Lofton Impresses with Spring Opportunity

NORMAN, Okla. -- Curtis Lofton knows what it takes to win championships. The sophomore linebacker from Kingfisher, Okla., helped the Yellowjackets to the 3A state title in 2003.

Lofton also knows its a big step up from 3A football to competing for the Oklahoma Sooners on the national stage. He lettered as a true freshman last fall playing as Zach Latimer's backup and on special teams but admits that sometimes he just ran to the ball and relied on instincts.

Curtis Lofton Bio & Stats | Lofton Photos

Spring ball provides the opportunity for young players to begin to absorb the mental demands of the game and Lofton was no exception.

What did you think of your first spring at OU?
I think we made a lot of progress as a defense. It was unfortunate that Zach (Latimer) was hurt but I was just out there trying to show Coach Venables that I can be the guy. I wanted to show him that I could run the defense and make some plays.

How is spring practice different from the fall?
When I first came in, I didn't know anything -- coming from 3A football. So, I pretty much just tried to run to the ball. When spring came, we watched film and had a lot of meetings. So, everything was starting to come together. I'm more strong mentally.

When I'm on the field, I may hesitate here or there because I'm thinking too much but I know where I'm supposed to be now.

What's it like playing in the middle?
As middle linebacker, you're the quarterback of the defense. You've got to know all the checks and you've got to know what everyone's doing on your side of the ball. If one of your guys lines up wrong, you've got to bump him over and line him up. Then, you've got to be able to look at the offense and make quick decisions.

Talk about Coach Venables...
Coach V has a unique way of teaching us. He's real energetic. He'll yell at you but that means he's trying to get you better. You just brush that off and go on to the next play.

Do you remember you and Coach V sitting on the field during the recruiting process?
That seems so long ago (laughs). Thinking of it makes me laugh because he was trying his hardest to get me to commit then and there. It was a great time last year.

What do you think looking back at high school football?
High school football also seems like a long time ago. If I knew then what I do now, I would just go out and completely dominate. Coming here, you obviously step up several levels. When I first got here to Oklahoma, I was at one level and now with spring football over, I feel like I've stepped up to another level.

Talk a little about playing for Kingfisher...
Oh, I played on the line, I played fullback, receiver -- it's just that kind of football in 3A. If you're big and fast, they'll play you in a lot of different positions. Wherever coach told me to go, if that would help the team, I would play that position.

Do you keep up with things going on back there?
Yeah, I'm still pretty active. I go home and talk with the guys. They ask me questions to see how college is. We have a great coach at Kingfisher with Jeff Myers and I think they're always going to be pretty good.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Lofton Impresses with Spring Opportunity

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