Defense Solid in Saturday's Scrimmage

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma's three-way quarterback race continued in the team's first full scrimmage Saturday, but it was the defense that came out looking the best of all.

The Sooners' defenders allowed only two drives that lasted more than six plays while recording seven sacks and one interception.

"We played consistent, we played smart and we tackled well," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said.

Linebacker Zach Latimer led the defense with nine tackles and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek had four sacks. The defense also benefited from several erratic snaps by backup center J.D. Quinn, a redshirt freshman.

April 2 Scrimmage Photos | 2005 OU Spring Football Central

"We've got plenty of room to improve," Venables said. "In the spring, what you have to maintain is an attitude and a purpose and a focus, and sometimes it's easier said than done."

Redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar had perhaps the best day among the quarterbacks. He was 10-for-16 for 84 yards and led two 70-yard scoring drives. The first, which was extended by two defensive penalties, concluded with his 15-yard touchdown pass to receiver Quentin Chaney.

On the second, Bomar completed 4 of 6 passes for 25 yards before tailbacks Donta Hickson and Jacob Gutierrez took over. Hickson rammed his way to a 15-yard gain, and Gutierrez took the ball to the 1 with a 10-yard run salvaged after a high snap gave the defense a chance to get pressure in the backfield. On the next play, Gutierrez punched it in for a score.

"Once you get in the real action, you start getting in the flow," Bomar said. "I get more comfortable and get more confidence going and the guys get more confidence in me. I think it's worked out well."

Kejuan Jones also scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in a red-zone drill later in the scrimmage.

Tommy Grady led the only other scoring drive, completing all three of his passes as the offense marched downfield. He hit Tristen Ross for a 14-yard gain and Fred Strong for a 7-yard pickup before connecting with tight end Willie Roberts for a 29-yard score. Roberts grabbed the ball inside the 5, spun through a tackle and leaped to extend the ball across the goal line.

Grady finished with 88 yards on 9-for-14 passing, but also threw the only interception of the scrimmage when his pass caromed off Jejuan Rankins' hands and safety Lewis Baker plucked it out of the air.

Paul Thompson completed 7 of 17 passes for 40 yards.

"I didn't feel I did as well as I could have, but it's just the first scrimmage," Thompson said. "I've got a lot of stuff to improve on, a lot of film to watch. It's something to build on."

Oklahoma coaches have been giving the quarterbacks equal repetitions in practice, and it was no different in the scrimmage as the three rotated offensive series.

"When you come to Oklahoma, you expect competition," Bomar said. "You're not going to have anything handed to you. I knew there was going to be a battle."

Thompson, a junior, entered spring with the most experience in Oklahoma's system after serving as a backup for two seasons, Grady was the backup to Jason White last year and Bomar redshirted in his only season.

"I eyed this spring as my chance to make a move," Bomar said. "I've been looking forward it since the very first of the season, working towards learning the offense. It's here and I'm having fun."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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