Oklahoma Opens Spring Ball Indoors

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma opened spring football practice inside the warm confines of the Everest Indoor Practice Facility on the Norman campus Tuesday afternoon. The volatile Oklahoma weather delayed the start of spring ball by one day.

Head coach Bob Stoops met with the assembled media following the opener. "It was a good, solid practice," said Stoops. "The guys hustled around. It's hard to evaluate a lot of things when you don't have pads on but still, the guys had a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of good effort. So, it was a great start -- I felt good about it."

Did anything stand out in particular?
"I'm always amazed at how much they all retain. I shouldn't be, I guess. It hasn't been all that long since we last practiced. We came out and called a lot of offense and defense and, for the most part, they executed decently."

2005 Spring Football Central | Outlook | Notes | Offense | Defense

On Lewis Baker and D. J. Wolfe moving positions...
"We'll see. They both had good days today, they're talented guys. They're in some positions we're thin at so we're looking to see if it fits them. Right now, it looks like it may. Lewis was a linebacker but hasn't grown into it. He has incredible speed and ability. Wolfe, same thing. Another guy with great talent and ability. We're just looking to get more of it on the field."

On so many positions being open for competition...
"Yes, for the most part, there are probably more positions that are uncertain. But, nobody ever had any positions locked down. You have to earn it with the way you practice and scrimmage. There will be a lot of good battles. There's a lot of good, young talent and guys that have played some. They'll all be competing for jobs. I like the fact that they're all talented guys that feel good about the opportunities in front of them."

On talent at quarterback...
"I like the fact they they've all been in the system now. Some, a couple or three years. Rhett -- just one. But they've all been around a hard-working guy like Jason White that was so good. What I like about them is that they're all team guys. They all work hard and have a strong work ethic. Good character. Plus, they all have ability. So, whoever it ends up, there's quality there and hopefully it will show through."

On new receivers...
"They looked good. Jejaun Rankins has started a bunch of football games here and Travis Wilson, of course, had a great year. Those young receivers that were redshirted look really good. We'll see how they progress but I think they have great potential."

On the offensive line and returnees...
"Really three: Davin Joseph, Kelvin Chaisson and Chris Bush. Those guys were all basically starters on the inside positions. We're moving Davin Joseph to left tackle. We feel he'll do an excellent job there. Really, those three guys have great experience. Chris Chester is really coming on. He's about 280 pounds now. Akim Millington is doing some things -- a bunch of guys. So, we'll see how it ends up -- there'll be some good guys there."

On missing some of the departing players...
"Oh, I was tired of seeing those guys. I'm kidding of course. Yeah, not seeing a bunch of those guys that have been around for such a long time was different. But everything has its time. They're on to big things and we wish them the best. We've got a lot of guys here that are really anxious for their opportunity and I feel good that the quality is here. These guys will step up and fill those positions in a good way."

On the challenge of reloading...
"You know what, that's the nature of football. High school, college, really the NFL with all the guys coming and going. That's just the way it is. Yes, you have to bring guys along. We have some strong guys coming up that can step in and perform well."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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