Notes Archive: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31 | Gameday Central

WEALTH OF INFORMATION
Sooner fans have access to a wealth of information on the Sooners leading up to each game. Here are a few quick links to provide some direction. We also just introduced sortable rosters:

Gameday Central | Game Notes | Sortable Roster | Depth Chart

BEAL THE REAL DEAL
From FOX Sports Southwest: "Along with elite-level speed, Beal also excels at knowing how to move his feet. He almost never loses contain along the edge because he can chop his feet so quickly and stop on a dime. He's great at pursuing the play laterally in addition to just sprinting up the field. Superior footwork..."

Big 12's Top Players: OU DE Jeremy Beal - FS Southwest

Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World: "Pass-rushing is something you have to develop and fine-tune as you go, but Ronnell has all of the ability in the world to do it," Wright said. "He has the size, strength and speed to play D-end," Beal said. "Everybody's athletic, but he's kind of a step ahead of everybody." Regardless of where..."

Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis Likes to Hit - Tulsa World

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Adrian Taylor, Walker, Gunning for 800 - The Oklahoman

Herbstreit: Murray, Lewis, Broyles Preseason Awards - ESPN

Inside Presence, Casey Walker, Tom Wort - Tulsa World

Stoops: Big Games High Risk, Low Reward - The Oklahoman

Horning: I Just Like OU This Year - Norman Transcript

National Media Buzzes About Kenny Stills - Tulsa World

Will Taylor Play Saturday? - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Easy Openers, Fewer Risks in Scheduling - Norman Transcript

Big 12 Goes for 12 Big Victories - Kansas City Star

Prediction: OU Wins Big 12, Plays in Fiesta - Sports Illustrated

Sooners Escape Camp With Few injuries - FS Southwest

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

UTAH STATE HEADLINES

Aggies Prepare for No. 7 Oklahoma - Logan Herald-Journal

Ah You's Injury Leaves Void in Defense - Salt Lake Tribune

Quarterback Looks Strong at USU Scrimmage - Deseret News

Aggies Lose LB Ah You for Season - Logan Herald-Journal

Monday, August 30 | Gameday Central

GAMEDAY CENTRAL: UTAH STATE
Oklahoma opens its 116th season of intercollegiate football under the lights at Owen Field Saturday at 6 p.m. when the Sooners host Utah State. View complete information on the matchup, options for following the Sooners and details on attending the game:

Sooner Gameday Central: Utah State | PPV Information

SOONERS HAVE CREDENTIALS
From Yahoo Sports: "OU has all the darkhorse credentials: With 10 starts under his belt, sophomore Landry Jones now qualifies as a seasoned quarterback, and returns a similarly beleaguered but now battle-tested offensive line. There are bona fide playmakers in running back DeMarco Murray and receiver Ryan Broyles. The..."

Oklahoma Has All the Darkhorse Credentials - Yahoo Sports

Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman: "Some players are just natural in space," Norvell said. "Ryan is natural. Ryan has natural ball skills, a natural feel for space and that what makes him special. As soon as he walks on the field he just does it. It's a very special gift that a lot of kids can't do. He can change the game in a single play..."

2010 Oklahoma Sooners Preview, Q&As - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Special Teams, Millard, Reynolds, Nelson - Tulsa World

Heupel: QB Jones Strives for Perfection - Norman Transcript

Wilson: O-Line Rotation Just About Set - The Oklahoman

Corey Wilson Finds New Ways to Make Difference - AP

Most Special Teams Positions Settled - The Oklahoman

Another Heisman Winner for Sooners? - Tulsa World

Donald Stephenson to Fill Williams' Shoes - Sports Illustrated

Sittler: Family Matters for OU's Bob Stoops - Tulsa World

Defensive Tackle Play Crucial in Early Season - The Oklahoman

Big 12 South Week One Matchups - FS Southwest

Freshman Stills Expected to Make Impact - Sports Illustrated

OU's All-Time Three Best Receivers - The Oklahoman

History Says OU Will Win Big 12 Title - Tulsa World

Lashar Proof There's Hope for Kicker at OU - The Oklahoman

Is OU Facing Too Many Tough Games? - Norman Transcript

Video: DeMarco Murray's Injuries Behind Him - FS Southwest

Defensive End, Tryouts, Adrian Taylor - Tulsa World

Height, Experience a Concern at Cornerback - The OU Daily

2000 National Title Put Sooners Back on Top - Tulsa World

Sooner Football Had a Heck of a Decade - The Oklahoman

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

UTAH STATE HEADLINES

Expectations Running High for Utah State - Salt Lake Tribune

Utah State Aggies Breakdown by Position - Deseret News

Special Teams Hope to Be Difference - Logan Herald-Journal

Utah State's Profile Rises - Salt Lake Tribune

Aggies Have Promise Before Uncertainty - Deseret News

Speight, Smith Looking to Step Up - Logan Herald-Journal

Friday, August 27 | Preseason Practice

Mike Jones of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Lewis has been OU's leading tackler in consecutive seasons. He gained near-consensus All-Big 12 recognition in 2009 and received similar preseason notice this summer. Teammates know him as a guy who injects fun into both the locker room and practice, but one who..."

Lewis Talks the Talk, Produces - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Andy Staples of Sports Illustrated: "You can talk about Running Back U all over the place," Stoops said, "but we take a backseat to no one when it comes to running backs." Murray, who redshirted Peterson's junior year and spent much of his career sharing carries with Chris Brown, isn't worried about the records..."

