Sooner Report: Give Kids the World Visit

Game Day Draws Near

The Sooners' Friday practice session is in the books, meaning OU is one step closer to taking the field against the Clemson Tigers on Monday, Dec. 29 at 4:30 p.m. CT. Bob Stoops and some of the Oklahoma players met with the media following practice. The head coach updated the injury status of a number of players.

“Adam [Shead] has practiced up until today but was a little sore today so we're unsure whether he will be able to go or not," said Stoops. "Nothing happened to him, he was just feeling sore from the work so we will see how he reacts. It has been more positive [recently] than it has been [for Sterling Shepard]. He has been running around practicing and looking good. We are optimistic but until you can get out there and do it [the team won't know Shepard's status].”

Stoops is pleased with the way the team has competed this week during practice in Orlando.

“Our guys have worked hard,” said the head coach. “They have had a great attitude with the way they have come out and competed all week.”

Big 12 First Team cornerback Zack Sanchez is excited that the game is almost here.

“It's finally almost here,” he said. “We are really excited to take on a really good team from the ACC in Clemson. Thank God it's only two days away.”

Charles Tapper

Sooners Make New Friends

On Friday morning the Sooner players and Bob Stoops visited Give Kids the World Village, which is a place where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations.

The experience obviously made an impact on the team, as many were glowing after the couple hours spent with the children and families.

"It was a great experience,” defensive end Charles Tapper said. “We got to put smiles on a lot of kids' faces. Being able to do that really made our day and was a big inspiration for us as we go into our game to see those kids that might not have the same opportunities that we have to play Division I football because of the minor setbacks that God has blessed them with."

"It was good. It puts it all into perspective,” kicker Michael Hunnicutt added. “We're here to play a football game but there are also other things going on in the world. It's fun and a good experience, but also eye-opening at the same time."

The players got to interact with the children in a number of ways. Some of the players painted faces and helped kids put on temporary tattoos, while a number of guys got to play games with the families and others handed out ice cream and popsicles.

"It was really fun,” Hunnicutt said. “I was stationed at the hula-hoop competition so we did hula hoops with all the kids, asked them how there day was, about their trips to Disney World and what parks they were going to and which characters were there favorites. It was a really good experience and fun."

One of the highlights of the morning was a dance-off. Members of the OU and Clemson team formed a big circle with different players and children taking the center to showcase their best moves.

"We danced around with them a little bit, played some trains and got some energy off with the kids,” Tapper said. We had a dance-off with Clemson that I think we won, and we let the kids participate in that."

For Tapper the experience was a familiar one, as he also has a brother who battled cancer. The junior understands how much these experiences can mean to a child and the family.

"It means a lot, especially if it makes a kid's day,” he said. “For a kid to be going through those hard times, it means a lot. My little brother had cancer and I remember we went to the Make-a-Wish foundation and to see him smile, it's just for them and to help make them feel better. It's a big blessing for them."

Find out more about the Give Kids the World Village by clicking here.

Familiar Faces Stop By Practice

At Thursday's practice on Christmas day a friendly face graced the practice field as former standout cornerback Aaron Colvin stopped by to see his old teammates and coaches. The former All-Big 12 First Team selection didn't have to travel too far to meet up with OU as Colvin is completing his rookie season in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Colvin has really started to find his role with the team as of late, as the cornerback has played in each of the last five games for the Jaguars after missing much of the season due to injury. He has amassed 23 tackles, including a career-high seven in last week's win over AFC South foe Tennessee Titans.

Friday, a trio of former Sooners stopped by the field to see the Sooner players and staff. Former Oklahoma standouts Ray Hamilton, Corey Ivy and Ontei Jones were each at practice. Hamilton and Ivy are former NFL players, with each enjoying long playing careers in the league.

Up Next

As the Russell Athletic Bowl matchup with Clemson draws near, the Sooners will continue to hit the practice field every day to prepare for the Tigers. On Saturday morning the players will get to go to a local Best Buy for a shopping spree provided by the Russell Athletic Bowl as their bowl gift.

Then it's off to Citrus Bowl Stadium as the Sooners get their first look at Monday's venue.