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Friday, May 09, 2008

Keith Nichol to Transfer From Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Backup QB Keith Nichol to transfer after all: Keith Nichol's career at Oklahoma is over. Nichol, the former all-state quarterback at Lowell High School, announced Friday morning that he has left the University of Oklahoma after just one year. He completed his final exams this week and drove back to West Michigan on Friday. Nichol, a 6-foot-2, 204-pound signal caller, played in three games with the Sooners. He rushed for eight yards and completed his only pass in his debut against North Texas. He also saw action against Utah State and Tulsa. He finished his freshman season having completed 2 of 7 passes for a total of 15 yards. He rushed for 13 yards on three carries. "It was a really tough decision," Nichol said Friday morning. "I love OU and the people there, but you can't stay there for the people. I had to leave there for me. I look at it as a missed opportunity, but not everything works out the way you plan. "This has been on my mind for a while. When it came down to it, I couldn't go to practice if I was thinking about transferring. I had to make a decision and go with it." If he transfers to another Division I school, Nichol will have to sit out the 2008 season. He could practice with a team next season but would not be eligible to play Division I football until the 2009 season. He said Friday that he plans to take a long look at all of his options. "I am looking to transfer to a school with a good situation, one that fits my style. I am going to look for the best opportunity," Nichol said. "Maybe I cheated myself in the recruiting process the first time. "I didn't look at all of my options completely," he said. "Now I am trying to look at everything. Having been involved in big-time college football for a while now, I understand things better." Nichol, who was a marketing major at Oklahoma, was waiting until exams were finished and he returned home before contacting other college football programs. (Grand Rapids Press)

Previous Post:
Keith Nichol On Being Backup
Report: Keith Nichol to Stay at Oklahoma
Nichol Says He Won't Transfer; Sooners Select Captains

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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Keith Nichol On Being Backup

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

The Oklahoman's Q&A with backup QB Keith Nichol: More at The Oklahoman

Q: In the two scrimmages last year, you showed you have a lot of ability. People have said, with that kind of ability, why has Keith stayed? Make the case for why you've decided to stay here, why it's important to you and what you hope to achieve during your time here.

A: I'm still doing the same thing I did the first day I got on campus and that's compete for a starting spot. I'm not backing down and would never back down just because someone had a good year. A lot can change in college football. A lot of people ask me that same question, why aren't you going somewhere? I love OU, I love the people here. Worst-case scenario, you get a free education. It's really not a bad deal. I'm staying for a lot of reasons. I love these guys here. I'm glad Sam played so well last year and the team did so well. It's a selfish standpoint to get disappointed — I'm real proud of the team and Sam. If I had to transfer I'd still have to compete for a starting spot. So, I'm not going to sit here and compete for a second spot. I'm here to compete for the top.

Spring football Q&A: Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma tight end: The Oklahoman

OU Football Q&A by Jake Trotter: The Oklahoman

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Joey Halzle the No. 2 Quarterback?

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

K. Wilson: Joey No. 2 QB? OU may play all three? Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson isn't completely ready to commit to a No. 2 quarterback behind starter Sam Bradford yet. "Joey goes in first right now," Wilson said, adding that he's slightly more comfortable with Halzle at this point. "Don't read into that, that Keith is third and we're planning on redshirting him. We might need to play all three." (NewsOK.com)

OU comes face-to-face with an old nemesis: The Oklahoman

The list: Sooners on the spot: The Oklahoman

Before he became a Georgia legend he was almost OU's coach
: The Oklahoman

Hybl has been in all right places but at wrong time: The Oklahoman

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

OU: Game Day Tips: Tulsa World

OU: Know the foe: Tulsa World

OU Questions: Tulsa World

No laughing matter: Tulsa World

Waiver sought for fundraising for recruit's funeral: Tulsa World

Sources: At least four vie for Big 12 post: Dallas Morning News

Preview: Oklahoma Sooners: Dallas Morning News

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

OU Fan Asked to Stop Fundraiser; OU-UNT Pregame Notes

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU to use two punters in season opener: Bob Stoops said he expects to use two punters against North Texas game. Senior Michael Cohen will handle long kicks and junior Mike Knall will kick in short-field situations. (Dallas Morning News)

