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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Spring Preview: Running Backs & O-Line
March 17, 2006 | Football
NORMAN, Okla. -- The advent of spring in Oklahoma brings longer days, warmer temperatures and thunderstorms. March also returns the Sooners to the football practice fields.
OU begins spring practice on Monday, March 20. Over the next week, SoonerSports.com will review the 2005 campaign, break down the 2006 squad by position and offer a preview of the upcoming season.
Visit 2006 OU Spring Football Central for complete coverage including the daily practice schedule, updated roster and spring guide.
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OKLAHOMA RUNNING BACKS
Adrian Peterson spent all or more than half of four games sidelined with an ankle injury, but still eclipsed 1,000 yards and rushed for more yardage than any other Big 12 running back. He will be back for his junior season hoping to remain injury free. As a freshman, he had more attempts than any other player in the country and finished second in the Heisman voting.
Other backs include Allen Patrick, a converted defensive back, who impressed with his speed and elusiveness last year, and Jacob Gutierrez. Gutierrez ran for 173 yards in the win over Baylor last season, but is coming back from off-season knee surgery.
Oklahoma signed three quality backs in February, but none will be on hand for spring drills. OU will have to fill depth after losing experienced backups Kejuan Jones and Donta Hickson to graduation.
At fullback, Oklahoma looks to Dane Zaslaw and Matt Clapp after losing four-year mainstay J.D. Runnels to graduation.
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OKLAHOMA OFFENSIVE LINE
New line coach James Patton had just one returning starter among his five at Northwestern in 2005. He switched jobs, but not circumstances. He also welcomes back one at Oklahoma (Chris Messner) for his inaugural season with the Sooners, although the story is not nearly as bleak as it might appear.
While OU lost Davin Joseph, Chris Chester, Chris Bush and Kelvin Chaisson, all of whom started for a good chunk of the season, there are a number of returnees, who earned starts.
Messner was the most consistent player on the line last season, earning his time at right tackle. He will anchor the line in 2006.
Two other returnees who saw significant time last season at tackle are Branndon Braxton, a starter in three games, and George “Duke” Robinson, a primary backup. Both are huge players who appear to have bright futures. Jon Cooper was outstanding in two starts at center until incurring an injury in game 10 that claimed him for the remainder of the season. He'll be back and could be a front-runner in the middle.
At guard, J.D. Quinn is back after starting four games last season. He spent time at center as well and could get more looks there.
Otherwise, Patton will be evaluating returning players like Ben Barresi and Cameron Schacht, along with mid-year newcomers Sherrone Moore and Chad Roark, to see where they fit best.
Another returning player, Jesse White, hopes to stave off injury problems and earn playing time. It is likely that he would be used at center.
The August addition of junior college standout Brandon Walker and four talented high school newcomers should solidify this group.
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2006 OU Spring Football Specifics
The Sooners begin spring practice on Monday, March 20. A complete schedule is available online. Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma's spring practices are open to the public. Most will be held on the practice fields immediately south of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and will begin around 3:30 p.m.
It should be noted that all of the times and dates are subject to change. Fans are encouraged to follow SoonerSports.com in the event that alterations are made to the schedule. For the latest information, please visit 2006 OU Spring Football Central.
The annual spring game is slated for Saturday, April 8, and will be televised live to the nation by ESPN. Advance tickets are available now from the OU Athletics Ticket Office.
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Friday, July 10
Wednesday, July 08
Thursday, June 25
Monday, June 22