Sooners Looking to Build Championship - Sports Illustrated

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Offensive Line, DeJuan Miller, McFarland - Tulsa World

Kickers, Trey Millard, Austin Haywood - The Oklahoman

Kenny Stills Freshman to Watch in Big 12 - Houston Chronicle

OU's Experienced LB Has Been Coaching - Norman Transcript

Stoops, College Coaches & Playing Days - Yahoo Sports

OU Leads Big 12 in Academics for Third Year - Tulsa World

TCU, OU Ranked Higher Than Texas - Dallas Morning News

Stoops Kicking It Into Higher Gear - NBC Sports

Sooners Full of Nicknames, Coach Norvell - Tulsa World

Drew Allen Pulls Away From Blake Bell - The Oklahoman

Jammal Brown's Lost Super Bowl Driving Him - FanHouse

Three Questions for Big 12 Teams - Austin American-Statesman

Sam Bradford Sharp in Return for Rams - Tulsa World

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Thursday, August 26 | Preseason Practice

Setting a standard of excellence both on the field and in the classroom, the OU football program led the Big 12 in Academic Progress Rate for a third consecutive year. The Sooners scored a rate of 962, which was 19 points higher than the league average.

OU Football Leads Big 12 in Academic Progress Rate

OKLAHOMA STANDARDS
Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News: "The standards at Oklahoma are higher than most schools. They're even more ambitious than most traditional powers. An 8-5 record last season could be dismissed as simply wretched luck, thanks to significant injuries. The onus is on Oklahoma to bounce back and reclaim..."

OU Players to Watch, Predictions - Dallas Morning News

Mike Jones of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Reports of the line's summer work appear to have played out during August practice. Neither Stoops nor anyone else has offered a discouraging word about a group that spent much of the off-season becoming just that. "We spent a lot of the winter and spring..."

OU Expects OL to Pull Together - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Sooner Secondary Has Legacy to Uphold - Norman Transcript

Owasso's Colvin Making Impression in Norman - Tulsa World

Wilson: Haywood Best Receiving Tight End - The Oklahoman

Video: Stoops, Oklahoma Back to Full Strength - ESPN

Sooners Adopt Jones as "The Man" - Dallas Morning News

Tramel: Pull a Leach and Go For It - The Oklahoman

OU Walk-On Tryouts: It's Time to Shine - Tulsa World

Sooner QB Landry Jones Emerges From the Fire - ESPN

Murray, Carter Work With MMA Trainers - The Oklahoman

Coaches Impressed by Aaron Colvin - Tulsa World

Walk-Ons Proud to Have Earned Their Keep - The OU Daily

Finch, Stills, Alexander, Miller, Kickers - The Oklahoman

Bradford: Rough Rookie Initiation? - Dallas Morning News

Clay, Calhoun, Finch, Stills, WR Depth - The OU Daily

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Wednesday, August 25 | Preseason Practice

ONE WIN AWAY
Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World: "OU needs one more victory to join one of the most elite fraternities in college sports. With an overall record of 799-302-53, the Sooners are on the verge of becoming the seventh major-college team to record 800 victories. The buzz about this season's opportunity to reach that monumental..."

Sittler: OU's Opener Could Include Celebration - Tulsa World

Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman: "There's always been a folk story that it never rained on a Bud Wilkinson football game at Owen Field. I never believed it but certainly never cared enough to research it. But someone did. And it's dang near true. Gary McManus, associate state climatologist for the Oklahoma..."

Tramel: Never Rained on Bud at Owen Field - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Sooners Still Looking for a Kicker - Norman Transcript

Kicker, Captains Elected, Stephen Good - Tulsa World

Millard Set to Start at FB for OU - Columbia Daily Tribune

Jones' Leadership Skills Never in Question - The Oklahoman

Emig: Sooners Need More From McFarland - Tulsa World

Notes and Quotes from Sooner Practice - FS Southwest

QB Landry Jones' Mission is Clear - The Oklahoman

Stephenson's Return Bolsters OU's O-Line - Tulsa World

Madu Will Miss Season Opener - Norman Transcript

Kicking is Bob Stoops' No. 1 Concern - The Oklahoman

Texas, Not OU, Big 12 Favorite - Dallas Morning News

Sam Bradford Expected to Play One Half - Tulsa World

Trotter: Who is the Fastest Sooner? - The Oklahoman

Big 12 Conference Preview & Predictions - CBS Sports

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Tuesday, August 24 | Preseason Practice

On Tuesday, OU announced the team had elected senior defensive end Jeremy Beal, junior linebacker Travis Lewis and sophomore quarterback Landry Jones as captains for the 2010 season.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING LEADERS
The following numbers are from August testing by the OU strength and conditioning staff. Please note that not all players were tested.

Bench Press
Centers	Ben Habern, 445
Offensive Guards	Stephen Good, 480
Offensive Tackles	Cory Brandon, 430
Receivers	Ryan Broyles, 345
Running Backs	DeMarco Murray, 380
Tight Ends/Fullbacks	Brandon Crow, 390
Quarterbacks	Landry Jones, John Nimmo, 325
Cornerbacks	Jamell Fleming, 345
Safeties	Sam Proctor, 355
Defensive Ends	David King, 420
Defensive Tackles	Adrian Taylor, 445
Linebackers	Travis Lewis, 405

40-Yard Dash
Centers	Ben Habern, 5.12
Offensive Guards	Gabe Ikard, 5.11
Offensive Tackles	Donald Stephenson, 5.10
Receivers	Kenny Stills, 4.40
Running Backs	Roy Finch, 4.50
Tight Ends/Fullbacks	James Hanna, 4.53
Quarterbacks	Drew Allen, 4.65
Cornerbacks	Jamell Fleming, 4.48
Safeties	Jonathan Nelson, 4.40
Defensive Ends	Pryce Macon, R.J. Washington, 4.72
Defensive Tackles	Casey Walker, 5.00
Linebackers	Ronnell Lewis, 4.56

