Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Status of OU's kicking game: After practice on Thursday, OU coach Bob Stoops talked about the format for Saturday's Red / White Game at Memorial Stadium. It's hard to simulate fall kicking situations in the spring, but Stoops said the mind-set and urgency "can't be" the same. "You work different drills, still work it." Tulsa Union product Tress Way has taken over the punting duties (Mike Knall graduated) as well as the kickoff duties. Matt Moreland, last year's kickoff specialist, ''has some family issues he's working through," Stoops said. "But Tress is doing a really good job. Really punting the ball great. And all his field goals and all have been good, too." (Tulsa World)

Expect backup QBs to see plenty of action: Backup quarterback Landry Jones and Drew Allen will get a lot action Saturday. And it will be the first time either has seen significant action in front of a live crowd. Quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel said both are having good and bad days, but that's to be expected. "The thing about both of them is they have a great attitude in the meeting room and they want to get better every day," Heupel said. "When a bad play happens, they don't let it hurt the next play. They bounce right back." Wilson said he's been impressed by both.(Norman Transcript)

Stoops tweaks OU's scoring system: Stoops said he's tweaked his confusing scoring system for the scrimmage -- so confusing, defensive coordinator Brent Venables said after last year's game, "Oh, there's a bunch of numbers up there. I was at a little bit of a loss whether to be happy or not." The score of last year's game was 69-40 with the Red team (first-team offense, second-team defense) beating the White (second-team offense, first team defense). "I got in trouble a year or so ago," Stoops said. "Defense intercepted a ball and ran it to the 1 or 2 and the offense scored the touchdown and they got 7 points. So we tweaked it as far as some things like that."(Tulsa World)

Sooners eye Saturday's game: SoonerSports.com

Sooners conclude spring football with Red-White game Saturday: The Oklahoma Daily

Broyles ready to take lead: The Oklahoman

Don't let roadwork block Oklahoma football fun: The Oklahoman

The low down on Loadholt: Tulsa World

Sooners' offensive line responded to Bob Stoops' bark: Star-Telegram

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Red White Game, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Clayton and McCoy suffer minor injuries: Strongside linebacker Keenan Clayton is currently out of action with a high ankle sprain. He said the plan was to be able to return by the April 11 Red/White Game, but acknowledged there was caution in hurrying back too soon and suffering a setback. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is practicing with a bandage covering six stitches over his right eye, the result of an after-dark jaunt from his house to his truck -- having just stepped out of the shower, with feet wet and a towel around his waist. "Foolish me, I wasn't thinking, 'Your feet are still wet,' " he said. (Tulsa World) ALSO: Jameel Owens returned to practice Wednesday after missing the first two weeks of the spring with a sprained ankle.

Sooners likely back indoors: Before the break, the Sooners had to move their first scheduled scrimmage indoors and scale back the contact, due to weather. Saturday, the same thing may happen to OU's second scheduled scrimmage, as inclement weather is expected to hit the state this weekend. "If it's too bad to be outside, we may have to go indoors and simulate a scrimmage again," said Stoops, whose team practiced Wednesday for the first time since returning from spring break. (The Oklahoman)

Jarvis Jones makes most of second chance: Tulsa World

Labels: Gerald McCoy, Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops met with the media to discuss spring drills:


A few quotes --- More at SoonerSports.com

Bob Stoops on Corey Wilson

"It's a disappointing and hurtful time; I know everyone's heard about the accident with Corey Wilson, or if you haven't, it's a tragic accident. We're all just praying for Corey and his family. It's a really difficult time. Medically, what was out from his family I'm not going to elaborate on anything else than what was said yesterday. We're all just continuing to pray for him and have him in our thoughts and his family."

Stoops on Oklahoma's offensive line

"Offensive line, of course losing four of the five starters from a year ago, that's where another major issue will be, and we'll see. Those guys are at this point, it's just everything, whether it's with their work ethic, their attitude, those things need to improve. They haven't had the winter everyone else has had. They right now are the weak link of the team and we'll see if they can respond and have any kind of spring and summer to help us be a team that can contend for a Big 12 Championship.

