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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Spring Preview: Secondary & Special Teams
March 19, 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 SECONDARY
Only at the receiver positions did Oklahoma utilize more of its talented youth than it did in the defensive backfield in 2005. The most notable was Reggie Smith who, as a true freshman, spent most of the season as the OU starter at strong safety. But there were others, and now the Sooners have a talented and more seasoned group along with another talented group of newcomers.
It is an exciting prospect for a secondary that in Big 12 games last season ranked No. 1 in completion percentage defense, No. 2 in passing efficiency defense and No. 3 in passing yardage.
Smith is obviously a candidate at strong safety, but has the versatility to play any of the positions in the defensive backfield. The veteran of the group, Jason Carter, will likely find his place onto the field as could redshirt freshman Keenan Clayton. Both are candidates at safety.
Darien Williams is the returning starter at free safety. He'll be challenged by Nic Harris, who made two starts there last season as a true freshman.
One corner spot is almost certain to be filled by D.J. Wolfe. He started 11 games last season and pulled down two interceptions. A running back on his arrival at OU, his transition to the secondary has been smooth.
The other corner spot will be a hot topic. Marcus Walker is the most experienced of the returnees, but will be rehabbing afte surgery in the spring. Brian Jackson will get a look during that time as will converted receiver Lendy Holmes.
There also are a number of players who redshirted last year, arrived at mid-year or will be in Norman in August who will make a run at playing time. The group of young players is talented.
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OKLAHOMA SPECIAL TEAMS
Garrett Hartley, who has handled all of the placements dating back to the regular season finale in 2004, returns. He has a big leg and can be particularly effective in the kickoff role. Last season, with 62 kickoffs, his average boot, including squibs and sky kicks, traveled 58.5 yards and 32 went for touchbacks.
Hartley made 14-of-22 field goals in 2005 with four of his misses coming from beyond 40 yards. His 52-yarder against Texas was the longest by a Sooner in the 100-year history of that rivalry. The backup is Matt Anderson.
Cody Freeby, also the holder for placements, is back to handle the punting chores for a second straight season. The left-footer ranked No. 18 in the nation last season when he averaged 42.3 yards on 71 punts. He buried 16 kicks inside the 20, launched 17 that covered 50 or more yards, had just 10 touchbacks and managed to get off all 71 with no blocks.
Perhaps most impressive was the fact that opponents returned just 18 of his punts for a skimpy average of 6.8 yards. Mike Knall returns as the backup.
Competition will be keen for both the kickoff and punt return positions, but there are several players who bring strong credentials.
Reggie Smith led the team last season in kickoff returns (18) and kickoff return yards (20.9). He is a likely choice to get one of the two spots. The other could go to Allen Patrick. The running back got four tries last year and averaged 17.2 yards per return.
The punt returns were handled by three players last season. The only one returning is Lendy Holmes, who averaged 5.9 yards on seven tries. Smith may get a look at the position and several others may give it a go as well.
At deep snapper, Clint Gresham is back after serving as a backup to Jacob Rice last season. He did not see game action. True freshman Eric Mensik, a tight end, arrives in August and also plays long snapper.
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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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Tuesday, August 04
Tuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 23
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