Squat
Centers	Austin Woods, 365
Offensive Guards	Stephen Good, 625
Offensive Tackles	Cory Brandon, 475
Receivers	James Winchester, 460
Running Backs	-
Tight Ends/Fullbacks	Brandon Crow, 500
Quarterbacks	Drew Allen, 405
Cornerbacks	Gabe Lynn, 375
Safeties	Quinton Carter, 445
Defensive Ends	J. Beal, J. Brown, R.J. Washington, 485
Defensive Tackles	Casey Walker, 625
Linebackers	Daniel Franklin, 525

Vertical Jump
Centers	Ben Habern, 25.5
Offensive Guards	Gabe Ikard, 27
Offensive Tackles	Donald Stephenson, 30.5
Receivers	Ryan Broyles, 37.0
Running Backs	Roy Finch, 35.0
Tight Ends/Fullbacks	James Hanna, 34.5
Quarterbacks	Blake Bell, 31.0
Cornerbacks	Lamar Harris, 41.0
Safeties	Quinton Carter, 40.0
Defensive Ends	R.J. Washington, 32.0
Defensive Tackles	Stacy McGee, 30.5
Linebackers	Travis Lewis, 36.0

Body Fat %
Centers	Ben Habern, 19.7%
Offensive Guards	Gabe Ikard, 20.5%
Offensive Tackles	Eric Mensik, 15.1%
Receivers	Brandon Caleb, 4.4%
Running Backs	Mossis Madu, 8.4%
Tight Ends/Fullbacks	Trent Ratterree, 10.1%
Quarterbacks	Blake Bell, 7.0%
Cornerbacks	Jamell Fleming, 7.3%
Safeties	Quentin Hayes, 6.5%
Defensive Ends	Geneo Grissom, 7.3%
Defensive Tackles	Stacy McGee, 10.7%
Linebackers	Daniel Franklin, 7.2%

FRESHMAN INVASION AT OU
From ESPN: "Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops released his latest depth chart on Monday, and likely inspired some double takes from some. Of the 44 spots on the offensive and defensive two-deep, seven are occupied by true freshmen, signees from the 2010 class who arrived on campus just this summer. Two have..."

Freshman Invasion Underway at Oklahoma - ESPN

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

OU's OL Returns Healthier, Experienced - Norman Transcript

Jonathan Nelson Bulks Up for Double Duty - The Oklahoman

Kicker Update, Coaching Statues, Madu - Tulsa World

College Football Countdown: Oklahoma - Sporting News

Video: Breaking Down Depth Chart Moves - FS Southwest

Breaking Down OU's Latest Depth Chart - The Oklahoman

Emig: Non-League Schedules Can be Risky - Tulsa World

Mixed Bag for OU Three Weeks Into Camp - FS Southwest

OU-Texas ABC, Mossis Madu, Stills, Finch - The Oklahoman

Analyzing the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll - ESPN

Mossis Madu Separates Himself at RB - The Oklahoman

Sam Bradford to Get First Start With Rams - Associated Press

OU-Texas to Kick Off at 2:30 on ABC - Dallas Morning News

Sittler: Sooners Making Splash in NFL - Tulsa World

Tramel: Murray Chases Scoring Record - The Oklahoman

Predicting the 2010 Sooner Football Season - The OU Daily

Big 12: What We Know With Two Weeks to Go - ESPN

OU-Texas' New Faces Battle-Tested - USA Today

Football Team Adjusts Depth Chart - The OU Daily

Monday, August 23 | Preseason Practice

Quinton Carter shows no mercy on the football field. But there's another side to one of the Big 12's hardest hitters. When not in class or on the football field, Carter spends his spare time volunteering and making a difference in the community. Check out the following video and read more in this exclusive feature from SoonerVision:

ANALYZING OU'S SCHEDULE
Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman: "Oklahoma enters the 2010 season with national championship expectations. But getting there won't be easy. The slate features nine teams coming off bowl appearances. Two of those teams played in BCS bowl games. Still, OU figures to be favored in every game, with the possible..."

Ranking OU's Games: Toughest to Easiest - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Analyzing Oklahoma's 2010 Roster - Tulsa World

Palm: OU vs. Ohio State for Title - Austin American Statesman

Young Beal Won Over Mom's Football Support - Tulsa World

Habern Healthy After Hard-Luck Injuries - Tulsa World

Broyles Shepherding Young Flock of WRs - Norman Transcript

Carter Pays It Forward as Role Model for Kids - Tulsa World

Trotter: Lewis Sings Praises of Corey Nelson - The Oklahoman

Landry Jones Fits Mold of Stoops' Previous QBs - Tulsa World

Herbstreit, Corso Agree on OU-Nebraska - The Oklahoman

Hoover: Take a Breath on Clay, Finch - Tulsa World

Players to Watch, Important Losses for OU - Sports Illustrated

Stoops: No Comparison For Landry Jones - Norman Transcript

For Sooners, Last Season Was Stretcher - Los Angeles Times

As Little Brother, Murray Makes Big Splash - Tulsa World

Adrian Taylor, Kicker, Cameron Kenney - The Oklahoman

Travis Lewis Shows His Serious Side - Tulsa World

Big 12 Not So Secure Behind Center - Dallas Morning News

Ryan Broyles Growing Into Leadership Role - Tulsa World

Jones: Nebraska, Stanford Defining Moments - The Oklahoman

Drew Allen, Bell, Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma Drill - Tulsa World

Tramel: Murray Ranks Among Elite RBs - The Oklahoman

Who Gave OU a No. 1 Vote in AP Poll? - Tulsa World

Big 12 Restocks at Quarterback - San Antonio Express-News

For Health, Stoops Won't Push Future at OU - Tulsa World

Carter, Murray Try MMA Workouts - The Oklahoman

Klein: Road Wins, O-Line Keys for Sooners - Tulsa World

OU Developing Secondary in Era of Spread - The Oklahoman

Punter Tress Way Grateful for Coach Mom - Tulsa World

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Friday, August 20

Oklahoma moved to its regular practice venue, the Bud Wilkinson Practice Facility, for its final session before fall semester classes begin on Monday. Video video and photos from Friday's practice by clicking the links to the right. After practice, we caught up with sophomore OL Tyler Evans to get his take on the preseason so far.

With no official team activities scheduled for the weekend, players get their first break since opening preseason camp three weeks ago. The Sooners will return to the practice field Monday afternoon.

SOONERS ON SOLID GROUND
John Shinn of the Norman Transcript: "Regardless of how Murray handles the strain of this season, other running backs are going to play. The question is how many, and who. As far as experience goes, OU has senior Mossis Madu ready to go. The former Norman High product has become a full-time running back after..."

OU Finds Solid Ground in Murray, Madu - Norman Transcript

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Freshman WRs, Finch, Clay, Scrimmage - Tulsa World

Finch, Clay Opposites, Get Same Results - The Oklahoman

Sooners, Huskers Top List of Elite NFL Prospects - ESPN

Big 12 Top 25: Senior RB DeMarco Murray - FS Southwest

Sooner Receivers Catching On - Tulsa World

Landry Jones Not Pleased With Scrimmage - The Oklahoman

Consistency a Must for Sooner Receivers - The OU Daily

Receivers Working Tennis Ball Drill - The Oklahoman

Thursday, August 19 | Preseason Practice

HARD WORK FOR BEAL
Mike Baldwin of the Oklahoman: "Toughness developed at a young age was the foundation for a player now viewed as one of the nation's top defensive ends. But it's his quickness and strive-for-perfection preparation that has put Beal in position to possibly become OU's career sacks leader. "They helped me with my..."

Hard Work, Toughness Nets Sacks for Beal - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Good Hopes to Live Up to His Name - Enid News & Eagle

Way Could be in Line for Standout Season - Tulsa World

Tyler Evans the Prototype Lineman - Norman Transcript

Nickel Defense, Taylor, Alexander, Lewis - Tulsa World

Notes: Travis Lewis, Nelson, Javon Harris - The Oklahoman

Will OU Overlook Florida State? - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Trotter: LB Corey Nelson on the Spot - The Oklahoman

Video: Beal Emerging as Leader on D-Line - FS Southwest

Texas Fans Seeing Red Over OU License Plates - NBC Dallas

OU Plates Stir Up Emotions in Texas - Dallas Morning News

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Wednesday, August 18 | Preseason Practice

RECEIVER SLOTS
Mike Baldwin of the Oklahoman: "Preseason All-American Ryan Broyles is locked in as the starting slot receiver but will be moved around, playing all three receiver spots. Dejuan Miller and freshman Kenny Stills are the leading candidates for the other two starting spots. Jaz Reynolds, Cameron Kenney and Brandon Caleb..."

Wide Receiver Competition is Wide-Open - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Tom Wort Motivated by Love of the Game - Tulsa World

Top Big 12 Offensive Weapon? Ryan Broyles - FS Southwest

Jeremy Beal Among Top Defensive Linemen in Big 12 - ESPN

Getting to Know Safety Quinton Carter - Tulsa World

Linebacker Tom Wort's Time is Now - The Oklahoman

Video: Coach Venables on OU's Defense - FS Southwest

Would OU Respond to Reporter With Hat? - Tulsa World

Injury Derails Austin Box's Season Again - The Oklahoman

Taylor Among Big 12's Top Defensive Linemen - ESPN

OU Among Top Secondaries Nationally - Yahoo Sports

Texas QB More Simms Than McCoy - Dallas Morning News

Could Stoops Pass Paterno in Wins? - San Antonio Express

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

SOONERS IN NFL

Bucs Expect McCoy to Create Havoc - Lakeland Ledger

Gresham, Rookie Trio to Make Impact - Cincinnati Enquirer

Stats Don't Show, But McCoy Makes Impact - Tampa Tribune

Trent Williams Continues to Impress - TBD Washington

Tuesday, August 17 | Preseason Practice

TEAMS WITH TITLE SHOT
From ESPN: "Landry Jones should emerge as a star in the Big 12. Though the nonconference schedule looks daunting with games against Florida State, Air Force and Cincinnati, the Sooners will be favored in all of them. The toughest road game could be at Texas A&M. Even still, a defense missing six starters is going to..."

Sooners No. 5 on List of Teams With Title Shot - ESPN

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Sooners Filling Holes at Cornerback - Tulsa World

Hurst, Fleming Move to Starting Roles - The Oklahoman

ISU Opponents: Oklahoma Sooners - Des Moines Register

Kicker, Broyles, Grissom, Air Force - Tulsa World

Cameron Kenney Back With Experience - Norman Transcript

Big 12 South Team-by-Team Previews - FS Southwest

Sooners, Longhorns Start the Season Even - Tulsa World

McFarland, McGee, Walker Battle at DT - The Oklahoman

OU vs. Texas, Florida State Must-See Games - ESPN

Sooners 11th in Magazine's Preseason Poll - Sports Illustrated

Trotter: Kenney Hoping to Stick in Rotation - The Oklahoman

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Monday, August 16 | Preseason Practice

SOONERS STILL NUMBER ONE?
Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman has an interview with Phil Steele: "Bob Stoops has done an incredible job developing offensive linemen. Last year, they went through 10 different starting lineups, had a myriad of injuries, and naturally didn't play well, and I didn't expect them to play well last year. This year, while they lose two..."

Phil Steele Still Sold on Sooners at No. 1 - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Analysis: Sooners Amp Up Fullback Spot - Tulsa World

Returning Punts is a Tough Gig - Norman Transcript

Rating Big 12 Football by Position - Kansas City Star

Notebook: Tight End, Kenny Stills - Tulsa World

Ryan Broyles Will Not Return Kicks - The Oklahoman

Sooners Look to Bounce Back - Topeka Capital-Journal

Landry Jones Becomes OU's Clear-Cut Leader - Tulsa World

The Oklahoman Conducts OU Fan Poll - The Oklahoman

Toughest Guys in the Big 12? Ronnell Lewis No. 2 - ESPN

Notebook: Ben Habern, Scrimmage, Murray - Tulsa World

Noble, Finch, Aladenoye, Evans, Stills - The Oklahoman

Five Games the Sooners Must Win - The OU Daily

Carter Whitson's QB Dreams Live On - The Oklahoman

Ranking OU's Incoming Freshmen - The OU Daily

Quarterback Drew Allen is Playing Well - The Oklahoman

Allen's Experience an Edge at Backup QB - Tulsa World

OU Opponent Cincinnati is a Mystery - The Oklahoman

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Friday, August 13 | Preseason Practice

COMPETITION AT MIDDLE LB
John Hoover of the Tulsa World: "Middle linebacker will go to either redshirt freshman Tom Wort or junior Austin Box. Wort gained coaches' attention last year before a preseason ACL tear. He's back, and so is his knee. He's a special player, but has no game experience. Box, too, has battled injuries in his OU career..."

Notebook: Linebackers, Walker, Martinez - Tulsa World

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

OU's Taylor Close to Full Strength - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

For Austin Box, No Reassembly Required - Norman Transcript

Bob Stoops is King for a Day at ESPN - Tulsa World

Lewis' Big Hits Inspiring Fear, Nicknames - The Oklahoman

Video: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops Visits SportsCenter - ESPN

Five Biggest Hitters in Stoops' Era - The Oklahoman

Tony Jefferson Taking Full-Speed Approach - Tulsa World

Notes on Coach Stoops' ESPN Tour - The Oklahoman

Predicting 10 Trends in College Football - Sports Illustrated

Nelson's Versatility Strengthens Secondary - The Oklahoman

Video: Sooners Have Avoided Injuries - FS Southwest

Switzer: OU-Nebraska Rivalry Will Fade - Associated Press

OU Banks on Stephenson on Blind Side - The Oklahoman

"Hammer" Making Noise in OU's Defense - Associated Press

Notebook: Defensive Ends, Jonathan Miller - Tulsa World

Projections on OU Defense, Formations - The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Aims to Break Losing Habit - Associated Press

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Thursday, August 12 | Preseason Practice

STOOPS, ESPN PROMOTE OU
Coach Stoops was at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn., for a series of interviews Thursday. Stoops completed a whirlwind 15 sessions across a wide segment of ESPN radio shows, TV shows and digital media. Check out behind-the-scenes photos and video:

Photos: Stoops, Sooners Take Center Stage at ESPN

View video of SportsCenter's segment with Stoops here. His appearance on College Football Live will re-air at 9 and 9:30 p.m. (CT) Thursday night on ESPNU, and also Friday morning from 5-8:30 a.m. View ESPN's complete listings.

Wednesday, August 11 | Preseason Practice

Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops has accepted an invitation from ESPN to travel to Bristol, Conn., for a day of interviews on Thursday. The Sooner coach is scheduled to do 14 interviews over a four-hour period with a mix of television, radio and internet appearances. Following is Coach Stoops' tentative schedule. All times are Central:

7:25 a.m. - Mike & Mike Show (ESPN Radio)
7:45 a.m. - Doug Gottlieb Show (ESPN Radio)
7:55 a.m. - SportsCenter.com
8:05 a.m. - ESPN Rise
8:20 a.m. - The Herd (tape) (ESPN Radio)
8:45 a.m. - SportsCenter
9:00 a.m. - ESPN.com chat
9:25 a.m. - 1250 ESPN Radio Pittsburgh
9:50 a.m. - First Take
10:15 a.m. - ESPNews
10:30 a.m. - ESPNU
10:45 a.m. - Digital Media
11:00 a.m. - ESPN.com video interview with Ivan Maisel
11:30 a.m. - Noon - College Football Live

RONNELL A "MONSTER"
John Shinn of the Norman Transcript: "Ronnell is just a monster," OU running back DeMarco Murray said. "We were watching highlights on kickoffs the other day and he's just a beast. He's also a hard worker and I'm glad he's on my team." Lewis doesn't have an explanation for where that hitting ability comes from. Most..."

Venables: Ronnell Lewis a Violent Hitter - Norman Transcript

Mike Baldwin of the Oklahoman: "OU running backs coach Cale Gundy said Murray's renewed confidence was evident this offseason. Instead of rehabbing an injury, Murray concentrated on getting in shape for his senior season. "For me it was hard after those two surgeries," Murray said. "I had to get my step back..."

