Spring Practice Notes/Open Post – Wednesday, March 12th (Updated 5:17 pm)

Image from Soonersports.com

– We have a number of notes so from yesterday’s practice, so we’ll pass along the defensive notes first and the offensive notes should be up tomorrow. Also, we are combining the spring notes with the “Open Post.” If you’d rather see these posts separated, please feel free to send us a message or leave a comment below and we will certainly consider it.

– First, we’ll talk about the CBs. It sounds like Zack Sanchez has continued to develop his game. The players did a full pad mini-scrimmage and played some 7-on-7 in which and Zack had two pick 6’s.

– As we mentioned yesterday, Stanvon Taylor was running with the 1’s on the other side. In terms of reps (other than Sanchez), he received the most, then Cortez Johnson, then Dakota Austin.

– Stanvon looked great in press man-coverage. They played a lot of man and pattern match Cover-3 in practice yesterday. Austin also looked fantastic in man-coverage. Dakota’s primary issue was he had some mental breakdowns when they changed the coverage call, but in man coverage he was excellent. Cortez looked comfortable and they clearly trust him with more responsibilities right now. They had him corner blitzing a lot and he was effective.

– Coach Mike was watching the corners like a hawk.  He was very fixated on that position and it seems like the 2nd corner spot, opposite Sanchez, is still open.

– Hatari Byrd was the starting strong safety and Ahmad Thomas was his back up. As of right now, Byrd looks like he would probably hold that spot. Both Thomas and Byrd looked better than expected manning up the slot. Both are big, physical guys. As a matter of fact, there was a collision of epic proportions yesterday. Keith Ford was running the ball on a stretch play and Byrd did NOT shy away from contact! He came down hill and the pads popped. The two collided into each and it was a super hero like explosion. The fact that Byrd was able to strike Ford like that really said something about his physicality.

– Quentin Hayes was of course holding the FS spot, and walk-on Thaddeus LaGrone was playing behind him. Thaddeus looks like he has all the athleticism to play safety, but he’s just not triggering at this point. He’s over-thinking it. Once he gets comfortable and starts to trigger right away he’ll be fine, but right now you can tell he’s still learning the position. Q.Hayes looked good.

– As we’ve also already mentioned, Striker is currently playing Julian Wilson’s nickel back spot, and he looks good out in space. They aren’t really letting him play man just yet. So it’ll be interesting to see how he does if they try that. Right now he’s playing mostly Cover-3 to his side and, as expected, he looks good in zone coverage. The great thing about an elite pass rusher like him playing that spot is that the pre-snap read for a quarterback is incredibly difficult. And OU’s QBs seemed to be having trouble with it yesterday.

– Also, as we’ve mentioned, Geneo Grissom is playing some at the Jack backer position (Striker’s former spot). We aren’t sure if the change is permanent, but it’s clear that Oklahoma is taking it under serious consideration because Geneo played in that spot exclusively yesterday. Additionally, he is working more with Coach Kish and the LBs now, instead of with Coach Jerry and the DL. He’s obviously going to give up some pass rush ability that Eric brings to the table at that spot, but he (Grissom) can set the edge better. He’s great against stretch run plays. And he does have the hips to pass rush from a wide position. On more obvious passing downs though, Geneo would sub out and Striker would take that Jack backer spot.

– Devante Bond is a freak athlete. He had a sack actually. He turned the corner and it was all she wrote. However, he is still learning the position so right now he’s playing a bit out of control. He’s still needs to work on how to not leave vertical or horizontal gaps. Also, he’s still in the process of learning hand placement against the run. The explosiveness is there and he can be a good pass rusher, but he just needs to craft it. It definitely seems like the coaches plan on playing him because they were talking to him after almost every single play.

– The NG position was being manned by Jordan Wade and as our friend, Ace, predicted, the backup NG was redshirt freshman Mathew Romar. Both looked “solid” and were getting pretty good push. They weren’t getting driven out at all. They were mixing up some of the techniques, but we won’t divulge any of that stuff.

– There were some great new blitzes as well, but that’s also something we won’t divulge the details on.

– At the 4i spots, it was Charles Tapper and Chuka Ndulue. And behind them it was Matt Dimon and Charles Walker, respectively. Tapper is just a monster. He looks like he’ll be first team all-conference. Dimon looks good. He’s about the same size, but he looks quicker now. Chuka looks good against the run, but is still somewhat limited in his pass rush ability.

– Walker has so much quickness on his initial step. He didn’t have a great day in terms of his technique, but you can just see how unlimited his potential can be. He has everything you want in an elite DL, he just has to continue to hone his technique.

– Mike Onuoha was coming in for Geneo a little as the Jack backer as well. He looks good, but still playing too high.

– Frank Shannon and Dom Alexander looked good as inside LBs. It’s tough to tell against the run this early into practices, but their fits looked better. Where they really seem to have made a jump is in pass coverage. Jordan Evans has so much potential. Really like what that kid can become.

– The defense in general looked like they were having a GREAT time. Chuka, Tapper and Zack were the most vocal. They were very animated and we heard that there was some trash talk between them and Baker Mayfield (which was all in good FUN). They told Baker, “this isn’t Lubbock anymore…you can’t throw that ball in Norman!” Again, it was all in the spirit of fun and competition. The guys have really embraced Mayfield and he seems to love the team as well.

– Also, would say that for a first practice the defense looked really good. Much better than they did this time last year. It’s really cool seeing them have fun out there and it’s going to be a great selling point for recruits that come watch the defense practice during the spring.

UPDATE (10:33 am): Got word that OU CB offer PJ Mbanasor has officially decommitted from TCU. Mbanasor is a big time talent with all the tools to be a great corner and all the intangibles you look for.

After watching some of the video of one-on-ones during the Rivals camp, I was amazed at how a CB that big could mirror routes that closely without giving almost any space. He’s able to flip back-and-forth so easily and while it’s next to impossible in a scenario like that to stay on top of a route if you mirror that tightly, his length and awareness allow him to stay close enough to prevent any catches on him. Here is some of the video of him from the recent Rivals camp. Most big CBs will give a lot more cushion. I was in awe watching this given just how legitimately big Mbanasor is:

)

UPDATE (5:17 pm): As Leroy mentioned below, Du’Vonta Lampkin has been offered by LSU.

149 Comments

  • Jordan Esco says:

    fwiw, I think the practice notes warrant their own post. If for nothing else so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of an Open Post.

    That said, the kind of info being put out there is unrivaled by every single OU site I frequent on a daily basis.

    Absolutely outstanding work by the Brainiacs, IMO!

    • Jed says:

      If it’s not too much work, probably separate is best. At least that can partially address the annoyance of those who want to keep their football pure (practice notes) vs. the general goofing around (open post).
      My question today: who can tell me anything about Thaddeus LaGrone? I’ve never heard of him (and he’s probably never heard of me, so we’re even on that score).

      • soonerborn says:

        Thaddeus is a good athlete. He hails from Allen, TX. I wathced him play here a lot. I’m sure he has grown some since his days at AHS.

        • Jed says:

          Thanks.

        • Gary Robbins says:

          It shows where signed his LOI with Houston on 2-1-12. He was listed on OU”s roster in 2013 as a freshman. but no statistics that I could find. Was he a walk-on last year and had to sit or what? he has good size-listed as 6-1/192.

      • Mike says:

        He originally committed to Baylor and also had offers from a number of BCS schools like Michigan State, so calling him a walk-on probably gives the wrong impression. Think he’s on scholarship now too. Don’t be surprised if he starts one day.

  • Dlee914 says:

    Thanks for the updates. Great info and this is my daily go to site. Love it!

  • JrsySooner says:

    THANKS GUYS!!!

  • Steve Johns says:

    “O’ Lord it’s hard to be humble”…. Sooner swagger is back folks!

  • JrsySooner says:

    btw what is the deal with DJ Ward..odd we dont hear his name being called this going into his 2nd year.
    Thanks and BOOMER SOONER

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I just think he’s still working off some of the rust. You have to remember, he’s basically been away from the game for the better part of two years.

  • OUknowitscomin says:

    They told Baker, “this isn’t Lubbock anymore…you can’t throw that ball in Norman!”
    Love it. In regards of how much of a family this team has become as noted in yesterdays post, this is great because it will be passed down and last through multiple classes of players. Blake Bell is a huge plus in this factor, of what it means to be a Sooner. Such a difference of attitude from few years ago. Regardless of strength of classes individually, this aspect will have a far greater impact over long haul.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    Ford and Byrd collided yesterday? That explains the earthquake yesterday lol

  • Leroy Jenkins says:

    That was a first class update. Top notch. Seriously, this is by far the best site for OU football and y’all are doing an awesome job.

    Quick question: Any word on how Jordan Phillips is recovering from his back surgery? Will he be seeing the field soon?

    • Billy Jackson says:

      Good question. I was also wondering about the status of D.J. Ward.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        As I said below, Ward is still kind of working the rust off. The coaches like what he brings and he’s a guy who could see some time at DE this year. Progressing well, but being away from the game for that long (basically two years), it’ll take some time to get everything back.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s unlikely Phillips will be out there this spring. His progress has continued to improve and the coaches are very optimistic he’ll be back this summer, but you can’t ever make any assumptions when it comes to back injuries (especially w/ a guy that size & at that position).

      • Leroy Jenkins says:

        Do you think he’ll start the first game of the season, or will the coaches gradually ease him in?

  • Vijay Ravindran says:

    FWIW, I’d encourage the posts to be broken out and not lumped into the Open one, so that aggregators can better send traffic back to your site. For instance, the site I work on Trove (trove.com), has a “Sooner Bred” trove which I curate, and I’ve been highlighting you guys a lot. If any of you are interested in becoming a curator on Trove, reach out to me on Twitter and we’ll hook you up.

  • Guest says:

    I hate to be redundant, but this site is simply redonculous! So the updates and write ups. Great work. Much appreciated. Love the chemistry developing on this team. Bodes well for the coming season. Looking for some payback vs.Texas.

  • Perry Dickey says:

    I am amazed you guys would ask our opinion of what would be better. I would ‘like’ a practice thread of its own, BUT, would understand how going between them and updating an open post and practice post separate would be more time consuming. That being said, please do what ever you feel is in your best interest. In all my years of mining Sooner football I’ve never had the same ‘feel’ for the team as I do every morning I wake with the Brainiacs! p.s. Am I the only one who thinks Esco needs a caricature!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Hey, we’re all about giving the people what they want. Of course we’d ask you all your opinion. Thanks for the input!

  • John says:

    I hate to be redundant but this site is redonculous! The updates and write ups are always spot on. Love the chemistry developing on this team. Bodes well for the coming season. I’m looking for some payback vs.Texas.

    • PLAW0720 says:

      Great site – pure Sooner football. No pre-adolescents trying to punk one another. No off-topic posts that have nothing to do with this Sooner team. Keep up the good work, TFB.

      Only suggestion would be to go into more technique definition at all positions to teach the game to those of us who have not played at the level you have.

      Boomer

  • Sonny Schovanec says:

    I like that look. They ran that look last year against big sets but left Wilson in and played him away from the TE in the Flat Force. Now with Strike playing that look, Geno can move to Strike’s spot and free up a 4i spot to get another war daddy on the filed. I suspect when they are in that look they will play mostly zone or Seattle’s / Carroll’s version of three deep that is a Hybird cover 3 (Zone) / man coverage.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I feel like there will be so many new/different looks this season that Big 12 Qb’s and OC’s will be hitting themselves in the head with clip boards.

    • tforce says:

      Agreed. Please keep commenting. Love your insights.

      OU’s got the position talent to match other teams’ strengths this year with different schemes and player groupings.

      This is why assigning specific scheme names (eg, 3-4, 4-3, 4-3under) are imprecise for the Sooners right now,
      AND why assigning “starting [insert position name]” is also imprecise. Striker is example #1 for this as he will play different role vs different teams.

      Furthermore, I really like the way OU’s coaches went about teaching their schemes to players. Last year, OU was relatively vanilla but ultimately mastered 2-3 schemes.

      With that foundation, this year, the defense will be able to use scheme to challenge offenses at their strength. Good teaching philosophy and execution.

      • Sonny Schovanec says:

        Thanks tforce. I agree with you about OU this coming year tforce. I think they can be about as multiple as they have been in years. Like you suggested Ou has some Hybird type kids that can play muliple positons dictated by different schemes. Not to mention they have a lot of experience. You hate to try and do to much and have them thinking and not playing but if there was ever a Spring to try new / different stuff I agree this would be the one.

  • Zack says:

    Great stuff. No one else gives these kind of updates. Will there be notes from the pro day? Just curious what kind of media access there is for the pro day events?

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Wow (kind of, I guess), apparently Finch put up 22 reps on the bench.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Not like Finch hasn’t always been yoked up, but still that’s impressive for a little dude like him. Really want to see his forty time.

  • JY says:

    Posts like this makes me a fan of our site. Big ups on the info guys. Great work!

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Who are good comps (past OU players?) for Byrd and Jordan Evans?

  • Hollerback says:

    I hope the cover 3 is backing up blitzes. I think it would give up too many short passes easily against a spread team.

    • Super K says:

      I understand the concern but the coverage is split and its match man on the zone side.

    • Sonny Schovanec says:

      If it’s like what the SEAHAWKS do in their Cover 3, It’s not like the classic three deep zone. It looks like press man coverage on the corners on the outside wr’s as long as the wr’s path / route is straight down field / verticle. All the underneath players drop to their zones. If the outside wr runs an inside route / dissapers inside the corner keeps bailing to his deep zone, if the outside wr stays verticle it’s press man. . Carroll’s version provides advantages of three deep zone, middle zone FS, SS rolled up in run support, etc.. W/O CONCEDING THE UNDERNEATH THROWS.

    • Sonny Schovanec says:

      http://espngrantland.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/4-3-under-flex-cover-3.gif
      great look here. Notice Sherman at the top looks like he’s in press man. Top safety has middle third, see the flat player working underneath. The bottom safty rolling to flat force. I know it looks like man free but it isn’t. If the outside wr runs inside Sherman keeps dropping to his third.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Unfortunately, Dom Whaley pulled a hammy during his second forty attempt at today’s Pro Day.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Forty times from today’s Pro Day:

    Drew Allen – 4.68 (at 6’5″ 233 lbs)
    Lacoltan Bester – 4.65
    Beau Blankenship – 4.47
    Brennan Clay – 4.64
    Kass Everett – 4.69
    Roy Finch – 4.44
    Brannon Green – 5.06
    Bronson Irwin – 5.20
    Gabe Lynn – 4.58
    Corey Nelson – 4.64
    Jaz Reynolds – 4.56
    Dom Whaley – 4.59
    Austin Woods – 6.03

  • White Goodman says:

    Great stuff guys…really fun to hear about. It sounds like the offense is getting a taste of the best defense they’ll face all year. I would also guess the offense will see more improvement over the spring as they are breaking in new skill guys.
    I would prefer the practice report separate; it deserves it’s own stage. Either way, quality stuff.

  • nate g says:

    Are you sure Hayes is playing FS? It would surprise me to see this switch for a couple reasons.

    • tforce says:

      Historically, SS vs FS nomenclature don’t mean much for OU.

      • nate g says:

        In the early 00s I’d agree, but in the last half dozen years OU has put an emphasis at having a a run force at FS, and a SS with pure cover skills. Due to spread.

        • Sonny Schovanec says:

          With all due respect nate g based on the above practice report and most terminology Ive been around you have it backwards. The Free safety is the middle of the field, Center fielder or deep middle player in Man Free and Cover 3 respectively. Q Hayes is playing free and Hatari / Ahmad playing Strong. There is no doubt between those players that Q hayes is the better cover guy and Hatari and Ahmad being the better run stoppers at saftey. So I would assume OU personnels there safety’s much like most defenses do. Now if the team runs two high safety’s be it cover 2 (halves) or 2 man ( man under two deep zone ) then those safeties are pretty interchangeable like tforce suggests.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            In a 3 stroke sec the difference between Free and Strong are huge. Free having deep middle, Strong rolls to Flat Force of has Man Under in Man Free. In a two stroke sec they share the same responsibilities. Quarters in 4, Deep halves in cover 2 or 2 man.

          • Todd says:

            Sonny, can you explain Flat Force? I’m assuming the flat is something like the area between the Offensive Tackle and the sidelines within about 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. But, I’m not following the Force part. And I’ve never heard of 2 or 3 stroke either. Thanks for your input, I’m learning a lot! (watched forever, never played, much less coached)

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Flat force is the player who has the flats in zone coverage and is the force player. Force being the defensive player in charge of containing the rb on the outside run game.. Force being the edge player against the outside run game.

          • Todd says:

            thanks

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Sometimes it’s hard to assume what player is the force player w/o knowing the coverage. For instance in Cover two the Tampa two style the corners are the flat force players.

          • nate g says:

            OU’s base “3” has been FS 1/3, SS midlde 1/3, and field corner 1/3. Boundary corner often in press.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Boundary corner Press what? I know OU lined their corners up by boundary and field with Coach V. what do you mean by the Corner plays Press to the boundary?

          • nate g says:

            Whether you call your corners “boundary/field”, “strong/weak”, “left/right” is irrelevant in my discussion. As long as the ball isn’t dead center in the field, there will always be a boundary and field side.

            OU gives that boundary (usually weak) corner the flat. Nickel plays field (usually strong) and takes the other flat.

            We call it cloud at BHS. Not sure what Stoops does. In this case weak corner has flat.

            In 2012, when Tony Jefferson played FS, you should go look at some of the ridiculous assignments they were giving him. Basically asking him to play 2 positions (Will/Free) at times.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            He’s a flat player, makes sense. so when the ball is in the middle of the field who has the flat force that the Boundary corner had if let’s say they are playing 3? Also why did OU decide to switch or call their free and Strong differently? Since your in the know all things OU football does OU still determine corner alignment boundary and field?

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Glad things were simple in my day Sonny. I had the third with the play away and if it came my way I had the flat/run support with a safety rolling behind me. Pretty simple. Seems there’s a lot to learn now days.

          • JJ says:

            Amen. I’ll just save my b*tchin for whichever safety I deem unable to cover my mother

          • nate g says:

            You’re a good man, Sonny. But OU has played it differently ever since the Nic Harris era. They are using the SS as the centerfielder much more.

          • nate g says:

            Remember, Hayes played SS last year (Lynn FS). Colvin and J Nelson also have started at SS in the past. OU wants corner-esque SSs in the Big 12, due to who is being lined up in the slot.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Hey OU may term their safeties different from everyone else. Most everyone calls their cover safety. deep middle guy free and their run flat force safety Strong. If OU doesn’t then so be it.

          • nate g says:

            OU doesn’t. And so be it. Like I said. They switched it up in the late 00s.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Huh? Like you said?? nate posted that.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            We will just agree to disagree then.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            If that’s the case then why is Hartari and Thomas playing SS Q hayes playing Free? Look if OU calls the free their Flat Force and Strong their center fielder or Middle third player then their the only one that calls it that way. Why would teams call it man Free then? If the Strong is their middle fielder or middle third player why not call it man Strong. Nevermind.

          • Doobie74OU says:

            Sonny I think your right in your eveluation but I think in the past couple years OU coaches did switch up there safty reponsibilities. I remebered this article from last year about Hayes

            http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1541457
            The article says “Hayes is listed as the Sooners top strong safety; a position left vacant by
            former Sooner Javon Harris, a position where defending deep passes is the job
            description.” I think this is opposite of a lot of teams but I’m with JJ I’ll yell “FOR” whoever does good no matter what that call him and I’ll yell “AT” whoever lets somebody get by them deep. For what it is worth I think Hayes will be playing deeper and in pass covage more and Byrd will be playing closer to the line in run support and defending the Flat/RB/TE whatever they call their positions. IMO!

          • nate g says:

            That’s why I’m guessing Byrd and Thomas are playing FS and Hayes is still at his SS spot. Like last year. Unless Stoops has revamped things. Possible.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            If OU calls personnel’s their Strong and Free like you say then the above article is wrong by TFB’s. They have Hatari, Ahmad and Q Hayes positions flipped. A lot of the discussion was based on the article above. I haven’t been to an OU clinic practice in a very long time as you can tell.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            http://www.sportscomet.com/Football-American/79170.htm
            Difference between Free and Strong

          • nate g says:

            I think we are all familiar with the traditional safety roles. Free being centerfield and Strong being your 8th box player. This is very OU specific.

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            “this is very OU specific” that’s all you needed to say.

          • nate g says:

            Sonny, that is not the way OU bases their “3”. Sorry boss!

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Let’s say the ball is in the middle of the field. The Strong has deep middle in 3?? If so what are the FS’s responsibility?

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Sonny, maybe my coffee isn’t working this morning but if the “strong” moves to the deep middle, doesn’t that make him the FS by default?

          • Sonny Schovanec says:

            Ray I guess OU’s safety terminology is different then most. If what nate says is true and I have no reason to question what he says is true or not then whoever wrote the above report has what Safety postions Q Hayes and Hatari / Thomas playing is backwards.

  • tforce says:

    RE: PJ Mbanasor
    I understand his interest in OU.
    Has he stated who leads now?
    Does he have a timetable now?
    Is he qualified academically?
    Good news.

    • Gary Robbins says:

      For what it’s worth 247 Sports has him 100% for OU. Also Stanley “Scrappy” Norman, 4* wr/ath has OU along with UCLA as his top 2. Scrappy Norman could be storming in Norman.

    • Gary Robbins says:

      Recent news about Ykili Ross, Riverside, Ca. 4* cb/wr with 4.4 speed @ 6-2/185. He has been discussed on this site by the TFB crew, I think. Anyway I read that he grew up listening to the Sooners on radio with his Grandpa, No OU offer,yet.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Have to think we offer a 6’2″-185 corner with great speed! It would be criminal not to right? This is the best and worst part about this site! We hear about all these great recruits and start getting emotionally attached a year from NSD! LOL!

      • Super K says:

        Ykili has an OU offer.

        • Gary Robbins says:

          Sorry my bad. I was looking at 247 Sports under wide receiver but they had him listed under cb.

  • tforce says:

    Sanchez has nothing to prove to me in coverage. He was excellent even though teams tried to pick on him.
    His growth needs occur in run support and tackling after the catch. OU’s relatively undersized corners in the past (Strait, Franks) were at least competent and sometimes great (Strait).
    Kansas ran right at him and forced him to tackle, and in the first half, he had a rough time.

  • j l says:

    Is there any chance at all we get parker and byrd on the field at the same time? I know they both occupy the same role, but do you really sit parker for hayes?

    • SoonerPhins says:

      Parker has not even stepped on campus or played a Down in College football.. Lets give it some time before we just hand him the job

      • j l says:

        considering hayes is a senior, and his backup is a walk on, id say its a valid question. In 2015, do you play a walk on at FS and let a top 100 player sit because its not his natural position?

