Sooner Report: OU Hits the Practice Field

First Bowl Practice in Orlando

Less than 24 hours after arriving in the Sunshine State, the Sooners bussed 10 minutes up the road to The First Academy – a local private high school and the alma mater of OU nutritionist, Tiffany Byrd – for the first practice of the busy bowl week in preparation for the Dec. 29 matchup against Clemson.

One noticeable difference for the OU coaches and players from the practices in Norman was the amount of humidity in the air. Head coach Bob Stoops commented on the weather after the first practice session wrapped up.

“Well the weather here is a little more humid than in Norman,” said Stoops. “I remember what the humidity is like here and my players are getting a little taste of it. The humidity is quite a bit different but we managed.”

Even center Ty Darlington, a Sooner who spent his whole life in Florida before going to OU three years ago, had to readjust back to the different climate.

“The weather here is definitely different,” said Darlington. “I didn't notice the humidity growing up and then when I came back after being in Oklahoma for so long it hits you hard. It will take a little bit for all of us to get used to it. We'll be ready. Our strength staff is the best and they are on top of it and will have us ready to go.”

To view pictures from Wednesday's practice and throughout the week, click here.

Sooners to Stop by Disney World

The Oklahoma players got their first taste of Orlando on Tuesday evening, as the Sooners went to Universal Studios to check out the attractions and ride the roller coasters on their first night in Florida. The Incredible Hulk and the Revenge of the Mummy roller coasters were among the favorites of the players.

One evening later the team will get to check the other major theme park in town off the list, as OU will be rubbing shoulders with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disney World. The team will be free to take in the world-renowned Epcot Center or some of the first class rides such as the Tower of Terror or Space Mountain.

Three Former Sooners Selected to Pro Bowl

The 2015 Pro Bowl selections were announced on Tuesday evening, with three former Oklahoma standouts receiving recognition for their great season on the field. Running back DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys, offensive tackle Trent Williams of the Washington Redskins and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the three Sooners to earn the accolades.

The three players are no strangers to the Pro Bowl, as each one has received multiple selections already in their career. 2015 will mark the third trip to Honolulu for both Williams and McCoy and the second trip to the islands for Murray.

Up Next

The Sooners will have a two-hour practice on Christmas day before players, coaches and staff enjoy a Christmas dinner together in the evening.