Stoops on Oklahoma's special teams

"Overall, I think special teams-wise, same thing. I expect us to improve. Tress Way will start off taking over for Mike Knall in punting. Through the year last year I thought he did a nice job and he's had a good winter too with kickoffs, field goals, all of that. We expect Jimmy [Stevens] to be better, but I also expect Matt Moreland and Tress Way to be better. Also we have a newcomer in Bryce Easley coming in from Norman North who is a guy that we're excited about as well. I do feel that overall those positions will be improved for us, and that'll be a big plus as well."

Labels: Bob Stoops, Spring Practice, Video

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners begin spring practice March 3rd: The Sooners will begin spring practice March 3 and finish April 11 with OU's annual Red-White Spring Game. OU head coach Bob Stoops said he would announce at a later date which practices would be open to the public.

OU spring schedule
March 3: No pads
March 5: No pads
March 7
March 10
March 12: Scrimmage
March 25
March 27
March 28: Scrimmage
April 2
April 3
April 6
April 8
April 10: No pads
April 11: Red-White Spring Game

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners end spring practices: OU's quarterback Sam Bradford, said the offense ended spring practice on an up note, "The offense played at a much quicker tempo than we did in the Red-White Game," Bradford said. "I thought we got some good work done on the last day."

Sooners wrap up spring ball: SoonerSports.com

OU Football Notebook: The Oklahoman

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

University of Oklahoma Football Second Scrimmage stats and quotes at SoonerSports.com

Box may return next weekend: Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Box might return to noncontact work next week. Venables also said it was important for Reynolds to be back. "He's not 100 percent," Venables said, "but he needs to be out there to get some of the positioning down as much as anything, get a presence about him." (Tulsa World)

Recruits visit Norman: Centennial Frisco (Texas) High School quarterback Ryan Mossakowski was one of several blue-chip recruits in attendance. Mossakowski, the No. 53-ranked player in the nation according to Rivals.com, was accompanied at the scrimmage by Las Vegas defensive end Justin Chaisson, who is the No. 27-rated prospect in the country. Four-star cornerback Gabe Lynn of Jenks saw his second OU scrimmage. He was in Norman last weekend as well. Linebacker Tom Wort of New Braunfels, Texas, and tight end Greg Brown of Bixby were also in attendance Saturday. (The Oklahoman)

Bradford on the no huddle: Telling the Tulsa World "Today was about as game-like as we've had with the no-huddle as far as the referees and the clock and everything going," Bradford said. "I think we did move the ball pretty well. We did have some penalties that hurt us, but I thought our tempo was good today and guys for the most part, we were on the same page."

For OU walk-ons, spring is the time to shine: The Oklahoman

At last, Sooner offense springs to life: The Oklahoman

Replacing Hartley: The Oklahoman

Q&A -- Fullback Matt Clapp: The Oklahoman

Sooners a little rusty in second scrimmage: Norman Transcript

Flags fly fast in Norman: Tulsa World

Labels: Austin Box, Offense, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Holmes to practice at free safety and corner: Coach Bob Stoops said Holmes will practice this spring at cornerback and free safety, and by the fall will probably settle in the spot he's needed at the most. "He can do either. That will depend on who we get the best play from in the other guys," Stoops said. "I think Lendy has the unusual ability to be solid at corner or safety. He's been that way for us. He's played really well for us at both positions. That's been a plus for us that he has the ability to do either one. We'll just see how these other guys come along." At the moment, OU has Dominique Franks, Brian Jackson, Jamell Fleming and Jonathan Nelson competing for the two vacant starting spots at cornerback, with Holmes playing free safety, defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Friday. (The Oklahoman)

Defensive rebuilding key to Sooners' spring: ESPN.com

OU Football Q&A: The Oklahoman

Spring football Q&A with Quentin Chaney: The Oklahoman

Madu gets chance to prove himself: The Oklahoman

Sooner signee arrested: Tulsa World

Labels: Lendy Holmes, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

True Freshmen join spring practice: Three true freshmen -- QB Landry Jones, OL Britt Mitchell and RB Justin Johnson -- joined wide receivers coach Jay Norvell in their first practice as Sooners. (SoonerSports.com)

Sooners day off: OU football team resumes spring practice and drills Friday, March 7.

This time, Norvell plans to stay awhile: The Oklahoman

OU Practice Report March 5: NewsOK.com TV

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Injuries create opportunities on defense: At outside linebacker, that should include converted safety Keenan Clayton as well as redshirt freshmen Austin Box and Travis Lewis. Both Clayton and Box strong impressions during winter workouts. "Keenan Clayton, he and Austin Box have had great winters," Stoops said. "Keenan has been around here for several years now and we've been using him at that weak-side position. We're hoping Keenan can really make a difference. He has the ability to." (The Oklahoman)

OU's kicker to be determined: The Sooners also are looking to replace kicker Garrett Hartley. Redshirt freshmen Jimmy Stevens and Matthew Moreland will handle the chores in the coming weeks. Incoming freshman Tress Way will join the battle in the fall. (Norman Transcript)

Granger and Holmes to participate in spring practice: Despite being held out of the Fiesta Bowl for different reasons, defensive back Lendy Holmes and defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger will both participate in spring drills. Holmes didn't make the trip to Arizona after failing to stay academically eligible. But he has since made himself eligible to practice with the team again. Granger was arrested in Tempe, Ariz., accused of shoplifting. He was sent home the next day. (The Oklahoman)

Reminder Red/White tickets on sale today: The game is set for April 12 with a tentative kickoff time of 1 p.m. The tickets are $5 in advance or $10 the day of the game and will be available online, in person at the Athletics Ticket Office on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility or by phone at 405-325-2424 or 800-456-GoOU.

Stoops on former LB Mike Reed: Stoops commented Tuesday on linebacker Mike Reed no longer being on the team. "I'm never specific on things that aren't positive," Stoops said. "In the end, there are too many team-related and academic-related activities that are not being met. So therefore, he is not going to be with us during the spring and he will seek other opportunities at the end of the semester." Last season, Reed struggled financially to support his wife and kids, while playing football and attending classes all at the same time. When his wife was hospitalized last October, Reed began missing practice and workouts to care for her and their two children. Reed has not yet commented on what his plans might be. (The Oklahoman)

Hope springs for OU: Tulsa World

Stoops talks about OU's upcoming spring football practice: Tulsa World

Sooners have several holes to fill: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Labels: Bob Stoops, DeMarcus Granger, Lendy Holmes, Oklahoma Sooners, Special Teams, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bob Stoops' opening spring press conference quotes: From SoonerSports.com

On QB Sam Bradford's development:
"He had an amazing year. All you have to do is compare his statistics to the All-Americans or offensive players of the year in our league and he is there. Everything we have asked him to do he has been exceptional, so I think you have to be careful that he doesn't go out there and try to be superman. That is not what we ask our guys to do. We rely on everybody; do your job, do what you're asked to do, direct in a positive way. I think with another year under his belt he will be more of a leader vocally. He was a great leader in his actions last year, but now with more experience I think more of that will come."

On building depth at running back:
"There is a perfect chance to build depth with Mossis Madu and Justin Johnson. They will get the bulk of it; we will give Matt Clapp some back there as well. But those guys have not played much at all and it will be a great opportunity. We already know what the other guys can do, so it is perfect."

On how the Fiesta Bowl loss affects spring practice:
"Each year is a new team. I've never seen one year tie to the next. We have won the National Championship before and it didn't have anything to with the next year and we have lost in it and it didn't have anything to do with the next year. Each year is a different team, with different players. In the end you have to go at it again. I will say we have been pretty consistent in going after the Big 12 Championship and we look to do that again next year. Hopefully, we can finish the year a little bit better."

On Asst. Offensive Coordinator/WR Coach Jay Norvell:
"Jay has a lot of excellent experience that I am excited about. He is a very positive, team-oriented guy who is incredibly competitive and passionate about the game. That is something I love about all the assistant coaches. I am excited about all of that combined with an excellent knowledge of offense. Just look at where he has been with UCLA and Nebraska and before that."

