Completed Event: Football versus Illinois State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 3
Final
Football
35
vs Illinois State
3
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Sooners Speak at Big 12 Media Day
July 23, 2008 | Football
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops took the podium Wednesday morning for a question and answer session at the annual Big 12 Football Media Days.
In addition to Coach Stoops, representing the Sooners in Kansas City were seniors Jon Cooper, Nic Harris and Manuel Johnson.
Multimedia Coverage
Big 12 Meda Day Photo Gallery
Kenny Mossman Briefs OU's Players on the Plane
Coach Stoops on OU Quarterback Sam Bradford
Center Jon Cooper on Sam Bradford's Leadership
Senior WR Manuel Johnson Discusses the Offense
Highlights from Big 12 Media Day in Kansas City
Opening statement:
"It's great to be here again. The players we brought are Jon Cooper, starting offensive center, a senior and four-year starter for us; Manuel Johnson, senior wide receiver and also a four-year starter for us. Last year Manny was probably one of the most valuable players of the game three or four times and has consistently done a great job for us. And then defensively, senior safety Nic Harris, who is also a two-year starter and a part-time starter as a freshman. He was an All Big 12 guy a year ago and one of the leaders on our defense.
"I'm excited to be starting my 10th season. I would also like to note that in those 10 years I've had the same president and the same athletics director and that's really special. I feel very fortunate to have had the success we have had and work with the people we have and a great group of players. You'll hear from three of them here representing the team at some point today. So thanks again."
On altering his approach, considering the team's BCS results the last few years:
"In the end, it's a situation that there isn't any one answer to it. You can look at all the factors. I think we've played pretty well at the end of the year. Last year we played the No. 1 team in the country for the Big 12 Championship and won in a strong way. Everyone is complimenting you for three or four weeks leading up to the game, and there are factors you can't control. And the other team gets beat at the end of the year or has something to prove, I think that's a factor in every BCS game or any bowl game.
"I think there are always factors with players who are already graduated and the number of those you have. The year we won the national championship, I think Florida State had about 26 or 27 seniors. We weren't expected to beat them and we did working with a bunch of young guys.
"There are factors when you also don't have your full team. We had four starters not in the game. That doesn't help you. But you deal with all those things. There isn't any one good answer. And in the end, I think it's obvious you're playing another championship team and if you're not at your best, you're not going to fair too well.
"Overall, we've been in six Big 12 Championships and we won five of them. We are doing something right. We know how to win those games and we'll manage these others the best we can. I think as much as anything, it's the players staying invested and us as coaches as well doing the job we need to do to be at our best in those situations."
On the strength of the Big 12 top to bottom:
"In terms of the quality of overall play, for sure. I think everyone knows there are great quarterbacks throughout this league. It's just amazing and it's really challenging for defenses to be in position and to play well and to limit them. I agree with you. I think it's definitely one of the stronger years we've had, as it was even a year ago."
On how defenses are going to catch up with the spread offense:
"Speed and athleticism on the field is a big factor. Speed-wise, you're constantly trying to mix things up and I think there's always some tweaking there. I think the biggest issue is your speed on the field on defense, guys that can play in space, tackle in space, cover, pressure and do those kind of things. I think some of those teams that play that way aren't as physical as maybe some teams have been or some teams that really want to pound the ball running, so there are some differences there I think you have to try and manage."
On defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger:
"He's had a really good winter in the weight room and he had an excellent spring. He's done everything we've asked of him since returning and being sent home from the bowl game, throughout the second semester and what we've asked him to do through the summer. So he's working his way to being the kind of player and the guy we want on this team.
"As far as his workouts go over the summer, of course, I can't elaborate on and I don't have any idea. But the way he worked through the spring, he was a very consistent, strong player for us against a really good offensive line and he has a chance to be a really special player for us. He's a very physical force inside."
On having three of his former assistants now being head coaches in the Big 12:
"It's exciting. Those guys are all good friends. As everyone knows, I've been one of those head coaches where I'm probably closer to my assistants maybe than some. I pull for them and I'm happy for them and they're doing a great job. It's exciting to see guys go on and have those kind of opportunities. It's challenging because they're all good coaches, but I'm still excited for them."
