Sooners Get Through Hot Workout, Works Named Starter

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops made several comments about personnel, Thursday, and announced that Renaldo Works has won the starting job at running back for the opener. OU went through a single practice on Thursday, one of the hottest days of the preseason camp. The team got in a two and one-half hour workout from 5-7:30 p.m., at the Intramural Fields. It was the final practice on that facility and possibly the final open practice for the year. Beginning on Friday, the team will move to its regular practice home, the fields adjacent to Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and the practices will be closed.

Stoops also indicated that good battles are in progress along the offensive line. Chris Messner is pushing Wes Sims at left tackle and has been working extensively with the first team. Chris Bush has played well too, according to Stoops, and is getting a strong look at center as Vince Carter rests a sore, but not serious knee ailment.

The team wrapped up the Thursday practice with some deep throwing drills. QB Jason White was particularly impressive in completing several passes over the top of the defense.

Here are Bob Stoops' post-practice comments ...

On the Thursday practice: "We practiced well even though guys are a little worn down and tired. They have practiced well. It's good, it's encouraging."

On Jason White: "Jason is throwing it well. He's working well and continues to improve. I say it all the time, but he continues to seem more and more comfortable."

On the starting running back: "We're set to go into game week starting Renaldo Works. He's looked very in everything. He's made big plays, he's an excellent protector and he's taking care of the ball. Kejuan has too and the other guys are getting better. To this point, Renaldo has been the most consistent and made the most plays."

On Donta Nicholson: "Donta has looked really good too at times. He still needs to improve in some other areas, but he's making progress."

On Will Peoples: "He should be ready for the start of next week. Will is a proven player too."

On the offensive line: "Chris Messner is close and pushing Wes Sims for the left tackle job and Chris Bush could be a possible starting center. We'll see how that finishes up."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Sooners Get Through Hot Workout, Works Named Starter

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