Labels: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU Spring Football Info: OU opens spring drills on March 5. The Sooners also practice March 7, March 10 and March 12 before taking off for spring break. The Red / White Game is scheduled for April 12. A handful of Sooners recovering from various injuries won't be participating this spring, coach Bob Stoops said. They include running back Chris Brown (minor knee surgery), defensive end Auston English (minor shoulder surgery), wide receiver Adron Tennell (ACL surgery) and running back DeMarco Murray (patellar tendon surgery). (Tulsa World)

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners youth highlight scrimmage: Three sophomores and a freshman accounted for the four touchdowns in the event. When it was over, OU head coach Bob Stoops, who was critical after his team's first major scrimmage, was more positive about his team. "It was better," he said. "The intensity, the effort, the enthusiasm all were really good. We've got improvement to make in clearing up some mistakes but that's why we practice." Redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray again practiced well. He rushed 16 times for 132 yards and one touchdown. (Stats and more at SoonerSports.com)

Wolfe playing at safety: For the third time in his four years at Oklahoma, D.J. Wolfe has landed at a new position, playing with the first-team defense at free safety in Saturday's scrimmage at Owen Field. "I'm loving it, being able to get back there and have vision of the whole field and be in the action," Wolfe said of the move to safety. "I hate to say it, but it might be better than corner." Wolfe moved to safety as the Sooners try to find a suitable backup for returning starter Darien Williams who is out for the spring after undergoing offseason knee surgery. (NewsOK.com)

Kevin Wilson on turnovers and quarterbacks: Afterward, coordinator Kevin Wilson said he sped the pace from the March 14 scrimmage, which likely contributed to the turnovers. He said coaches hadn't met to discuss the quarterbacks' progress, let alone determine any kind of pecking order, something he feels is a long way off. (Tulsa World)

All three quarterbacks have potential? According to at least one receiver, any of the three could claim the job."(All) of them have the opportunity to potentially get us where we need to go," Quentin Chaney said. "They're coming along very well. They're all pretty comfortable back there." (Norman Transcript)

Injury Report: Left guard Duke Robinson injured his shoulder in Friday's practice and was not available. Cornerback Lendy Holmes has a bruised sternum and will be held out a few days as well. Holmes, a receiver-turned-defensive back who is also talented at basketball, still managed to show off his versatility. (NewsOK.com)

OU has not shortage of talent at running back: The Oklahoman

Count on Bradford getting early call: The Oklahoman

OU Notebook: The Oklahoman

QB Bradford states his case: The Oklahoman

Defense improving in middle: The Oklahoman

Murray excels again and QBs show promise: Tulsa World

Franks impresses with interceptions: Tulsa World

OU tailbacks, QBs solid in scrimmage: Dallas Morning News

Labels: 2007 Storyline, DJ Wolfe, Injuries, Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners held Friday's practice indoors: Undaunted by heavy rain and booming thunder, the Oklahoma football team rolled through its eighth workout of the spring at the Everest Indoor Practice Facility Friday afternoon. The Sooners entertained an audience of high school coaches from across the country, in town for a weekend clinic hosted by the OU football staff. Weather permitting, Oklahoma is scheduled to hold an open scrimmage at Owen Field on Saturday at 11 a.m. (SoonerSports.com)

Switzer deserves praise for his actions on and off field: SI.com

OU to challenge 'failure to monitor' findings: The Oklahoman

Gresham loves to compete: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

OU to NCAA -- Players conspired in scandal: Tulsa World

OU responds to NCAA: Norman Transcript

OU disagrees with NCAA allegation: Dallas Morning News

Labels: NCAA Investigation, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

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)

Oklahoma Notes, Quotes: FOX Sports.com

Oklahoma Inside Slant: FOX Sports.com

Oklahoma Strategy and Personnel: FOX Sports.com

McCoy has used his redshirt year wisely: The Oklahoman

Labels: Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

A good spring break to everyone!

Highly touted McCoy impressses during scrimmage: Gerald McCoy, the 2005 USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year at Oklahoma City Southeast, started Wednesday's scrimmage at defensive tackle. He made five tackles and was an occasional presence in the opposing offense's backfield. It was a sign of the growth the Sooners had in mind when they decided to redshirt McCoy last fall. "Gerald's doing really well," coach Bob Stoops said. "He's jumping the ball well and continues to make really good improvement. We're happy with him." (Tulsa World)

Bobby Jack Wright would like to alternate corners: [Reggie] Smith and Marcus Walker are slotted as the starters this spring, with Lendy Holmes and once-ostracized D.J. Wolfe in backup roles. Among them, only Smith has started fewer than 11 games at cornerback during his career. "Our plan will be now, during the course of a ballgame, will be able to alternate by every two or three series," said OU secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright. "Then you've always got fresh corners out there. And good corners. "It's not like there's nobody over there anymore." (NewsOK.com)

Quote of the week, Stoops on defense: "We need to improve," Stoops said. "But the potential is there to be really good." (Tulsa World)

OU's aim for Nichol -- Build confidence: The Oklahoman

OU Football Notebook: The Oklahoman

Strong safety a big question mark: The Oklahoman

The collected wisdom of Kevin Wilson: The Oklahoman

Back to work for OU football: Yahoo! Sports

3 QBs vie for Sooners starting job: Yahoo! Sports

Orange, Cotton bowls in similar straits: Dallas Morning News

Labels: Defense, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Peterson on NFL Draft broad status: "Right now, there are a lot of things going on with trades and players jumping teams. Right now, I'm just trying to make everything less stressful on me and just relax." Peterson said. (Dallas Morning News)

First spring scrimmage today: Oklahoma Sooners football team is scheduled for the first of two open scrimmages today at 3:45, at the stadium. Gates 7 and 12 will open at approx. 2:45 -- more information on Sooners Spring Football.

Showing off: Norman Transcript

Browns GM among those who get up-close look at Peterson: The Oklahoman

Has Stoops become too conservative?: The Oklahoman

Peterson shows skills: Tulsa World

2007 Spring Preview - Analyzing the Big 12: College Football News

Labels: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes

OU Pro Day today: Former University of Oklahoma and NFL draft prospects will conduct Oklahoma Pro Day, today before NFL scouts on the campus. Adrian Peterson is expected to partcipate. The Sooners football team is off, before tomorrow's scheduled scrimmage.

Practice #4 in the books: The two-hour, 15-minute closed in an 11-of-11 drill with the offense working extensively on both the rushing and pass attacks. "I continue to be pleased with the way our offensive players are taking care of the ball," said Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. "We have been able to keep mistakes to a minimum and that is encouraging to us as a staff." (SoonerSports.com)

Labels: NFL Draft, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Second poll shows further opposition to Cotton Bowl upgrades: Fifty-six percent of respondents to a new poll say the city of Dallas should abandon its $50 million plan to renovate the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park. Thirty percent of respondents said the renovations should proceed, while the remainder offered other suggestions. There were 682 responses to the poll, which was conducted online March 1-7 by the Dallas Business Journal after the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic announced it would leave the Cotton Bowl for Arlington in 2010. The results were similar to a Dallas Morning News telephone poll of 601 Dallas residents disclosed March 11. (Dallas Business Journal)

Second scrimmage information; Free and Open to the public: Oklahoma's March 31 football scrimmage will take place at 11 a.m., in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The event is open to the public and no admission will be charged. The workout will be the final major scrimmage before the April 7 Red/White Spring Game. Oklahoma's other open scrimmage will take place this Wednesday, March 14 at 3:45 p.m., at the stadium. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Cotton Bowl, Dallas Bond, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Coach Stoops on practice #3: "We had a lot of good on good today," Stoops said. "I felt like we got in a lot of good work and again the enthusiasm was very good. "The offense took good care of the ball today and I was really happy to see that. Just like the day before, all three quarterbacks played extensively. At running back, Allen Patrick got several reps early, then gave way to Chris Brown, Jacob Gutierrez, Mossis Madu and DeMarco Murray, who garnered most of the snaps for the remainder of the afternoon. Both Murray and Madu also got some work in the slot and excelled in pass-catching situations. (SoonerSports.com)

Sooners out for the spring; Kelly, Williams and Walker: Along with wide receiver Malcolm Kelly and Darien Williams, offensive lineman Brandon Walker won't practice this spring. All had minor knee surgeries after last season. Tight end Jermaine Gresham and defensive end Alonzo Dotson will be limited early, before joining full workouts after spring break. Offensive lineman Branndon Braxton, who suffered a broken leg in the Colorado game, was cleared for full activity and is practicing. (NewsOK.com)

Secondary opportunities: With free safety Darien Williams skipping spring to rehab from offseason knee surgery, several young players are getting an opportunity to make an impression. Sophomore Quinton Carter gets first shot, with sophomore Brian Jackson and freshman Dominique Franks moving over from cornerback to provide depth. With the corner spots two-deep with players who have started, co-defensive coordinator Bobby Jack Wright said a move seemed logical. "We're moving those guys to help them get on the field,” Wright said. (NewsOK.com)

Younger Sooners could see more playing: The Oklahoman

Labels: Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

All three quarterbacks see snaps in practice #2: The stadium portion of the practice was highlighted by the team drill featuring the offense against the defense. That session lasted approximately 40 minutes. All three quarterbacks vying for the starting job -- Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol -- got snaps. "We're still giving those guys a lot to think through and they're playing against a good defense, but they're handling it well and making good progress," Stoops said. "This is a learning time for them, especially in the first few practices." The Sooners will don pads for the first time this spring when they practice Saturday. (SoonerSports.com)

Spring focus will be on quarterback: The Oklahoman

QB starter to be put on hold: Tulsa World

Looking for the next quarterback: Norman Transcript

Labels: 2007 Storyline, Joey Halze, Keith Nichol, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes

Sooners first practice today: Head coach Bob Stoops held a press conference Wednesday morning in advance of Oklahoma's first spring practice of the 2007 season. (SoonerSports.com) Information on purchasing OU Red-White game tickets in the OU spring football section.

A few Bob Stoops' Quotes
On the quarterbacks: (The quarterbacks) are a great group of guys. I've really loved the way the have worked through the winter. All of them -- Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol -- they work together really well which is fun to see as a coach. They are pushing each other, helping each other. We're just anxious to get them all out there, get them snaps, repetitions. They are all talented guys and we expect a lot out of them."

On starting early spring practices: "We're getting started a little earlier than usual. We want to be able to finish our Spring Game and spring a little earlier in case you get any kind of major injury there's a chance to recover more fully. "

On the running backs: "We've got strong and quality guys (at running back) and some young guys we're going to continue to develop. We're excited about that. They, like the quarterbacks, need to continue to get more snaps."

Labels: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Future of OU-Texas at Cotton Bowl Stadium unknown: Tuesday's announcement also could open the door for a move for the Texas-Oklahoma game, played on the grounds of the Texas State Fair yearly since 1929. The possibility of making the game a home-and-home affair, alternating annually between the campuses in Austin and Norman, Okla., has been broached in the past. But last May, the Longhorns and Sooners extended their contract with the Cotton Bowl stadium through the 2010 season. In November, Dallas voters approved a $30 million improvement package to the stadium in addition to $20 million earmarked for the project by the State Fair and the city. The $20 million currently is being spent on new scoreboards and seating. Officials say it's too early to tell if the Texas-OU game will follow the Cotton Bowl Classic to Arlington or break with the neutral-site tradition to go to the home-and-home format. "This move of the Cotton Bowl Classic to Arlington does nothing to change our agreement for the Texas-Oklahoma game," Texas athletics director DeLoss Dodds said in a statement. "We have no plans beyond that." Joe Castiglione, OU's athletic director, said the Cotton Bowl Classic's decision to move was not a surprise. "But I really can't say whether it will have any effect on future (Texas-OU) decisions because that's so far down the road," he said. Castiglione added the majority of Sooner fans want to keep the game in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. "I think our fans really embrace the tradition and uniqueness of the game," he said. "They want to preserve the tradition for as long as they can. It's established itself as one of the unique phenomenons in the pageantry of college football, and people want to see that tradition upheld. "The dynamics for that (bowl) game are totally different than for OU-Texas," Castiglione added. "What they're trying to do is keep the Classic viable to put them in position for a BCS game." (More at Austin American Statesman)

Spring practice schedule change: The University of Oklahoma is making some changes in the dates for spring football practice.The first practice had been scheduled for Monday but is now set for next Wednesday. Scrimmages are planned for March 14th and 31st and the annual spring game is to be April seventh. (KTUL)

With postseason bowl moved, Red River Rivalry can't be far behind in Arlington shift: Daily Texan

Fair question: Founder would have made Classic move: Dallas Morning News

Arlington hails Cotton move as important first step: Dallas Morning News

Bowl vote unanimous, but emotions were mixed: Dallas Morning News

Now Classic can make BCS push: Dallas Morning News

Bittersweet: Cotton Bowl moving: Dallas Morning News

Labels: Cotton Bowl, Dallas Bond, Oklahoma Sooners, Spring Practice, Texas

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Spring practices will be closed: For 15 days this spring, beginning March 7, the Sooners will work mostly in secret, with only the April 7 spring game certain to be open to the public. Access to two scrimmages remains pending. (NewsOK.com)

Sad news; Peterson still worksout despite half-brother being killed: FOXSports.com has learned that Peterson was told in the wee hours Sunday morning that his half-brother was gunned down and killed in a Texas homicide. Sources say he was shot multiple times. The sources also said Peterson was very close to his half-brother and took the news extremely hard. Details are still sketchy and when contacted officials at the Houston Police Department did not have any information available. Despite such heart-breaking news, Peterson pulled his emotions together to have an impressive workout at the NFL's scouting combine. Not only did he run the 40s (4.38 in his first run) but Peterson participated in all the running back drills. Although his head was probably elsewhere, the former Heisman hopeful had what scouts deemed a terrific workout, including a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. Peterson spent much of the time before and after his workout on the phone with grieving family members and didn't get much sleep Sunday morning. (FOXSports.com)

Paul Thompson NFL Combine numbers: Former Oklahoma quarterback Paul Thompson turned in performances of 4.11 in the 20 shuttle, 6.81 in the three cone, 10-7 in the broad jump and 54.8 in ball speed. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners in the running for top Texas back? Now the Sooners appear to be the early leader for Jermie Calhoun of Van, Texas. Calhoun, who some think is the Lone Star State's premier back, was once considered a lock for the Longhorns. But Texas' curious apparent decision not to recruit Calhoun has shifted the runner's sights north of the Red River. Calhoun has run for more than 3,300 yards and 45 touchdowns the past two seasons. He's already had offers from OU, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Florida, Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska and Texas A&M. (NewsOK.com)

Peterson impressive at Combine: Dallas Morning News

Adrian a rocky choice? Chronicle-Telegram

Labels: Adrian Peterson, NFL Combine, Oklahoma Sooners, Paul Thompson, Recruiting, Spring Practice

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Spring Football Dates: Head coach Bob Stoops and the OU Athletics Department released tentative dates for spring football on Friday. All dates are subject to change with times and further details to be released later. The Sooners will begin practice on March 5th with sessions following on the 7th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 26th, 28th, 30th, 31st. Practice continues in April with sessions on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th. The March 14th and 31st dates are planned scrimmages while the 2007 spring game is tentatively set for Saturday, April 7.(SoonerSports.com) Brrr!!! Its too cold to think about spring football, glad its almost around the corner.

For NASCAR Fans, the previous couple spring red/white games have been on the same NASCAR Texas Motor Speedway weekend, this year's Samsung RadioShack 500 is scheduled for April 12-15 weekend.

Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Red White Game, Spring Practice