Varsity Joins Newcomers For Full Squad Workouts

Aug. 9, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. - The Sooner football team's full team practice sessions officially began Friday evening as the varsity players joined the freshmen and newcomers for the first full squad practice of the fall. The team did not hold a morning practice, instead the group went through a series of conditioning testing, had some meetings and then concluded the day with an intense and physical evening workout that lasted a little over two hours.

"The guys had a lot of enthusiasm -- on the first day that usually happens, but I really like the retention from the spring and the way the guys understand what we're doing and the pace of practice. I was very pleased with it," commented Head Coach Bob Stoops.

High Praise On Conditioning Results

Stoops boasted that the team's morning conditioning drills went exceptionally well and that the team is in great condition and shape.

"So many guys are in such great condition right now. Its very exciting to come out and look at all our big guys and you don't see any bellies hanging out and no sloppy guys. Everybody can run and is fit and the testing proves that. The weight testing and the running were really good today."

Stoops was especially pleased with the results of the run testing.

"Our times are just amazing. Every single year they just get faster and faster. As a team there's no question that this is our fastest group that we've had."

Successful Recoveries

Asked how senior safety Terrance Simms and junior defensive back Michael Thompson did in practice coming off their respective injuries, Stoops reported that both players looked good and performed well in their drills. Stoops added that junior quarterback Jason White, recovering from a knee injury suffered last season, also looked good moving around and throwing the ball.

Simms is recovering from a knee injury sustained in the team's season opener last year against North Carolina, while Thompson's injuries were a result of a car accident that occurred prior to the 2001 season that kept him out all of last year.

Prishker Likely Out For Season

Senior defensive lineman Juan Prishker is not currently with the team and in all likelihood will not be with the team this season according to Stoops. Stoops reported that Prishker is struggling with back problems.

A Spirited First Workout

Stoops and his staff's enthusiasm on the first day of full practice was apparently echoed by many of the players today as well.

"It is fun to be back on the field and practicing. I heard a couple of guys saying the same thing. I was listening to Andre Woolfolk and Derrick Strait saying, 'It feels like we just got off the field in January.' That's good to hear. We like it too as coaches. This is the best part of the year. Its fun to be back out here starting a new year and pushing to go after something again."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Varsity Joins Newcomers For Full Squad Workouts

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