Sooner Report: "We're Back!"

Sooners Retake the Field

Oklahoma's offensive players sported black jerseys instead of their traditional crimson-colored practice uniforms. The defense wore black shorts and socks. The entire team also wore black undershirts with a white OU log and the simple message OUNITED. The speakers were pulsating with AC/DC's classic anthem, “Back in Black,” as the Sooners retook the practice field on Monday at the University of Oklahoma.

“It signifies their (the team's) strong message that they want to send, really across the country,” head coach Bob Stoops indicated after practice. “They realize that this isn't just an issue on our campus. They know from talking to their friends across the country that there are different incidents. Hopefully it (racism) can be stopped. It's just their way of putting it in peoples' minds. I think they've done a really good job of it.”

Stoops indicated that the Sooners will be in full pads for Wednesday's practice and are scheduled to conduct a practice of approximately 60 plays on Saturday. The head coach indicated that the team will likely add a Saturday practice to the schedule on April 4 and could potentially add another practice after the OU Spring Game on April 11.

Cooks Among New Coaches Making Debuts on Owen Field

Under gorgeous conditions on Monday, the Sooners conducted the team portion of practice on Owen Field, marking the first opportunity for several new members of the coaching staff to make their debuts on that sacred turf.

One of those new Sooners was defensive backs coach, Kerry Cooks, one of several respected coaching veterans added to the Oklahoma staff. The Sooners just may have the perfect coaching recipe in the secondary with Kerry Cooks, who owns a litany of pupils who have gone on to play in the NFL ranks.

“This time right now we get a lot more between meetings and on the field,” said Stoops of Cooks' ability to work with his new defensive backs. “He's doing a great job with them.”

Cooks, who arrived from Notre Dame, has gained credibility quickly with his players as a former All-Big Ten safety at Iowa. He brings in diverse perspective after being part of teams that earned bowl berths at Minnesota, Wisconsin and Notre Dame. In total, Cooks has coached in 10 bowl games (five straight at Notre Dame), including the 2012 BCS National Championship, for which he served as the Fighting Irish's co-defensive coordinator.

Cooks himself played in four bowl games with the Hawkeyes. His experience has also translated into great success for his players. Five of his DBs at Notre Dame were NFL Draft picks: Harrison Smith (1st round in 2012-Minnesota), Robert Blanton (5th round in 2012 – Minnesota), Jamoris Slaughter (6th round in 2013 – Cleveland), Zeke Motta (7th round in 2013 – Atlanta), and Bennett Jackson (6th round in 2014 – N.Y. Giants).

“I'm excited that Kerry will be working with all those safeties that are now a year older, and they'll be a year better,” Stoops added.

Cooks' defensive resume is sound. Notre Dame consistently boasted one of the nation's best pass defenses under Cooks' tutelage. The Fighting Irish were tied for 15th amongst FBS teams, forcing 16 interceptions in 2014. In 2013, his Notre Dame defense ranked 15th in pass defense (198.2 ypg). And in 2012, they tied for sixth for touchdown passes allowed (11), holding offenses to 199.8 passing yards per game, a figure that ranked 25th in the nation.

Cooks' philosophies will be a wonder to see with the talented secondary that OU touts in players like Zack Sanchez who was a consensus All-Big 12 First Team choice last season after he tied for first in conference and ninth amongst FBS schools with six interceptions.

“He brings a lot of energy and a lot of professionalism,” said Sanchez of his new position coach. “That's his big thing-'We have to be professional about everything we do on and off the field.' So I think that's going to help us with football and along with life just being a young man and growing every day.”

Steven Parker also looks to make great strides under Cooks' tutelage after a strong freshman campaign. His 31 tackles and six pass breakups earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention as the Defensive Freshman of the Year from the coaches.

“He is very passionate about our skillset and he's a technician,” said Parker of Cooks. “We're just trying to get back to the old 'DB-U' concept. We're all just trying to fight for a spot.”

With a slew of young incoming secondary-talent that Stoops considers one of the best classes he's seen, Cooks will have his hands full.

“Kerry's an excellent coach and I anticipate them making really good improvement,” Stoops said.