Sooners Looking for Murray to Cut Loose - The Oklahoman

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Notebook: Kicker, O-Line, Broyles, Beal - Tulsa World

Sooners Expecting to Bounce Back - Lawrence Journal-World

Mensik, Ikard Gain Collective 72 Pounds - Tulsa World

RBs Calhoun, Miller Still Vying for Carries - The Oklahoman

Stoops, Oklahoma Score Well in APR - ESPN

Trotter: Cale Gundy Rich in Running Backs - The Oklahoman

Strain: Pay-per-View "Outrage" From OU Fan - Tulsa World

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

Tuesday, August 10 | Preseason Practice

The Oklahoma football team held its first installment of two-a-days Tuesday in Norman. Following practice, we caught up with sophomores Joseph Ibiloye and Jaz Reynolds to get their take on the first session of two-a-days.

IKARD, MENSIK GAIN WEIGHT
John Shinn of the Norman Transcript: "The usual "freshman 15" wasn't going to be enough for Oklahoma tight end Gabe Ikard. When last season ended, he weighed around 240 pounds. It was big enough to be a tight end, but miniscule by offensive lineman standards. So when OU coaching staff decided to move him and..."

Offensive Line a Big Position - Norman Transcript

Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World: "This is how you wind up carrying the football as a true freshman for a program like Oklahoma: "Ronnell Lewis, 'The Hammer' as usual, hit little Roy Finch. I felt for him," OU running back Jonathan Miller said of a recent practice scene. "Ronnell is every bit of a man." He's a..."

Roy Finch, Brennan Clay Impress as Freshmen - Tulsa World

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Ronnell Lewis Provides Small-Town Inspiration - The OU Daily

FB/TE Trey Millard Impressing in Camp - The Oklahoman

Broyles on Biletnikoff Watch List - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

OU looking for Consistency From Kickers - The Oklahoman

Did OU's Game Against FSU Get Easier? - Tulsa World

Stoops on Players Leaving Early for NFL - Denver Post

Notebook: DeMarco Murray to Return Kicks - The Oklahoman

Taylor Trying to Return to Full Speed - FOX Sports Southwest

Stacy McGee Ready to Fill Vacant DT Spot - The OU Daily

Breaking Down OU's Special Teams Units - The Oklahoman

DeMarco Murray Might Return Kickoffs - Tulsa World

RB on Ronnell Lewis: Like a Freight Train - The Oklahoman

Monday, August 9

OU returned to the practice field Monday morning for the team's fifth session of the preseason. View video of secondary coach Willie Martinez instructing the defensive backs, highlights of the offensive linemen going one-on-one with the defensive linemen and the Sooner running the classic Oklahoma Drill (click links to the right).

Also view photos from the session in addition to post-practice interviews with sophomore linebacker Ronnell Lewis and redshirt-freshman fullback Marshall Musil.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman: "Last year, Oklahoma played nine true freshmen, tied for most in the Bob Stoops era. This season's freshman class may shatter that record. Not because the Sooners are thin across the depth chart. This class just appears to be that good. "I'm not too much on talking a bunch about an individual..."

Freshmen Could Make Immediate Impact - The Oklahoman

John Shinn of the Norman Transcript: "Adrian Taylor still walks with a slight limp, but that discomfort will eventually fade. The Oklahoma defensive tackle doesn't see any reason to complain. "Got through the first practice yesterday," he said Friday morning. "It was tough, but I got through it. I was happy about that." The..."

DT Adrian Taylor Almost Back - Norman Transcript

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Heupel's Touch Improves OU Quarterbacks - Tulsa World

Adrian Taylor Back After Leg Injury - Tulsa World

OU Notebook: High Hopes for Secondary - The Oklahoman

Venables Gives LBs History Lesson - Norman Transcript

Mensik and Ikard No Longer Tight Ends - Tulsa World

Sooners Return More Experienced O-Line - The Oklahoman

Stoops: Landry Jones "In That Mold" - Dallas Morning News

Family Roots Helped Mark Stoops - Lakeland Ledger

Jones Says He Has More Confidence - Norman Transcript

Jones Takes Spotlight After Bradford Departure - Tulsa World

Offensive Line Reserves May See Time - The Oklahoman

Sooner Offense Offers Cautious Optimism - Norman Transcript

Sittler: Ronnell Lewis Poised to Set Himself Apart - Tulsa World

Trotter: Mensik at Right Tackle, Landry - The Oklahoman

McFarland Eager to Write New Chapter - Dallas Morning News

Patton Breaks Down the Offensive Linemen - The Oklahoman

Freshman QB Blake Bell is It Says Fans - Tulsa World

Sooners Seek New Superstars - Associated Press

OU Notebook: Safety Tony Jefferson Surging - The Oklahoman

Q&A With Sooner TE Trent Ratterree - Tulsa World

Carlson: Jones Confident, Ronnell Lewis Buff - The Oklahoman

OU Notebook: Fresh Faces for Sooners - Tulsa World

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

SOONERS IN THE NFL

Pro Football (Sooner) Hall of Fame - Tulsa World

Sam Bradford Long-Term Remedy for St. Louis - ESPN

Bradford Could be State's Second-Best - Tulsa World

Sooners Beef Up Redskins' Offensive Line - Washington Post

Bradford Looks Sharp in First Scrimmage - St. Louis Post

PRESEASON PRACTICE CENTRAL
Oklahoma completed its fourth practice of the preseason Sunday at the rugby fields in Norman. View video focusing on Coach Gundy working the running backs and Coach Venables with the linebackers (links to right). Following practice, we spoke with a pair of juniors, safety Sam Proctor and offensive tackle Jarvis Jones.