Oklahoma fan asked to stop fundraiser for Mitchell: Just hours after Oklahoma football recruit Herman Mitchell was shot to death Friday in Houston, Adam Fineberg started raising money for Mitchell's family. But after raising $4,500, enough to cover almost half the cost of Mitchell's funeral, Fineberg stopped. An OU compliance officer told him his actions would constitute an NCAA rules violation against the Sooners... That money is considered illegal financial assistance under NCAA rules because Mitchell's brother is a sophomore fullback at Westfield High School in Spring, Texas, and because Fineberg is an OU fan who attends Sooner football games and solicited donations through an OU fan Web site... OU spokesman Kenny Mossman said the an official with the university's compliance office contacted Fineberg on Monday asking to him halt his fundraising efforts until the OU received a rules interpretation from the NCAA. That interpretation came Tuesday. "This is not a permissible expense for OU or someone who could be construed as an OU supporter,” said Mossman, an associate athletic director for communications. "We're not trying to be the bad guys, but we have to play by their rules.” (In parts and more at NewsOK.com)

Murray, Franks and Holmes may be used in returns: OU will use Reggie Smith and Juaquin Iglesias as the kick returners Saturday. Both handled the job last season. Stoops said Murray might also be used, depending on how many carries he gets from his running back spot. Redshirt freshman safety Dominique Franks and senior defensive back Lendy Holmes could also be used. (Norman Transcript)

'07 O-Line largest in Stoops era: OU's offensive line is the largest of the Bob Stoops era, averaging 6 feet, 5 inches and 316 pounds.The beast of the group is 6-foot-8, 350-pound left tackle Phil Loadholt, who will go against right defensive end Jeremiah Chapman, who is listed at 6-4, 243 pounds. UNT's defensive line averages 274 pounds. (Star-Telegram)

No QB backup decided yet: Stoops said he hasn't chosen a backup quarterback for the UNT game, saying junior Joey Halzle and freshman Keith Nichol are still even. (Dallas Morning News)

High expectations followed recruits: The Oklahoman

Ranking the recruits: The Oklahoman

Multiple choice: Tulsa World

Sooner still fan of Vick
: Tulsa World

Experience: Norman Transcript

Unheralded QBs have thrived: Enid News and Eagle

Conferences working to keep their officials away from scandal: Dallas Morning News

OU prepares for UNT with tapes of Carroll: Dallas Morning News

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Sam Bradford Named Starter

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford named Oklahoma's Starting QB: Sam Bradford has been tabbed for the starting quarterback job at Oklahoma. OU head coach Bob Stoops made the announcement Tuesday. Stoops said the decision was actually made Sunday and that Bradford took snaps with the first team during Monday's practice. Bradford, a redshirt freshman from Oklahoma City, emerged from a battle with Joey Halzle, a junior, and Keith Nichol, a true freshman. "We feel very good about all three of those guys," Stoops said. "All three have made great improvement and contributed a lot to our program. "We are going with Sam because he earned the position. We expect both Joey and Keith to continue working hard and competing for playing time just like all our players do at every position. There may be an opportunity for them at some point and it will be important for them to be ready." Bradford, the son of former Sooner offensive lineman Kent Bradford, redshirted at OU last season. (SoonerSports.com)

Redshirt freshman Bradford named Sooners' starter: AP/ESPN.com

OU names Bradford starting quarterback: Tulsa World

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No QB Announcement Yet; DeMarco Murray Improves

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU ranked eighth in college football sales: Oklahoma ranked No. 8 in college football, the Sooners also are ranked eighth in college merchandise sales. Sunday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released the 2006-07 school-year sales of the Atlanta-based Collegiate Licensing Company, which brands merchandise for nearly 200 college athletic programs, including OU and OSU. The Cowboys also made the top 25, coming in at No. 24. Texas finished No. 1 for the second consecutive year. Michigan, which was second last year, dropped to No. 4, and Notre Dame replaced the Wolverines at No. 2. (NewsOK.com)

No Quarterback Announcement yet: Everyone except coach Bob Stoops and his staff [named a QB]. No official announcement came Monday -- the first day of fall classes at OU -- as to who would start at quarterback in the Sooners' season opener Sept. 1 against North Texas. OU coaches and players were not made available to the media following Monday evening's practice but are expected to be available today. (Dallas Morning News)

Murray's improvements come by suggestion: [DaMarco] Murray said the reason for the turnaround was not attempting to turn every carry into a big run. "Coaches have been telling me not to try to make the big play all the time,” Murray said. "I let the offensive line open up the holes and just made my cuts.” (NewsOK.com)

Former Sooner Beeler to visit Stanford: Oklahoma sophomore center Chase Beeler might be transferring to Stanford. Beeler, originally recruited by the Cardinal, reportedly has been granted his release by the Sooners and made his official visit to Stanford on Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Despite injury, Gerald is real McCoy: The Oklahoman

QB battles are shrouded in mystery
: The Oklahoman

Big buck about to stop with Stoops: Tulsa World

Will they be special? Norman Transcript

Horning: Ryan Broyles has something: Norman Transcript

Top 10 OU Football Moments #1 2001 Orange Bowl: Crimson and Cream Machine

At OU, Three Times A Star Running Back: Washington Post

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Monday, August 20, 2007

No Timetable to Name OU QB

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

No timetable to name Oklahoma QB:
Wilson suggested that the coaching staff would have more time to evaluate who should be the starter this week since players will be starting classes and limits on their contact with coaches will take effect. But coaches have repeatedly refused to set a timeframe for a decision. "We just go by who we feel is doing the best job directing the team and the most consistent job, and staying away from the plays that really hurt you," head coach Bob Stoops said. (AP/SoonerSports.com)

ESPNU on OU/Texas Red River Rivalry:







Coaches play Switzer's game: multiple runners: The Oklahoman

OU may need Nichol's play-making capability: The Oklahoman

OU: Spread the wealth: The Oklahoman

Bradford looks like winner -- unofficially: The Oklahoman

Four questions: Is Sam Bradford the No. 1 quarterback?: The Oklahoman

Eye on consistency: Tulsa World

Hurricane warning: Norman Transcript

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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Sam Bradford Shines in Scrimmage

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Scrimmage Stats:
A crowd estimated at 5,000 braved a steady rain to watch the workout, which included 97 plays. SoonerSports.com

Passing
Sam Bradford: 12-17-130, 4 TDs
Keith Nichol: 5-16-82, 1 TD
Joey Halzle: 8-23-47, 1 INT

Rushing
Murray: 9 carries for 105 yards, 1 TD.
Brown: 8 carries for 37 yards.
Gove: 8 carries for 34 yards.
Madu: 7 carries for 28 yards.
Gutierrez: 8 carries for 26 yards.
Nichol: 3 carries for 4 yards.
Halzle: 1 carry for -3 yards.
Iglesias: 1 carryfor -4 yards.
Complete Scrimmage stats at SoonerSports.com

Patrick may return next week? Stoops said next week's workouts might include running back Allen Patrick, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with a sprained right ankle. (SoonerSports.com)

Stoops on the QB performance: "We're still deciding," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "We like what we've seen from all of them. They've all made great progress."


Clayton to strongside linebacker: One position switch was noticeable Saturday. Keenan Clayton, who started two games last season at strong safety, has been moved to strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the switch was made a few days ago. Clayton only made eight tackles last season and lost his starting job when Reggie Smith was switched back to strong safety after two games. D.J. Wolfe has won the starting job there this season. (Norman Transcript)

Expect Stoops to be cautious with his QB: The Oklahoman

Teammates say Wolfe is flashy, boisterous -- and confident: The Oklahoman

Bradford makes big strides in OU scrimmage: The Oklahoman

Wet and wild: Norman Transcript

Looking down from high above: Norman Transcript

Expect Sooners to make Sam their man: Tulsa World

OU Football Scrimmage report: Tulsa World

Bradford takes lead in OU quarterback chase: Dallas Morning News

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Friday, August 17, 2007

Oklahoma QB Race Remains Wide Open; Injury Report and More

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners search for backup at center: At right guard, Brandon Walker is the returning starter, but Brian Simmons held the spot last spring while Walker worked his way back from knee surgery. Now the two could end up splitting time. And the newest battle is for the backup job at center. With the announcement Tuesday that sophomore Chase Beeler had left the team, that spot on the depth chart became vacant. OU coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday that Walker is capable of playing center, but the coaching staff is also looking at sophomore Noah Hughey and true freshman Jason Hannan in that role. (NewsOK.com)

QB race still wide open: It appears Oklahoma will conduct its second major preseason scrimmage Saturday night with Keith Nichol, Sam Bradford and Joey Halzle all still in the hunt. "Not trying to drag it out, but right now, like we've got three tight ends, we've kind of got three quarterbacks," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Thursday between the Sooners' two practices. "Everybody says no one's separating, but it's not because they're stinking. They're all playing really good. So we'll just let them keep playing." Wilson said all three took snaps in Wednesday night's mini-scrimmage, when the Sooners ran the ball more than they did in the previous Saturday's full scrimmage, concentrating particularly on short-yardage situations. (Tulsa World)

Oklahoma breaks ground on statue work: Dirt work has begun beside the statues honoring Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens and Billy Vessels in the areas that will eventually house statues for OU's other Heisman winners, Billy Sims and Jason White. The statues, which will be located on either side of the Owens and Vessels statues east of Owen Field, will be unveiled this fall. (NewsOK.com)

Injury Report: Branndon Braxton, battling Trent Williams to start at right tackle, has recovered from an ankle injury and is practicing. Cory Brandon, who was second-team right tackle, has missed time with a concussion. Tight end / fullback Brody Eldridge, coming off ankle surgery, is practicing but not participating in major contact situations. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is still hampered by a hamstring injury. (Tulsa World)

Thursday evening practice coverage: SoonerSports.com

OU confident with bevy of backs: SoonerSports.com

QB Race Even: Oklahoma Daily

Last tango in Miami: The Oklahoman

Reynolds recovers to land starting job: The Oklahoman

Tight ends do more than catch: The Oklahoman

O-line competition fierce: Tulsa World

Extra five yards on kickoffs may give OU returners a boost: Tulsa World

Reed a big hitter for Sooners: Norman Transcript

Strong play keeping QB race going: Norman Transcript

Linebacker's return has Sooners hopeful: Dallas Morning News

OU walk-on DT Taggart getting noticed: Dallas Morning News

OB race wide open at Oklahoma: CNNSI

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Wednesday, August 15, 2007

OU QB Race Remains Unchanged; Sooners Relaxing in Ice During Heat Wave

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Beeler to keep football options open:
Sources said Tuesday that [Chase] Beeler wanted to focus on other areas of his life, instead of being consumed by the demands of major college football. A source said Beeler intended to keep open his football options at academic benchmarks like Stanford, Harvard and Princeton. OU signed seven linemen in the 2006 class, and Beeler is the third one to leave the program, joining Curtis Bailey (injury) and Ada's Chad Roark (transferred to Nebraska, then quit there). (Tulsa World)

QB situation remains unchanged: Oklahoma coaches said they are no closer to naming a starting quarterback today than they were at the beginning of preseason practices. Oklahoma has scheduled a closed scrimmage of about 60 plays tonight to look at each quarterback. The quarterbacks will also participate in an open scrimmage at 6 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel said each quarterback is getting an equal number of reps with the first-team offense. (Dallas Morning News)

Sooners required to take ice baths in 100 degree plus heat: OU players have been taking ice baths for years, but head coach Bob Stoops made it mandatory this year, [Scott] Anderson said. "For heat stress, ice immersion is the gold standard," Anderson said. "There's never been any known case where someone died of heat stroke after being immersed in cold water. It's something we worry about and pay a great deal of attention to." Especially with the state cooking in triple-digit temperatures for several days. Anderson said two factors contribute to overheating. "There's the internal production of heat and the external heat factors. The higher environmental heat, then the more problematic it is to shed that internal heat," he said. (Tulsa World)

Box, Gresham & Holmes Interviews: SoonerSports.com

OU Football practice report: Tulsa World

Wolfe settles in at strong safety: Tulsa World

Versatility key for Holmes: Norman Transcript

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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

OU to Make Decisions at Quarterback; Braxton and Williams Returned to Practice

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.com

Preseason practice video interviews: SoonerSports.com

OU to scrimmage twice this week as it seeks QB: Tulsa World

Coaches pleased with trio: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Practice Report: Tulsa World

Receiving corps is a strength for '07 Sooners: The Oklahoman

Irving-ex Tennell seeing better at OU: Dallas Morning News

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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Oklahoma's Next Starting QB Remains Unknown; Scrimmage Stats and More

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU's Quarterback role remains unfilled: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday will be the first opportunity since preseason practice started for the Sooners' coaching staff to discuss the quarterback situation at length. He hinted it's possible that the final decision on a starter might not be made until after the season starts. Oklahoma will open on Sept. 1 at home against North Texas and will host Miami a week later. "I wish it would be settled and done right this second, personally, for all positions," Wilson said. "But at the same time, we're going to need more than one....Maybe we go with two. "We're through the first (week) and through a scrimmage. Maybe, from what we've seen in practice and today, maybe we can get close to making that call...or (decide that) we're five, six, eight, 10 days away." (Dallas Morning News)

Players out due to injuries: Notables that did not play due to injury included OT Branndon Braxton, CB Reggie Smith and RB Allen Patrick. Patrick is out with a sprained ankle. Stoops said Braxton and Smith have minor ailments and should be back soon. (SoonerSports.com)

Bob Stoops post-scrimmage quotes:
"It was good overall. Defensively we're just so much more stable in the secondary. You have the potential there for giving up plays or making plays. Defensively, we were solid."

"It's obvious that our quarterbacks can make all the throws. They did a really nice job. I didn't see any forced decisions. The drives that stalled didn't stop because of their play. The players around them have to make plays."

"On offense, I was pleased for the most part. Our defense sees that offense every day so the offense is at a significant disadvantage."

Stats:
Sam Bradford: 11-of-18 passing for 83 yards; 1 INT
Joey Halzle: 8-of-16 for 51 yards; 1 TD pass for 3 yards
Keith Nichol: 12-of-21 for 85 yards; 1 TD pass for 20 yards

SCORING
Manuel Johnson 3-yard pass from Keith Nichol
Malcolm Kelly 20-yard pass from Joey Halzle
Jacob Gutierrez 53-yard touchdown run

RUSHING
Gutierrez - 7 rushes for 68 yards
Madu - 10 rushes for 18 yards
Murray - 6 rushes for 25 yards
Brown - 2 rushes for 7 yards
Tennell - 2 rushes for 1 yard
Gove - 2 rushes for 0 yards
Caleb - 1 rush for negative 2 yards

OU's quarterback picture could be a little clearer today: Norman Transcript

Sooner scrimmage 3 story lines: The Oklahoman

Sooners want secondary violation stricken: The Oklahoman

Defensive tackles no longer seen as 'soft': The Oklahoman

What to do at quarterback?: Tulsa World

QBs get the spotlight in Sooners' scrimmage: Dallas Morning News

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Thursday, August 09, 2007

All Three OU Quarterbacks Get Equal Snaps in Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Equal time for all three quarterbacks in practice allows comfort: That's part of the reason Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday is open to the public. It's also why the Sooners offensive coordinator and his other coaches will step to the sideline during practice. "Instead of us being out there calling the play and setting the tempo, 'Hey, it's your team, your offense. You've got this group. Let's see how you do.'" Wilson said. "We did that a lot at the end of last spring, and we want to start early this year with those guys playing on their own, instead of us holding their hands." Wilson said all three quarterbacks -- Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol -- are playing an equal number of snaps in practice. (NewsOK.com)

Stoops appreciates Barry's HR 756: Count the Sooner coach among those who support new home run king Barry Bonds. "I thought it was great," Stoops said of Bonds' 756th home run. "The guy is amazing what he's done. The more they talk about him. . . I'm not the biggest baseball fan, I don't follow it that much. But just all the Gold Gloves, what a complete player he's been is really impressive." (Tulsa World)

Big Red Rally set: OU has set the date for its annual preseason pep rally. The Big Red Rally will take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Owen Field. (NewsOK.com)

Scrimmage Information: Remember Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the 2007 fall schedule is open to the public this Saturday, gates open at 9:30 a.m. and starts at 11:00 a.m. Information on the scrimmage is available at SoonerSports.com.

