a sling. There has been no official update on when he might return, but he might be able to play in OU's Nov. 25 finale at Oklahoma State. (Star-Telegram)Nic Harris taunting penalty: OU defensive back Nic Harris was flagged for taunting after tackling Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett in the first quarter. Harris stood over Bennett and made a ripping gesture with his arms. Coach Bob Stoops was quick to get in the face of Harris when he came to the sideline after the play. (NewsOK.com)OU Rushing attack: OU recorded its second-highest rushing total of the season with 224 yards. Last week, the Sooners rushed for a season-best 231 yards. (Oklahoma Notes)Walker Early Injury: [Brandon] Walker injured his shoulder on the game's first play from scrimmage, and gave way to Brian Simmons over the next four plays. Then Walker returned, as he did after injuring his shoulder last week, and went right back to banging. The majority of Patrick's first-half carries were over OU's left side. But Walker pulled from the right to throw lead blocks on several plays, including Patrick's 1-yard touchdown plunge for the game's first points. (Tulsa World)Holding on: Norman TranscriptIt's always something with these Sooners: Norman TranscriptOU's defense had an answer for whatever the Aggies tried: Norman TranscriptPeterson back by Bedlam: The OklahomanGame Balls: The OklahomanGrading the performances: The OklahomanSooners had just enough offense down the stretch: The OklahomanStoops gambles game on single play, but it worked: The OklahomanSooners sneak by Aggies on critical fourth down: Tulsa WorldBoth teams gambled, OU made better choice: Tulsa WorldDefense digs in, kills Aggies' drives: Tulsa WorldTwo Minute Drill: Tulsa WorldOklahoma stops A&M's four-game winning streak: Bryan College Station EagleWhatever Stoops was thinkig, it worked: Bryan College Station EagleOU running back shines: Bryan College Station Eagle12th man can't save A&M: Dallas Morning NewsSooners give lift to A&M: Dallas Morning NewsOU keeps on grinding, wins with a final push: Dallas Morning NewsOU runs to early lead, escapes at end: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramNo late-game magic for A&M this time: Houston ChronicleSooners trip up A&M: San Antonio Express-NewsWith no guts, Franchione doesn't get any glory: San Antonio Express-NewsSooners shun pass to run over Aggies: San Antonio Express-NewsAggies stopped inches short: Austin American-StatesmanLabels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Brandon Walker, Gametime, Injury, Nic Harris, Texas A M, Texas Tech
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