Four Downs: A Special Day

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma football team enjoyed the weather on Tuesday, practicing outside in unseasonably cool temperatures. Following the day's only practice session, the Sooners got to hang out with Special Olympics athletes and their families. Players and coaches signed autographs and took pictures with their smiling guests.

Afterward, senior linebacker Eric Striker, redshirt sophomore quarterback Cody Thomas and first-year defensive line coach Diron Reynolds stopped to talk about the team's progress.

SENIOR LINEBACKER ERIC STRIKER

1. Which younger players are standing out to you so far?

“Young guys that stood out are Kahlil (Haughton) and Marquise (Overton). (Marquise) is looking really good. They show good signs like they're ready to play already. They don't need that freshman development. They've got it down pat already.”

2. How difficult is it to face the up-tempo offense every day?

“It's been fast. It's been really, really fast. They've been moving, but all that does is help (the defense) out. But it's been really, really fast and we need like a back-up call in the back of our pocket or something to pull out because, man, they're moving fast. It hasn't been easy, I can say that.”

3. How does the defense improve when you and Devante Bond are on the field at the same time?

“We both bring an edge to the team. We've got speed off the ball and we're both physical. No fullback can do anything with us. No tight end can do anything with us, because we have the speed advantage and all of that. So we're a mismatch for a lot of people. We bring that mismatch, we're really aggressive, we're hungry, we're ready to get after it. We're like, 'Man, who's going to get to the quarterback first? Me or you?' We bring that.”

4. Are you excited to get to game week?

“You're out here practicing against your own team, same guys every day, and you don't really get to hit them. So at this point you're ready to knock somebody to the ground and compete. It's college football, and to be out there with the fans is just a good time. I just can't wait. I know everybody else can't wait. We've been out here practicing for a while and we're just ready to go.”

BONUS QUESTION: Did you enjoy interacting with the Speical Olympics athletes and their families after practice today?

“It's really special when they come out here. It's really their time. I think it humbles us and lets us know that everything is not perfect in the world. It's good thing for us and it's good for them to come out. I get a good feeling out of it knowing that we're doing a good deed for others. It's a really positive feeling and makes me feel good inside.”

SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK CODY THOMAS

1. How have your first couple weeks of camp been, and what have you improved on the most?

“They have been good. We have gotten off to a really good start. We made a lot of progress in the spring and then we worked our tails off in 7-on-7s. I think the team is really coming together and is starting to mesh. I've improved my decisiveness and getting the ball out quickly. I know where to go with the ball, and I am confident in it.”

2. How important is tempo to this offense?

“We just started installing our tempo offense. Of course there will be kinks at the beginning of camp and we have been taking things slow, but now we are picking things up and we are starting to look really good out there. The defense can't sub out. So if we have second down and then go to third, they can't bring in a different package for third down. If we go tempo, it puts defenses in a bind and gets them out of position. It is a tough situation for them.”

3. How impressed are you with the pass rush you see in practice every day?

“Those guys coming off the edge are quite a mess. I'm glad I don't have to go against them every Saturday. Those guys force us to get the ball out and move around in the pocket. They make our offensive line better and they just make the whole team better.”

4. How much of a luxury is it to have those tall receivers?

“We've got some young pups who bring a lot of size and physicality to the receiver position and I think that has helped us a lot. I say it helps everywhere on the field.”

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH DIRON REYNOLDS

1. Which players are standing out to you, including any younger guys who may not be pushing for playing time but have still made a good impression?

“(Charles) Tapper. He's the one. He's the guy right now. He's doing all the right things and being a leader. He's making everyone play up to his level, and that's what he needs to continue to do. And Q (Marquise Overton) has done a great job. That's probably a depth situation there where he has two guys in front of him who can really play in (Matt) Romar and (Jordan) Wade. But Q is making really good strides, doing a really good job and making steps in the right direction. He plays hard and is very comfortable.”

2. As a defensive line coach, what are some of the principles you teach to your players?

“Play with intensity. Play hard and let us fix it on tape or fix it on the field. I can't coach how hard you play. You have to be able to bring that yourself. I can fix all the technique and everything else, but you have to be the one to bring that tenacity to the field.”

3. With this personnel you have the versatility to go with a three- or four-man front. How nice is that luxury?

“It's good. It gives me more guys to rotate. If I can be at least two deep in every spot, I'll feel good about rolling anybody in. We've got a couple guys playing outside linebacker who can potentially put their hands down, as well. It gives you a lot of flexibility, and I like that.”

4. What have you taken from your days coaching in the NFL that you share with the college players?

“Probably the preparation. I'm trying to show the guys how meetings should be prepared and I expect the same thing from them -- taking notes down and preparing. From day one it should be Football 101. They should be taking every note and hanging on every word. You're trying to hold each other accountable in the room. That's the same thing they do in the NFL.”

SENIOR LINEBACKER ERIC STRIKER

1. Which younger players are standing out to you so far?

2. How difficult is it to face the up-tempo offense every day?

3. How does the defense improve when you and Devante Bond are on the field at the same time?

4. Are you excited to get to game week?

BONUS QUESTION: Did you enjoy interacting with the Speical Olympics athletes and their families after practice today?

SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK CODY THOMAS

1. How have your first couple weeks of camp been, and what have you improved on the most?

2. How important is tempo to this offense?

3. How impressed are you with the pass rush you see in practice every day?

4. How much of a luxury is it to have those tall receivers?

DEFENSIVE LINE COACH DIRON REYNOLDS

1. Which players are standing out to you, including any younger guys who may not be pushing for playing time but have still made a good impression?

2. As a defensive line coach, what are some of the principles you teach to your players?

3. With this personnel you have the versatility to go with a three- or four-man front. How nice is that luxury?

4. What have you taken from your days coaching in the NFL that you share with the college players?

Players Mentioned

Devante Bond

Marquise Overton

Marquise Overton

Eric Striker

Eric Striker

Cody Thomas

Cody Thomas

Cody Thomas

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics