OU Newcomers Begin Two-A-Day Practices

July 31, 2001

Coach Stoops Audio

NORMAN, Okla. - The defending national champion Oklahoma football team is gearing up for the coming season and the squad has welcomed a new group of student-athletes to the mix. The Sooners' incoming freshman class, as well as other newcomers, reported to the program's Barry Switzer Center Monday, and in the sweltering summer heat of Norman, the group practiced Tuesday morning and again in the afternoon.

"It's an excellent group of players and young men, with real good attitudes," said Sooners' Head Coach Bob Stoops after the first day of practice with his new stable of talent. "They're excited to be out here. They're positive and have all the things you hope for. It seems like a mature group and I'm excited about them."

Stoops seemed impressed with the physical conditioning and athleticism of the newcomers and noted that the versatility of the players in this group could be an extremely valuable asset in the Sooners' national title defense.

"It is a very athletic group," said Stoops. "They all worked hard this summer and it's an excellent group when you look at size and versatility. You've got big guys, middle-of-the-road guys and then your athletic guys. They all seem to run well and move around well, so I'm very pleased."

As the newcomers become acclimated to the Oklahoma system and the season opener gets closer, summer workouts will become increasingly more valuable. The coaches are now able to work closely with the newcomers and have the opportunity to determine where they fit into the plans for the upcoming season.

"More than anything, they're getting individual attention and they're learning as we implement our offense, our defense and even our special teams," said Stoops. "We can spend more time and take things slow, because when the varsity guys get here things will be a lot faster and we do a lot more."

Today's afternoon practice was highlighted by visits from former Sooner All-American Keith Jackson and legendary former OU head coach Barry Switzer. Both briefly addressed the newcomers before the practice began.

The newest Sooners will practice again twice Wednesday and will attend an academic orientation program on Thursday. Members of the varsity squad report on Thursday and Oklahoma's annual Media Day is scheduled for Friday morning.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU Newcomers Begin Two-A-Day Practices

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