Another scorcher for Wednesday: SoonerSports.com

Is Big 12 ready for Reggie?: The Oklahoman

QB Quandary -- Decision on starter unknown: Tulsa World

Massive presence: Norman Transcript

Peterson eager to get on the field for first time: Twin-Cities Pioneer Press

Big 12 football capsules: El Paso Times

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Sunday, August 05, 2007

Oklahoma Sooners Weekend Articles and Notes

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

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Friday, August 03, 2007

OU Ranked 8th in Coaches Poll; Sooners May Use Two QBs

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners Ranked #8 in Preseason USA Today Coaches Poll: Complete Poll @ USAToday.com

1. USC (45) 0-0 1,481
2. LSU (4) 0-0 1,372
3. Florida (9) 0-0 1,278
4. Texas 0-0 1,231
5. Michigan (2) 0-0 1,218
6. West Virginia 0-0 1,205
7. Wisconsin 0-0 1,114
8. Oklahoma 0-0 1,026
9. Virginia Tech 0-0 1,005
10. Ohio State 0-0 919
19. Nebraska 0-0 388
25. Texas A&M 0-0 209

Stoops doesn't rule out using two quarterbacks: Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops seeks a starting quarterback for the 2007 season and hasn't ruled out the idea of using two quarterbacks. "There's always that chance," Stoops said Friday morning during the Sooners' media day in Norman. "I'm not saying we will, but it's too early to say we wouldn't." The biggest question as Oklahoma opens August practice is who will be the starting QB. (Tulsa World)

Pendleton receives Bowden FCA Award: Former Oklahoma football player Carl Pendleton held the Bobby Bowden Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award in his hands for about two minutes. And that was enough for him. Pendleton, who was announced as the winner of the award in January, finally received the trophy Thursday night during the OU Caravan stop at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. (NewsOK.com)

Three still in the race to start as OU quarterback: The Oklahoman

Stoops says names will return to OU's jerseys: Tulsa World

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Oklahoma Big 12 Media Day Notes and Articles

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU starting QB job not about arm strength: "It's not about how hard you throw it," Finley said. "It's about whether you get it there on time. Jason White couldn't throw the ball near as hard as Keith can, but Jason put it there, right where it needed to be, right on time." (NewsOK.com)

McEachern expected to quit team: Stoops said he might be auditioning holders for extra points and field goals this fall after fourth-string quarterback Hays McEachern -- the team's holder as a sophomore all of last season -- informed him this summer that he plans to quit football. "Hays, right now, is thinking he's not going to play this year," Stoops said. "He's getting a little older and is concentrating on his school work. I'm hoping he'll change his mind, but right now, that's not likely." (NewsOK.com)

Reynolds recovery on time:
Stoops said he expects linebacker Ryan Reynolds to be ready to start the season. Reynolds missed last season after tearing his ACL just after the completion of spring practice and then underwent more surgery on an LCL injury this spring. (Dallas Morning News)

Former OU player Quinn Arrested: Montana lineman J.D. Quinn, who transferred from Oklahoma after being kicked off the team there, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Montana coach Bobby Hauck didn't release details Monday of the junior offensive lineman's arrest, saying only that disciplinary action will be taken. "As always, there will be firm disciplinary measures taken, and those measures will be handled within our football team," Hauck said in a statement. "One of the disciplinary actions will include mandatory alcohol counseling." Missoula Police Lt. Mike Brady said Quinn was pulled over for speeding at 2:39 a.m. Sunday. Police records said Quinn was going 44 mph in a 35 mph zone. (ESPN.com) Weeks ago, you might recall Quinn telling KFOR's Brian Brinkley get a REAL job.

Fiesta talk: The Oklahoman

OU's Stoops enters season confident: The Oklahoman

Sanctions in Sooners' past: Tulsa World

Stoops says magic isn't his method: Tulsa World

Oklahoma notebook: Bomar fan
: Tulsa World

Sooners have moved on
: Norman Transcript

What's up at quarterback: Norman Transcript

Kelly opens up on Bomar: Norman Transcript

Big 12 notes: A tale of two quarterbacks: Yahoo! Sports

Sanctions are a blip, Sooners coach says: The Des Moines Register

Sooners maintain usual optimism Big 12 Football: Star-Telegram

Stoops still in elite class despite recent stumbles: Houston Chronicle

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Sunday, June 24, 2007