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2012 Preseason Practice | OU Football Notebook | Sooner History & Tradition

Woods Keeps Fighting, Inspiring

In 1,181 games, the Oklahoma football program has never faced an opponent like the one junior deep snapper and center Austin Woods is currently battling individually.

Despite being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in the spring, Woods has remained working out and practicing with the team around his chemotherapy treatments.

"(He) went through all of summer workouts with cancer, which is very admirable and kind of ridiculous, if you think about it," junior Gabe Ikard said. "The only times he missed was when he had chemo treatment.

"Honestly, it's one of those things when we are going through workout and you look to your left, you look at Austin and he's going through it. You're like, `It's not that bad.' There are worse things than breathing hard on a Wednesday."

"Woods' attitude and resiliency has been a boost for a Sooner squad that will find it hard to complain about any minute adversity when looking at the example in front of them.

"That's our boy," junior Bronson Irwin said. "We're going through some workouts. It starts getting tough, you look over and see Austin beside you. You know you're hurting, but you know he's hurting worse because of the treatments. He's done a great job being a leader. We really use him for inspiration."

Irwin added that Woods 'doesn't say a word about it,' fighting a battle far more important than any one that will ever be played on a football field.

"It's remarkable," head coach Bob Stoops said. "He's just had a great attitude ... Austin and I talked, and he never for a second expressed to me ever considering giving football up. He said to me, `I'm going to work through it as best I can and we'll see where it goes.' Fortunately he's been able to go through it and not miss anything."

Metoyer Drawing Rave Reviews

When you're compared to one of OU's all-time greats in some fashion, you're probably doing something right.

That's the case for freshman wide receiver Trey Metoyer, who enrolled at OU in January and participated in spring practice.

"He reminds me - and I want to make this comparison the right way - a little bit like Adrian (Peterson) was in that he can't wait to come to practice," Stoops said. "He can't wait to workout. He can't wait to get in the locker room, put his stuff on and go play. He's one of those guys that just loves to play. That's what you love and it shows in the way he competes."

As much as he's been all business and eager to get on the practice field, he's as anxious as anyone for September 1.

"I'm going to be kind of nervous the first game," Metoyer said. "All I'm going to need is that first lick. I'll be good after that and get all the jibber-jabbers out of me."

Junior wide receiver Kenny Stills, the veteran of the unit, has been impressed so far.

"When I was in his position, I was so hungry to be on the field and I feel like that's exactly where he (Trey Metoyer) is," Stills said. "Trey is a great player. I feel like he's really excited for the season to come up and he's been doing everything he can to get better. I'm really proud of where he is at and feel like he'll continue to grow."

Stoops Confirms Torn ACL For OL Tyler Evans

Stoops confirmed Monday evening that senior offensive lineman Tyler Evans has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.

"We feel badly for Tyler and will certainly encourage him through the surgery and rehab," Stoops said. "Bronson Irwin has been playing well and we're fortunate to have good depth. He'll get a lot of reps in the preseason and we'll be ready to go when the season gets here."

Evans earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from AP and the coaches last season after starting 13 games at right guard. The Strafford, Mo., native has registered 29 career starts at that position for the Sooners.

Junior FB Trey Millard
"The biggest thing for me is being more vocal. I'm out on the field, in the locker room and I'm around just letting these guys know that Oklahoma is a different standard from wherever they came from, whether they're a transfer, JUCO or out of high school. We play differently here."

Junior OL Bronson Irwin
"When someone goes out, someone has to step up. I can play multiple positions and we have guys that can play positions all over the field. It's good to have guys that can be flexible like that."

Junior RB Brennan Clay
"I've had some nicks and dings and I haven't been 100 percent (in my career). But right now I feel really good going into this camp. I am just taking the blessings and I am going out there to do what I can. I love the competition, it only makes me play harder."

Head Coach Bob Stoops
"It just depends on how you look at it. We've had some good news, too. Every year when you're dealing with 105 guys you're going to have some of that. Who doesn't? Everybody has a guy get hurt. Everybody has a guy that quits. Everybody has a guy that transfers. I don't know that we're much different than anybody else."

So. OL Adam Shead
"We just have to keep pushing, work hard and roll with the punches. We can't get down about this. These things happen and you just have to be ready when they do happen."

Coach Cale Gundy
"(Dominique Whaley) is running well. He's competing well and playing physical. He's doing really well. We've been very impressed with him."

PRACTICE 4 COVERAGE
Oklahoma practiced at 9:45 a.m. Monday morning, marking the fourth time the Sooners went at it this fall:

Gundy Works the Young RBs

Tackles, TEs On Technique

LBs Hit Sled, Knock Heads

O-Line, D-Line Go At It

Running Backs & Ball Security

Practice 4 Gallery (66 Pics)

NOTEWORTHY

Nathan Hughes switched his number from 44 to 59 and is now working with the offensive line.

MONDAY MEDIA SESSIONS
Several coaches and players met with the local media following practice on Monday:

Media with OL Bronson Irwin

Media with RB Brennan Clay

Media with OL Adam Shead

Media with Coach Stoops

Media with Coach Gundy

DOUBLE TREY
SoonerSports.com caught up with junior fullback Trey Millard and freshman wide receiver Trey Metoyer after practice on Monday:

Junior Fullback Trey Millard

Freshman WR Trey Metoyer

FOLLOWING THE SOONERS
Want the latest scoop on OU football as fast as you can get it? SoonerSports.com has you covered 24/7. To catch up on the 2012 preseason, check out the links below and follow us on Twitter.

Preseason Practice Central

Sooner Football Notebook

Twitter: @SoonerSportsCom

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