Completed Event: Football versus Illinois State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 3
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Football
35
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3
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Untitled Article
August 17, 2012 | Football
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 Senior David King will slide over to defensive tackle to help fill in for senior Stacy McGee, who violated university policy and is suspended indefinitely, head coach Bob Stoops announced Friday following OU's final practice of preseason camp. "David has consistently weighed about 275 to 280 pounds," Stoops said. "He could treat himself to a few more cheeseburgers and he could be 285 pounds in no time. He has got the strength to play in there and the times he has played in there, he has done well. In all likelihood, we will rotate him in there with those other guys." King is acceptant of whatever role he is given on the defensive line, and is confident in his ability to play inside. "I've played there before, so it's nothing new for me," King said. "I'm comfortable playing down there. I'm heavy enough to where I can play down there and hold my weight." A veteran that was already sought for leadership, King's value has increased even more. "I look to David for a lot of things - even though he is younger," senior R.J. Washington said. "I don't think that you're going to find a harder worker. He's just a good guy to be around. You all don't see it, but he is definitely the funniest person on the team - his mannerisms, they pretty much do it." Funny King may be, but he couldn't have been more serious in his personal assessment of preseason camp. "Overall, I think I've become a better leader," King said. "A lot of the guys on the defense and team look up to me. I feel like I've become a better pass rusher from the spring working with Coach Wright and Coach Shipp. I just feel like my overall game has improved." No official word came on whether King will be mandated to treat himself to those cheeseburgers that Stoops mentioned, but he certainly deserves them.
Instead of chasing down quarterbacks this season, sophomore Geneo Grissom will be chasing passes from them. Grissom, who played in six games at defensive end in 2011, switched to tight end over the summer to help OU's depth at the position and his chances to get on the field. "Honestly, it's been the most fun change ever," Grissom said. "It's relearning the game from a new position. Being able to catch the ball again, who doesn't like to catch the ball and score touchdowns?" It was actually Grissom's idea. The Hutchinson, Kan., native approached the coaching staff about it during the summer and was granted the opportunity. Grissom played the position in spots at Hutchinson High School in a run-heavy offense. That experience coupled with his time previously playing a position that he now has to help block has eased the transition. "I know where the defense wants to work, where they're supposed to be and I can kind of use that to my advantage to block the routes better," Grissom said. With no returning tight ends, Grissom has done his best to seize the opportunity that he requested. "He has been awesome and we have really been pleased with him," Stoops said. "He is a talented guy. He does all of it the best, meaning they are all doing well, but with his little more experience and athleticism. He has just really taken to it, and it has really looked good. Every day it has gotten better and better. He is what you look for. He is catching the ball well, so it has been a real positive."
Following the final practice of preseason on Friday at the Bud Wilkinson Practice Fields, coaches and players alike spoke with conviction regarding the success of OU's work through two-a-days. Check out what they had to say below: Head Coach Bob Stoops "I have [been enthusiastic]. I just think the guys are working well. They have had a good attitude. We have had a few nicks, but you know that is going to happen. So overall, it has been good." Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops "I really like our players and where they are at mentally and physically. I think we are in a good position heading into our preparation for the season. We came out relatively healthy, so that is a positive, and got some good work." Senior R.J. Washington "What I've noticed so far, with the defense at least, is maturity. It's more maturity. Guys know that you can't just go through the motions. You have to go out and get better every day. You keep moving forward day-in and day-out - you might not always have a good day, it's a grind out there - but at the end of camp it's one massive move of progression forward." Senior Demontre Hurst "It's a new attitude, trying to redeem ourselves from last year. This camp was very productive, one of the most productive camps I've ever been in, and everyone's getting better." Junior Tony Jefferson "I'm real proud of how the guys stuck together. Two-a-days is always a rough time. You're rarely at home. You rarely get sleep. But it's about commitment and our guys were committed this camp and I was proud of them." Junior Tom Wort "Overall, camp was good. As a team, we made a lot of improvements. Spring was like an introduction to the new defensive scheme, and camp allowed us to strive and make big improvements. We have had nothing but positive strides forward since we started this camp." |
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