Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops

Opening statement:

Were really excited about the opportunities that this season has to offer. We believe that we have our strongest team coming back in terms of depth. We have a challenging non-conference schedule [UCLA, Alabama, Fresno State, North Texas] in that we have four bowl teams and four bowl winners. It creates quite an excitement that the players like and they understand how early they are going to be challenged and how that is going to help them through a tough Big 12 Conference.

On quarterback Jason White:

Ive felt great about Jasons progress; hes been able to keep up with our conditioning and workouts. He feels very positive and I feel positive about him after seeing him this spring. Im not much of a worry guy. Hell be fine.

On Sooner running backs:

The two guys who are really working hard this spring have been Renaldo Works and Kejuan Jones. Theyll come in and run plays. Theyve been very good with the ball, catching passes, and holding on to the ball. Kejuan carried for over 600 yards last year [613] as our power guy, and well just see what happens.

On preseason honors:

I dont believe anybody deserves a No. 1 ranking before the season. It doesnt matter much and I dont much care. To be honest, even if they cancelled all the games and named us to be the No. 1 team in the nation, I wouldnt accept it because I would know we didnt earn it. It makes it more of challenge to keep working hard and deserve that ranking.

On winning a national championship without an all-star quarterback:

Its been proven time and time again that you can win a national championship with a quarterback that leads the league or the country. I think taking your team to a national championship is more important, with the ability to make the right plays at the right times and know how to be smart with the ball, how to run the ball, and know when and where to pass.

Oklahoma Linebacker Teddy Lehman

On the plays he didnt make:

"There are plays that you are prepared for that you did not play like you wanted to. That happens every game. All you can do is to try and be more prepared for the next game.

On Tommie Harris:

When you are playing with a guy like that in front of you, then the offensive line is a lot slower. Not just Tommie (Harris), but our entire defensive line is so good that it makes it a lot easier on everyone. If the line does their job then that makes it easier on us and we make it easier on the secondary. It is a total team effort.

On quarterback Jason Whites recovery:

He has come a long way since the spring. He took a lot of snaps this spring. He did not take any tackles like the rest of us, but he has come a long way. He had a great summer and is looking forward to two-a-days just like the rest of us.

Oklahoma Quarterback Jason White

On what he learned after experiencing his second rehab:

I think I learned a lot after my first surgery. I have spent a lot of time in the weight room and gained a little weight, but I lost it running in the summer. I tried to stay fit during the rehab process so that it would be easier to come back.

On the pressure on the offense to produce:

I think it is to our advantage to have a great defense. If you dont score then you know the defense will get the ball back. There is a little pressure, but I think our offense will be just fine.

On how Coach Stoops gets the team prepared:

He gets us mentally and physically prepared more than anything. Throughout the course of the game we know our assignments and what is supposed to happen. He also gives us the motivation to strive and be the best.

[ Big 12 Football Media Day Photos ]