Post-Practice with Junior Safety Sam Proctor

Post-Practice with Junior Offensive Tackle Jarvis Jones

Sunday, August 8 - Practice No. 4 Photo Gallery

Friday, August 6 | Preseason Practice

The Sooner football team held its annual Media Day on Owen Field Friday morning. View video of Coach Stoops' and Landry Jones' press conferences inside the Red Room, along with quotes from Oklahoma coaches and players:

Coach Bob Stoops Media Day Press Conference

QB Landry Jones Media Day Press Conference

Media Day Quotes from OU Players & Coaches

The earliest to arrive at Meet the Sooners Day Friday morning received a pleasant surprise when Coach Stoops and a handful of OU players showed up just after 7 a.m. "We just wanted to reward the people who had been out there for a long time," Stoops said. "We thought we'd bring a few of the players early and let them know we appreciate them."

Coach Stoops, Landry Jones, DeMarco Murray, Jeremy Beal, Ryan Broyles and Travis Lewis greeted the first fans in line with doughnuts and signed autographs for about 45 minutes before heading back to the stadium for their media day obligations. They returned, along with the rest of the team, for the scheduled autograph session from 10 a.m.-noon.

INCOMING FRESHMEN IMPRESS
John Hoover of the Tulsa World: "Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops isn't easily given to hyperbole. That's why his pronouncement at Thursday's Sooner Caravan that this year's freshman class could be his best ever at OU caused an applause cacophonic even by these standards. Thursday, the Sooners began their 2010 preseason..."

Stoops Impressed by Incoming Freshman Class - Tulsa World

From ESPN: "Key battle: The two linebacking spots alongside Travis Lewis. Oklahoma has lots of talent on the defense's second line, but sophomore Ronnell Lewis and redshirt freshman Tom Wort will try to hold off the more experienced junior Austin Box and sophomores Daniel Franklin and Jaydan Bird for the starting..."

Key Battle for Sooner Camp: Linebacking Spots - ESPN

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Oklahoma No. 8 in Preseason Coaches' Poll - USA Today

Stoops: Incoming Class Could be Special - The Oklahoman

OU's Most Painful Loss? 1971 vs. Nebraska - ESPN

OU Secondary to Replace Both Corners - FS Southwest

Stoops Fares Well on Coach's APR Scores - The Oklahoman

Video: Oklahoma Opens Camp, Landry Jones - FS Southwest

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

SOONERS IN THE NFL

Bradford's Contract Biggest for Oklahoma? - Tulsa World

What Will Bradford Show Saturday? - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thursday, August 5 | Preseason Practice

View exclusive video coverage of practice with an emphasis on the linebackers and receivers in addition to practice photos by clicking the links to the right. Following practice, we caught up with sophomore defensive tackle Jamarkus McFarland (Lufkin, Texas) and junior offensive tackle Donald Stephenson (Blue Springs, Mo.) to collect their thoughts on Preseason Practice No. 1.

2010 Oklahoma Preseason Practice Central

JUST PREDICTIONS
Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman has this prediction from Andre Ware: "...there are some games there early, where they're going to grab some attention. I like them a lot. Where I didn't like them last year, was because of the offensive line. They've got 4 of 5 starters back up front, an experienced QB back and arguably the best..."

Trotter: Ware Predicts Big Season for OU - The Oklahoman

From ESPN: "Oklahoma fans called it "Sooner Magic." Opponents' fans called it "Sooner Misery." As Oklahoma's coach from 1973 to '88, Switzer had a 12-5 record against rival Nebraska, coming from behind eight times to win in the fourth quarter. His teams were 9-5-2 against Texas. The Sooners handed..."

OU, Switzer Had Sooner Magic Versus Nebraska - ESPN

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Stoops on NFL, Schedules and Overtime - Denver Post

OU's Lewis Tops List of Big 12's Best Linebackers - ESPN

OU No. 2 in Big 12 Special Teams - Nebraska State Paper

Make Plan for Meet the Sooners Day - The Oklahoman

Carlson: Autographs Should be for Kids - The Oklahoman

Nole Perspective: Looking at Oklahoma - Tomahawk Nation

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

SOONERS IN THE NFL

Sittler: Sooners Hit Jackpot Staying in School - Tulsa World

Rams Glad They Chose Bradford - Associated Press

Bradford's Expected Growing Pains - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Gresham Faces Dallas Sunday - Dallas Morning News

Bradford Entering Same NFL Rookie Realm - Tulsa World

Rams Like Sam Bradford So Far - The Oklahoman

Wednesday, August 4 | Preseason Practice

The 2010 Oklahoma football team officially reported to Norman on Wednesday to begin preseason practice. Here's a quick clip:

DOMINANT IN NORMAN
From the Orlando Sentinel: "Home field advantage can be a huge plus for a college football program. For the Sooners, it's been a major intimidating factor. Oklahoma has won 30 straight and their last home loss was in 2005. Oklahoma, then-ranked No. 5 in the country, opened the season against TCU at Oklahoma Memorial..."

OU: Nation's Longest Home Winning Streak - Orlando Sentinel

John Hoover of the Tulsa World: "It's clear that this year's team shouldn't have much problem replacing ability. The key elements this year's team needs to find in order to return to championship glory are harder to define: leadership and chemistry. Coach Bob Stoops says each year that departing seniors won't be missed as..."

At OU, Football Leadership Gets Replaced - Tulsa World

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Lewis Reminds Many of Bosworth - Norman Transcript

Trotter: OU's Tough Schedule Advantageous? - The Oklahoman

Sooner Football Facing a Defining Decade - Tulsa World

Sooners Have Sights Set on Better Season - KBTX

Blog: Bradford, Murray, Big 12 Championship - Tulsa World

Slimmer Murray Sets Big Goals - Topeka Capital-Journal

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

BIG 12 HEADLINES

Cats Out of the Bag at Kansas State - San Antonio Express

UT, Irish Close to Setting Series - Austin American-Statesman

Hawkins' Buffs Face Similar Issues - Boulder Daily Camera

Tech Coach Makes Impression - Topeka Capital-Journal

Gabbert Ready for Healthy Season - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska the Buzz of Big 10 Media Day - Associated Press

Freshman, Sophomore Vie for QB - Lawrence Journal-World

K-State, Oregon Nix Upcoming Series - Manhattan Mercury

KSU's Snyder Winking at Cupcakes Again - NBC Sports

Will Texas Tech Really Change? - FOX Sports Southwest

Tuesday, August 3

From FOX Sports Southwest: "His size nearly mirrors that of his all-Big 12 teammate Travis Lewis, one of the best players in the entire conference. He also possesses incredible speed, as evidence by the 2,200 yards he gained as a senior running back for tiny Dewar High School. And as the highlights show, Lewis..."

Ronnell Lewis Set to Break Out for Sooners - FS Southwest

John Hoover of the Tulsa World: "If Pete Carroll had his way, Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma offense would be looking for answers this fall, and the Sooners' record book would look a little different. Stoops said last week he wants senior running back DeMarco Murray to have an Adrian Peterson-type of workload..."

OU's DeMarco Murray Ready for Big Year - Tulsa World

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

DeMarco Murray "Ready to Get Going" - Norman Transcript

Trotter: Oklahoma Football Chat Recap - The Oklahoman

Oklahoma to Play Night Game in Season Opener - Tulsa World

Golden Commentary on Stoops - Austin American-Statesman

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

NFL SIGNEE AUCTION ITEMS
Autographed items from each of Oklahoma's four first-round picks and recent NFL signees are now up in the OU Online Auction. Bid now an OU football signed by Sam Bradford and the other three living Heisman winners, Gerald McCoy and Trent Williams signed game-worn jerseys and a Jermaine Gresham autographed helmet:

Official OU Athletics Online Auction

SOONERS IN THE NFL

Coach: Rookie Gresham on First String - Cincinnati Enquirer

Gordon: Bradford's Journey Begins With Rams - The Oklahoman

Bucs' McCoy Gets Pointers from Warren Sapp - Miami Herald

Gresham Agrees to Terms With Cincinnati - Tulsa World

Adrian Peterson: Fumbles Are Mental - Sports Illustrated

TE Gresham, Bengals Have a Deal - Associated Press

McCoy Set to Step Up on D-Line - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Will Bradford be Starter for Rams' Opener? - Tulsa World

Peterson Gets Ready for Season - Rochester Post-Bulletin

BIG 12 HEADLINES

Osbourne: Big 10 More Stable vs. Big 12 - Dallas Morning News

New Era Starts for Kansas Football - San Antonio Express

Tuberville Itching to Start Camp - Lubbock Avalanche

Delany: Osbourne Offers Much - Grand Island Independent

Colorado's Offense Must Step Up Scoring - Denver Post

Osbourne OK Adding 5,000 Seats - Omaha World-Herald

Big 10 Does Media Day Better - Nebraska State Paper

Who's the Man at Texas Tech? - College Station Eagle

Monday, August 2

Big 12 Forecast from Dr. Saturday: "Oklahoma's defense will allow at least a field goal more per game than it did in 2009 and fall outside of the top 10 nationally in total D, but the Sooner offense will increase scoring by at least a touchdown per game behind a 2,000-yard all-purpose season from running back..."

Big 12 Forecast: Sooners Strike Back - Yahoo Sports

OU FOOTBALL HEADLINES

Healthy Murray Wants 2,000 Rushing Yards - The Oklahoman

Sittler: Stoops, Brown on Offensive Lines - Tulsa World

Horning: Oklahoma's Trajectory a Mystery - Norman Transcript

Sooners No. 3 in Voter's Preseason Poll - Lincoln Journal-Star

Tramel: Big 12 Coaches Are Real Stars - The Oklahoman

Travis Lewis Has Praise for Fellow Linebackers - Tulsa World

Recent OU-Texas Have Stumped Stoops - Norman Transcript

Carlson: Family Came First for Rick Bryan - The Oklahoman

Results of Big 12 Conference Player Poll - Tulsa World

Prediction: OU Survives Red River Shootout - FS Southwest

Murray Among Big 12's Best Backs - Topeka Capital-Journal

Replacing Clayton Won't be On-Man Job - The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Talks About Upcoming Season - KHAS TV

Dr. Saturday College Football Blog - Yahoo Sports

From FOX 2 St. Louis: "He's been an official member of the home team for only two days and already, he's one of St. Louis's biggest celebrities. Rams rookie quarterback, Sam Bradford, is creating quite a "stir" in his new "home city". Fans were striking that "Sam" pose at Rams Park, Sunday. They were posing at a special..."

Fans Excited About Sam the Ram - FOX 2 St. Louis

SOONERS IN THE NFL

Bradford Creates Carnival at Rams' Camp - Tulsa World

McCoy Ready to Help Revive Bucs' Line - WTSP Tampa

Williams Happy With Deal, Gets to Work - Washington Post

If Rams Are Right, The Money Makes Sense - CBS Sports

Sam Bradford Creates a Buzz - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sam Bradford Practices With Rams - Tulsa World

McCoy Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Camp - WTSP Tampa

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