The Spring Hurry-Up: Volume 4

NORMAN – As the spring game approaches on Saturday, the Oklahoma football team continues practice and workouts in preparation for the 2026 season. The fourth edition of SoonerSports.com's spring Q&A series "The Hurry-Up" features junior defensive back Michael Boganowski, redshirt senior offensive lineman E'Marion Harris and freshman linebacker Dane Bathurst. Spring game tickets can be purchased here.

Michael Boganowski on the OU practice field during 2026 spring practice.

DB Michael Boganowski

What was your favorite play from last season?
"I'd probably say the stop against Missouri right before halftime. That was a big play in the game. We really needed it, and to come up on the right side of it was amazing."

What is one thing you're working to improve for next season?
"Being more of a vocal leader – coming out of my shell and taking on that role. Also continuing to improve my footwork."

What has been your favorite road or neutral-site stadium you've visited at OU?
"My favorite win was definitely at Alabama, but for stadium atmosphere, I'd say Tennessee. That place was crazy."

Which professional athlete at your position is your favorite?
"Derwin James Jr., even though he's more of a nickel. I also like Kyle Hamilton, and if we're talking big hitters, Sean Taylor."

What is your favorite thing to do away from football/school?
"Just chill and spend time with my guys, talking about whatever we have going on outside of football."

What is your favorite sport to watch?
"Growing up, I watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Cubs."

Name something you do every single day, no matter what else happens.
"Get treatment in the training room. Prehab, rehab – everything. You've got to stay on top of your body."

Why do you wear your jersey number?
"I liked Ryan Clark, who wore No. 25. He was a hard hitter, so there's some connection there."

Do you have any secret talents?
"I can do a backflip."

What do you like most about head coach Brent Venables?
"His passion and energy. It spreads throughout the whole program and makes you want to go harder every day."

What do you like most about safeties coach Brandon Hall?
"The biggest thing Coach Hall has taught me is how to think. When I came in, I was raw, but over the past three years he's really taught me the game and situational football."

E'Marion Harris Clapping during a drill during 2026 spring football practice on OU's practice field.

OL E'Marion Harris

Why did you choose to come to OU?
"Coach Venables and Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh. When they talked to me, it felt like they were speaking life into me. They brought faith into every conversation, and that's the kind of environment I wanted to be in."

What is one thing you're working to improve for next season?
"Being more physical and improving my pass protection."

Which professional athlete at your position is your favorite?
"Tyron Smith. Growing up a Cowboys fan, I also watched Zack Martin a lot."

What is your favorite thing to do away from football/school?
"Play video games – Madden, NBA 2K and Call of Duty."

What is your favorite pro sports team and why?
"The Dallas Cowboys and the Golden State Warriors."

What is your favorite meal/dish?
"Baked chicken and rice with gravy – either cream of mushroom or cream of chicken—and some green beans."

Name something you do every single day, no matter what else happens.
"Pray. I've got to wake up and pray every day."

Why do you wear your jersey number?
"I switched to No. 76 in high school when my brother wore 64. I've stuck with it ever since."

Do you have any secret talents?
"I'm very flexible for a big guy."

What do you like most about head coach Brent Venables?
"His energy. He walks into a room and lights it up – that's someone you want to be around."

What do you like most about offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh?
"Coach Bedenbaugh pushes you to be your best every day. He knows how good you can be and works to bring that out of you."

Dane Bathurst runs a drill against sled dummy during 2026 spring football practice on the OU practice field.

LB Dane Bathurst

Why did you choose to come to OU?
"I chose it for many reasons. One of the reasons was that I wanted to be developed. I've only played a little bit of football, and I thought OU could develop me the best out of all my options."

What is your favorite thing about Norman so far?
"The people. Our whole team is so close – we're just a group of brothers, and that's something I really look for in a team. Just having a good bond between the guys, and we have that here. That's something I love."

What is one thing you're working to improve for next season?
"I'm really just improving my whole craft. I'm trying to be as fluid as possible and learn from the upperclassmen. They have a lot of knowledge, and I'm just trying to go day by day, focusing on one thing at a time. It's not just one main thing – it's my whole craft. Learning from guys like Kip Lewis and Cole Sullivan, they have such a good body of work and great habits. Just being around them and seeing how they do things is something I look forward to."

Which professional athlete at your position is your favorite?
"Robert Mathis. He's actually one of the coaches I've trained with, and I admire him a lot. He has a ton of knowledge, and it's very eye-opening."

What is your favorite thing to do away from football/school?
"I like to sleep. I like to play Fortnite, and I do like to color a little bit. Just be on my phone and chill. I also like building Lego sets – Marvel edition."

What is your favorite pro sports team and why?
"I have two: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning."

What is your favorite meal/dish?
"I like a good medium-rare filet steak with mashed potatoes from my mom, and a little bit of homemade fudge for dessert."

Name something you do every single day, no matter what else happens.
"Study. Be consistent. I try to watch film every day – that's something I always do."

Do you have any secret talents?
"I can backflip. I'm also a water guy – I like surfing, wake surfing, skimboarding. Anything to do with the water, that's my thing."

What do you like most about head coach Brent Venables?
"He's going to keep it real with you. There's never a point where he's satisfied, and that's something I like because it pushes me to improve every day. He's always going to give you feedback – you're never perfect, and he'll let you know that. I really respect how honest he is and how he helps you fix things at the root. If you don't fix it, that's on you."

What do you like most about inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling?
"My favorite thing about Coach Dreiling is that he's not only a coach, he's also like a dad, so he can relate to you off the field. If you're doing something wrong, he's not always going to scream at you – he finds a way to get his point across, whether that's being tough or more laid-back. He does a great job communicating and making sure you understand what needs to be fixed."

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DB Michael Boganowski

OL E'Marion Harris

LB Dane Bathurst

Players Mentioned

Dane Bathurst

Michael Boganowski

E'Marion Harris

Kip Lewis

Cole Sullivan

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics