Quotable: Coach Stoops Post Practice

MIAMI — Sunday brought much of the same for the Oklahoma Sooners in Miami. Sunshine, warm temps…and football. OU practiced in full pads for just over two hours on the Barry University soccer fields early in the afternoon in preparation for Thursday's Capital One Orange Bowl game against Clemson. And according to head coach Bob Stoops, it was another productive workout. Below are his post-practice comments from his visit with the media.

On quarterback Trevor Knight running scout team:
“He is great. Trevor has been all about the team since he has been here. No one works harder or has the respect of the team like he does. He is doing a great job for us trying to get the defense ready.”

More on Knight:
“It has helped. Just Trevor's experience and running all the QB running plays. He has great legs to do it and directs the other guys really well. He has been a big plus.”

On the team's attitude at practice:
“We feel good about it. The guys have worked hard so far. We have a couple more days, but guys have been great in meetings and in practice. They have been great about it. They did a lot in the weeks leading up, even when we were out recruiting. They got together like they do in the summer, doing some pass skeleton and some pass rush on each other. They have worked hard and hopefully we will be ready.”

On the defensive line:
“This group ranks up there with any of them. All three parts of the defense. The guys up front, the linebacker crew ranks right up there and the secondary is really good, too.”

On the offensive line helping the defensive line improve:
“We feel in everything we do that when we go good against good that we make each other better. That has always been our motto and that's what we try to do. As the offensive line got better, so did they. And I'm sure the defensive line made the offensive line better.”

On producing three-and-outs on defense:
“If you get a three-and-out, in today's game and in any league, it is close to a turnover. It's not because a decent punter is going to change the field position a little bit, but still you give your offense more opportunities. You have to play together. You have to get your three-and-outs, get your turnovers, keep your offense on the field, gain field position and you play the game together that way.”

On if getting a three-and-out early could jump start a team:
“Oh sure. Anytime you can change field position and get someone out early it makes a difference. You just have to complement each other as you go through a game. That is what we have done so well in the past few games.”

On allowing players to fully enjoy the bowl game experience:
“There is time for that in the right way. In fact, tonight they are going over for a beach party and dinner. They will go over for an hour or hour and a half and get to see the beach and get something to eat. They are young guys. They have plenty of time. It is good. A lot of these guys have never been to the beach in Miami. So many of my guys have never stayed at a hotel like we are staying, have never been to Miami or seen the beach or the ocean. For them to have a few hours to do that is a great experience for them.”

On if helping players (like Miami native Ahmad Thomas) get out of tough environments and have experiences like the Orange Bowl is rewarding as a coach:
“Absolutely. Ahmad has been a prince of a guy since he has been here. He has never been on a list for missing a class, never misses an academic appointment and everything he does he does hard. Yeah, he comes from tough means and a tough background, but a great school that wins a lot and wins a lot of championships. He has brought that mindset here. He has done an excellent job. It is rewarding to have a guy come from that and then do so well. “

On Texas A&M quarterback transfer Kyler Murray:
“Saw a whole bunch of tape as a high school player that was great. He also comes from a championship program. What he played at Texas A&M, I thought he did a good job. I think he fits what we are trying to do here.”

Players Mentioned

Trevor Knight

Ahmad Thomas

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics