Morning Rain Doesnt Halt Oklahomas Practice Schedule

With a steady rain falling on Norman early Saturday morning, the conditions forced the Oklahoma football team to move its scheduled practice indoors. The Sooners were able to take advantage of the Everest Training Facility for the first time this season during two-a-day workouts.

The state-of-the-art indoor facility allowed the team to keep to its regular practice schedule and also permitted fans to still observe the session despite the elements.

"It makes it nice that we didn't have to reschedule and juggle all our meals and meeting times and everything. We had a good workout in here today," said head coach Bob Stoops on the luxury of having an indoor surface which accomodates their practice needs.

Part of the practice included a session where the offense executed a number of plays against the defense. Stoops was encouraged by what he saw.

"It seemed like we did pretty good. We're making progress. I like the way it's going -- the way they're working, their intensity and attention. We're getting better."

On The Freshmen Blending In
Although there's only been four fall practices, the new group of freshmen players have made a good early impression on Stoops.

"They're catching on. They're a really good group of players. Those guys are going to be awfully good -- a lot of them," commented Stoops.

When asked, Stoops specifically pointed out the progress of a pair of new freshmen wide receivers, Tristen Ross and Marcus Johnson.

"Tristen's been a little sore, so he hasn?t gone as much, but what we did see before he got a little sore was excellent route running, excellent hands and he's a big, strong guy. Marcus is very fluid and has great speed. They both catch the ball really well, so they're going to be good."

Assessing The Young Cornerbacks
Stoops took some time out to talk about the progress of some of the younger players fighting for playing time this fall at the deep and talented cornerback position.

"They've all made a lot of improvement," said Stoops. "Jowahn Poteat has made a lot of improvement and looks good. The same thing with Eric (Bassey), he's gotten a lot better. Mark Bradley's looking super and even Darien Williams, a young freshman, looks really solid. I really like the way all those guys have come along."

Jason White's Practice Performance
Following the workout, Stoops addressed senior quarterback Jason White's performance during the practice and throughout the first few days. He noted that experience and White's knowledge of the system were key factors in his solid play.

"He looks good. He has looked good everyday, though. He's having fun and throwing the ball well," expressed Stoops. "You can see the experience, the fact that he's been around for so long and that he understands what we're trying to do with the plays we're running and where the spots should be. You don't have to tell him a whole lot and that's where being around for four years helps you."

Stoops also commented that he was pleased with the way all the backup quarterbacks were performing during practices as well.

Sunday Session
The team is scheduled for a rare Sunday morning practice tomorrow from 8:30-10:45 a.m. which is open to the public. A church service for the team is planned for later on in the day.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Morning Rain Doesnt Halt Oklahomas Practice Schedule

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