On running back DeMarco Murray:
"He's recovered well. When I've seen him coming in the training room and rehabbing his knee, he says it feels great. I ask him, 'How are you running?' He says, 'Coach, I'm doing everything. I feel great running. I feel super.' So according to him and our trainers, everything is on schedule and he looks great.
"DeMarco is an explosive, exciting player. He's one of those special athletes. Everyone sees the great speed and the moves he has, but he's a physical guy, too. When you get up next to him and you pat him on the shoulder, there's a lot to that guy. There's about 210 pounds so he's put together. He's a stronger runner than I think people notice as well. I think he averaged about six yards per touch a year ago. We have to get him the ball, not only run him but passing the ball as well. He has great hands. We're expecting great things from him."
His thoughts on the Big 12 standardizing the release of injury information:
"It probably would be easier for everybody. You know, the other dynamic in that is the more you do that -- I'm always leery that we protect college sports from gambling and wagering -- and in the end that's pretty much all that matters. That's why everybody wants to know. In the end I don't know that we need to do that.
"The other thing is it's not professional sports. If the young guy was out there playing for his school and has no chance of playing in the NFL and he has a bad ankle, why should everybody know going into the game we're going to pick on this guy. They may figure it out in the first quarter, but make them figure it out. You're trying to protect a young guy who is trying to play, so why broadcast how truly injured he is if he's going to be out there playing. I agree that if a guy for sure is not going to play, then I'm all for letting people know that."
On the state of the Internet and all the outlandish stuff out there these days:
"It's sad, the whole incident with our players. I read the guy's comment that he didn't mean to hurt anybody. Well, what did you think would happen? You sit there -- and those are two young guys who are as good of young men as you'll ever find. They are literally straight-A students and do everything you ask of them and someone just puts that out there. It's grown, mature people. It's amazing to me, to be honest with you. And I find it just as humorous that people actually read it and believe it.
"I don't know what to say about it. It just surprises me that it gets that much attention or that somebody would actually then go ahead and report it as true as well without researching it. There's so much junk that's on there, from what I understand. I promise you, I'm not reading any of it."
In addition to Coach Stoops, representing the Sooners in Kansas City were seniors Jon Cooper, Nic Harris and Manuel Johnson.
2008 Big 12 Football Media Days Big 12 Central Page |
Multimedia Coverage
Big 12 Meda Day Photo Gallery Kenny Mossman Briefs OU's Players on the Plane Coach Stoops on OU Quarterback Sam Bradford Center Jon Cooper on Sam Bradford's Leadership Senior WR Manuel Johnson Discusses the Offense Highlights from Big 12 Media Day in Kansas City  |
Head Coach Bob Stoops |
Opening statement:
"It's great to be here again. The players we brought are Jon Cooper, starting offensive center, a senior and four-year starter for us; Manuel Johnson, senior wide receiver and also a four-year starter for us. Last year Manny was probably one of the most valuable players of the game three or four times and has consistently done a great job for us. And then defensively, senior safety Nic Harris, who is also a two-year starter and a part-time starter as a freshman. He was an All Big 12 guy a year ago and one of the leaders on our defense.
"I'm excited to be starting my 10th season. I would also like to note that in those 10 years I've had the same president and the same athletics director and that's really special. I feel very fortunate to have had the success we have had and work with the people we have and a great group of players. You'll hear from three of them here representing the team at some point today. So thanks again."
On altering his approach, considering the team's BCS results the last few years:
"In the end, it's a situation that there isn't any one answer to it. You can look at all the factors. I think we've played pretty well at the end of the year. Last year we played the No. 1 team in the country for the Big 12 Championship and won in a strong way. Everyone is complimenting you for three or four weeks leading up to the game, and there are factors you can't control. And the other team gets beat at the end of the year or has something to prove, I think that's a factor in every BCS game or any bowl game.
"I think there are always factors with players who are already graduated and the number of those you have. The year we won the national championship, I think Florida State had about 26 or 27 seniors. We weren't expected to beat them and we did working with a bunch of young guys.
