Coach Stoops' Quotes From Media Day

Overview
"We're anxious to begin and to earn on the field the accolades that have come our way in the preseason. All of that begins today and we're going after our goals."

On the Offense
"I believe one of our strengths should be the offensive line. The receiving position has the potential for big plays. At running back, replacing Quentin Griffin is tough to do, but we have a group of guys with experience who have made plays for us. We use more tight ends and tight end sets. J.D. Runnels has been a great player and I look for another excellent year from him. Quarterback is what everyone is focused on. We have great commitment from those guys and the team is their focus. Jason (White) begins as the starter, I feel everything is positive with him."

On the Defense
"A lot has been said about our number of returnees. I would think everybody could be better and improved. We need to improve and you would expect that to happen with the continuity. The have a chance to be an exceptional unit and they have the desire and ability to be good. We'll just have to wait and see how they perform."

On the Special Teams
"We have a great turn guy in Antonio Perkins. We have some others who are good in that area too. People like Jejuan Rankins. The kickers are back. We expect some competition at punter. Cody Freeby was listed as the No. 1 high school punter in the nation last year and he will compete with Blake Ferguson."

On the Schedule
"It's a challenging schedule. It gives us a sense of urgency."

On Comparing Now to 1999 (his first season)
"The difference is enormous. I don't mind that. We'll never shy away from expectations. We should be expected to challenge (for championships). The attention we get is a lot different. The number of reporters and stations that cover us now is great for our program, our fans and even the other sports here at OU."

On Preparing Players to Meet Expectations
"It's not hard. They're smart players and they understand that those championship trophies have to be earned. We do try to remind them how we've done it before. You can't let yourself take it for granted."

On the Naming of Captains
"We'll wait until we're part way through camp and let the players have a say so in it. And they have a big say so."

On Jason White
"Last year, he gained more experience in watching and being involved in game planning. I feel good that he's in terrific shape."

On the New Rules Governing Reporting Dates and Practice Frequency
"I like it. As coaches we worry if we're practicing enough and sometimes maybe we over-did it. I think this will help the players keep their legs under them. It's a good move in the right direction. The only downside is that we don't get to work as much with the freshmen, but to be honest when you only have freshmen it's hard to practice. The numbers are just so skeletal. We're going to do it this way - we're going to let the returning players go to conditioning at the end of practice, but spend another 45 minutes working with the newcomers."

On the Receivers
"I'm really excited about them. Will Peoples got on the field in the fourth or fifth game after another player was injured and the guy who had been injured could not get his position back when he returned. Mark Clayton is excellent. Travis Wilson and Brandon Jones are guys who have a chance be special. It will be a good unit. They'll be a factor. We're hoping for more big plays from them."

On the Stadium
"It's excellent. It gives us a stronger presence at home. It will be more intimidating and louder. It should enhance our atmosphere. I'm happy for our fans. They deserve (this facility)."

On Derrick Strait
"He's one of the top guys. He just has a quiet strength. And when he speaks up, the players listen. He has made big plays, plus he's just very talented, very skilled. Derrick is wise on the field."

On the Nickel Set
"Right now we have Brodney Pool in the dime and Donte Nicholson working from the half-field spot. Donte has great range back there."

On the Offensive Line
"I am really excted about this group. Davin Jospeh and Kelvin Chaisson at guard make us better. This comes from Merv Johnson, who has been around here 25 years and was a great line coach under Barry Switzer. He feels that Davin has a chance to be the best offensive lineman they've had around here in 25 years. And Kelvin is really special too. This could be a very good unit. Coach Wilson has done a tremendous job and developed an attitude with those guys. That's something I really like."

On Replacing Quentin Griffin
"He is special. We believe we have guys who are awfully good and running behind a line that can still create seams. Kejuan (Jones) rushed for more than 600 yards as a power back and people have seen what Renaldo Works can do over the last three years. He made a play that was instrumental in helping us win against Alabama last season."

On Tommie Harris
"The injury didn't bother him this spring. He's 100% healthy and ready to go."

On the Linebackers
"These guys have earned the right to be called (the best in the country). Lance Mitchell is powerful and thick, Teddy Lehman runs so well and Pasha Jackson is very solid. We expect him to be a strong figure this season."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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