        Not trying to hand him anything, just looking towards the future, as we dont have a reliable man at that spot after this year.

  • territorysooner says:

    10:33 pm? 😉

    • Jordan Esco says:

      haha, good catch. s/b fixed now.

      • Gary Robbins says:

        Reading from another source. Bronson Irwin 30 reps on bench press, Corey Nelson 23, Dom Whaley 25. Sorry I’m not smart enough to get a picture. But you know me it’s too close to “Happy Hour” time to go and thanks for all the info this site comes up with. Some of these posters lose me on their formations and explanations. I had a high school coach that tried a TE reverse flea flicker? He was a great offensive coach but on defense it was just tackle the guy with the football!!!

  • Guest says:

    Shots Fired lol

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Think things aren’t changing at OU. Remember it was just a couple years ago people were saying Bob Stoops was stuck! The Program was stagnate and he hated changes, especially in his coaching stuff. Now a few years later and a few assistant coaching changes later. OU is on a up swing. And how many coaches do you know that take a guy that was one of if not the most disruptive guys on either defense in the Sugar Bowl and just a couple months later have the guts to say to themselves “I think we will try Stricker at Nickel even though he was a dominate Pass Rusher from the OLB spot last year, and even though Grissom had his best game as a Sooner ever in the Sugar Bowl we are going to try him at OLB!” This coaching staff is all about being Multiple in its looks and putting the best 11 on the field every play. I”M READY FOR THIS SEASON TO BEGIN!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Full disclosure – I was one of those people.

      • Eric Hoffpauir says:

        You might have even been right!

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Everybody was to some extent! LOL! And it was true to some extent! It wasn’t that big of a stretch to bring Mike back but when he moved on from several long time coaches and friends(aka Shipp, Patton, Kittles) he showed he was serious about taking OU back to the mountain top! I not one of those that predicts championships, but I will say this is how you win them! Make the needed changes no matter how hard they are and strive for PERFECTION everyday! My dad always told me that there was nothing wrong with striving for perfection as long as you could life with doing your best! Try to do everything perfect, give it your best and you can always live with the outcome!

      • lebval15 says:

        i was too. and was reasonably loud about it.

      • pitbull17 says:

        Me too.

      • leatherneck1061 says:

        You were not alone my friend.

      • SoonerGoneEast says:

        I tried telling you guys not to worry that Stoops had it under control.
        😉

    • ND52 says:

      I remember people wanting Switzer gone after a stretch of mediocrity in the early 80’s. After that though? Wow!

  • jgwen says:

    Thank, what great updates; absolute must/daily read. Really hoping that Ahmad Thomas steps up this year to challenge for playing time. Great kid from tough part of Miami (FL not OK, lol). Thanks again,

  • Leroy Jenkins says:

    Noticed that LSU offered Du’Vonta Lampkin today. He’s gonna start getting some more attention after that Rivals camp performance last weekend.

    Not worried about him honestly, just wanted to share the news.

  • Mike Reed says:

    I noticed in a video of a practice that Blake Bell was in a blue jersey working with the QB’s. At the end of this video..
    http://www.soonersports.com/mediaPortal/player.dbmlDB_OEM_ID=31000&id=3221655&db_oem_id=31000

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Man, I wish someone would’ve have been filming Byrd and Ford colliding!

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Not sure if this was posted yesterday; from Tony Nicholson’s brother, I think.
    Not much but still cool to watch:

    http://instagram.com/p/laruXcH3IH/#

  • Tulsa Terry says:

    You guys have me to the point that I want to see the defense on the field instead of waiting to get the ball back. I’ve learned more about defense in 2 weeks here than decades of game watching. My sincerest gratitude for your efforts.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Wow,the short horns have really gone down hill!

  • JJ says:

    Gotta feeling this is gonna be the loooongest spring & summer ever….