"There are factors when you also don't have your full team. We had four starters not in the game. That doesn't help you. But you deal with all those things. There isn't any one good answer. And in the end, I think it's obvious you're playing another championship team and if you're not at your best, you're not going to fair too well.
"Overall, we've been in six Big 12 Championships and we won five of them. We are doing something right. We know how to win those games and we'll manage these others the best we can. I think as much as anything, it's the players staying invested and us as coaches as well doing the job we need to do to be at our best in those situations."
On the strength of the Big 12 top to bottom:
"In terms of the quality of overall play, for sure. I think everyone knows there are great quarterbacks throughout this league. It's just amazing and it's really challenging for defenses to be in position and to play well and to limit them. I agree with you. I think it's definitely one of the stronger years we've had, as it was even a year ago."
On how defenses are going to catch up with the spread offense:
"Speed and athleticism on the field is a big factor. Speed-wise, you're constantly trying to mix things up and I think there's always some tweaking there. I think the biggest issue is your speed on the field on defense, guys that can play in space, tackle in space, cover, pressure and do those kind of things. I think some of those teams that play that way aren't as physical as maybe some teams have been or some teams that really want to pound the ball running, so there are some differences there I think you have to try and manage."
On defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger:
"He's had a really good winter in the weight room and he had an excellent spring. He's done everything we've asked of him since returning and being sent home from the bowl game, throughout the second semester and what we've asked him to do through the summer. So he's working his way to being the kind of player and the guy we want on this team.
"As far as his workouts go over the summer, of course, I can't elaborate on and I don't have any idea. But the way he worked through the spring, he was a very consistent, strong player for us against a really good offensive line and he has a chance to be a really special player for us. He's a very physical force inside."
On having three of his former assistants now being head coaches in the Big 12:
"It's exciting. Those guys are all good friends. As everyone knows, I've been one of those head coaches where I'm probably closer to my assistants maybe than some. I pull for them and I'm happy for them and they're doing a great job. It's exciting to see guys go on and have those kind of opportunities. It's challenging because they're all good coaches, but I'm still excited for them."
On running back DeMarco Murray:
"He's recovered well. When I've seen him coming in the training room and rehabbing his knee, he says it feels great. I ask him, 'How are you running?' He says, 'Coach, I'm doing everything. I feel great running. I feel super.' So according to him and our trainers, everything is on schedule and he looks great.
"DeMarco is an explosive, exciting player. He's one of those special athletes. Everyone sees the great speed and the moves he has, but he's a physical guy, too. When you get up next to him and you pat him on the shoulder, there's a lot to that guy. There's about 210 pounds so he's put together. He's a stronger runner than I think people notice as well. I think he averaged about six yards per touch a year ago. We have to get him the ball, not only run him but passing the ball as well. He has great hands. We're expecting great things from him."
His thoughts on the Big 12 standardizing the release of injury information:
"It probably would be easier for everybody. You know, the other dynamic in that is the more you do that -- I'm always leery that we protect college sports from gambling and wagering -- and in the end that's pretty much all that matters. That's why everybody wants to know. In the end I don't know that we need to do that.
"The other thing is it's not professional sports. If the young guy was out there playing for his school and has no chance of playing in the NFL and he has a bad ankle, why should everybody know going into the game we're going to pick on this guy. They may figure it out in the first quarter, but make them figure it out. You're trying to protect a young guy who is trying to play, so why broadcast how truly injured he is if he's going to be out there playing. I agree that if a guy for sure is not going to play, then I'm all for letting people know that."
On the state of the Internet and all the outlandish stuff out there these days:
"It's sad, the whole incident with our players. I read the guy's comment that he didn't mean to hurt anybody. Well, what did you think would happen? You sit there -- and those are two young guys who are as good of young men as you'll ever find. They are literally straight-A students and do everything you ask of them and someone just puts that out there. It's grown, mature people. It's amazing to me, to be honest with you. And I find it just as humorous that people actually read it and believe it.
"I don't know what to say about it. It just surprises me that it gets that much attention or that somebody would actually then go ahead and report it as true as well without researching it. There's so much junk that's on there, from what I understand. I promise you, I'm not reading any of it."
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