Spring Report: Sooners Conclude Second Workout

March 11, 2003

Norman, Okla. - The second day of Oklahoma spring football practices gave way to much warmer temperatures and several of the younger Sooners took advantage. OU head coach Bob Stoops is excited about the development of several of his players and was quick to cite them after Tuesday's practice.

Here is a sampling of Stoops' post-practice comments ...

"It was really a good day. It seems like the guys picked up the tempo even a little more after knocking the rust off yesterday. They were really flying around today. It was really impressive. Some guys stand out as I watch them. Jejuan Rankins is really making a lot of plays. Travis Wilson is playing well. Those two young guards (Kelvin Chaisson and Davin Joseph) on the line really make us better.

"Defensively, Mark Bradley is a special player. He has really come on like we thought he might. Brodney Pool made a ton of plays today. Donte Nicholson for his second day out there was really impressive. The young linebackers, Rufus Alexander and Wayne Chambers were really strong. Larry Birdine looked good. Some of these young guys we thought would be awfully good really are."

The topic of special teams also came up after practice. Jonathan Hayes, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, previously held the coordinator position at OU, but Stoops has assumed that role. Even though he has the title, Stoops said the duties among the special teams are spread among the coaching staff.

"We're not doing anything different than we always have," he said. "Coach Venables has always handled the punt team with help from Bobby Jack Wright, myself and Mike Stoops. Kickoff return has always been handled by Coach Gundy, Coach Wyatt and Coach Hayes, which will not be someone else, Coach Sumlin and myself. With the punt return unit, I've always had a strong influence with that. Kickoff cover has always been handled by Coach Wright with help from Coach Venables, myself and Mike Stoops. None of it's different. Somebody's got to pull it together and that will be me."

He added with a laugh, "I've always been in charge of fakes, so maybe we'll have more."

Tuesday's practice wrapped up a light passing scrimmage. CB Derrick Strait was impressive with two interceptions and two passes broken up.

The Sooners worked out for a little more than two hours, again in shoulder pads and shorts. The team will practice at 3:45 p.m., Wednesday, before a 4:30 p.m., scrimmage Thursday.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Spring Report: Sooners Conclude Second Workout

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