Image via OU Football Facebook
– Team Note | Secondary: In yesterday’s Open Post we mainly addressed the linebackers and wide receivers, but there have been a few questions about how/who the secondary was rotating thus far. We mentioned the other day Zack Sanchez has been dealing with some back pain, so Stanvon Taylor was taking reps with the 1’s (I’m not sure what Sanchez’s current status is, but we’ll check on it). To no one’s surprise I’m sure, Jordan Thomas was taking the starting reps on the other side. Behind Taylor and Thomas are newcomer Will Johnson and junior Dakota Austin.
On the back end, I’m told Hatari Byrd is working exclusively at the free safety position. With Steven Parker at the nickel, and Ahmad Thomas at strong safety. When there are only four defensive backs on the field in the base defense, Parker moves to strong safety (similar to what OU did with Quentin Hayes last year). In addition to corner on the outside, Will Johnson is also taking reps at nickel behind Parker. – (Super K)
– Dede Westbrook: This has obviously been out there from a number of people, Stoops predominantly among them, but we continue to hear rave reviews regarding the former JUCO wideout. Have been told he and Sterling Shepard (shocking, I know) are just giving OU defenders absolute fits in practice. Apparently Westbrook is extremely quick in and out of his cuts. – (Super K)
– Team Note | New Coaches, New Year, New Attitude: I got some interesting notes this morning about the overall attitude of the coaches and players I found to be positive and rather interesting. I know many of you are filled with a healthy dose of skepticism, which I understand, but I personally love to hear stuff like the following:
* I don’t want to name the name but apparently there was a player who has been a starter for a while, and is certainly expected to be one next year, that wasn’t giving the kind of effort the coaches expect. It seems he felt entitled to the starting job. My source even went so far as to tell me under the staff last year, the starting spot may have indeed been the player’s regardless of their effort. But apparently during the first week of spring ball the coaches told him they would literally put him on scout team if he didn’t pick it up. Apparently the coaches made the threat with enough seriousness the player took it to heart, and I’m told that he is now “working his a** off.”
* I was also told the team leadership is on a different level, and there has been a concerted effort by the coaches to identify potential leaders and emphasize their roles within the team. In fact, I was told the team leaders have been taking their responsibilities so seriously that many times when a player is slacking off, it’s not a coach that reprimands the player but instead it’s one of their fellow teammates.
* Related to the two notes above, I’ve also been told the new coaches have no favorites and there is a real sense that anyone can earn a spot. Which, to me, is absolutely critical and was always something you’d hear emphasized about somebody like Pete Carrol’s USC teams for example. Week-to-week, players were given the sense they had to continually earn their positions. Competition is a good thing. – (Super K)
– Dallis Todd: We mentioned yesterday that Todd has been rotating with the first team offense, and we got word he apparently had an amazing catch during Wednesday’s practice. Todd is starting to really stretch the field as he gets more and more comfortable in the new offense. His combination of speed and length is starting to translate into production on the practice field. – (Super K)
– Trevor Knight & Baker Mayfield: We continue to be told Knight is looking better and better in practice. But what I find to be much more interesting is the fact we’ve been told with each practice, the OU coaches have been loosening the reigns a bit and letting Knight use his feet and athleticism more and more.
However, we’re still hearing Mayfield appears overall to be the most comfortable quarterback in Riley’s system, due in large part of course to his familiarity with and previous experience in it. – (Super K)
– Samaje Perine & Joe Mixon: Got an awesome note from a source yesterday about both Perine and Mixon. Was told there are times when the OU coaches have both lined up in the backfield at the same time! Probably shouldn’t come as a surprise necessarily, but the thought of those two freaks on the field at the same time with all the versatility, size, power, elusiveness, etc. they bring…scary, scary, scary.
The more you really look at the potential threats that could emerge with this offense, the more it makes me think if Riley really is the offensive genius it would seem he is OU’s offense could be something special. – (Super K)
– Casey Thompson: Last year Southmoore QB Casey Thompson, younger brother of former Sooner Kendal Thompson, came onto the seen as a standout freshman QB. So much so that he led a freshman and sophomore dominated Southmoore squad to a bid in the 6A playoffs. They lost to eventual champ Jenks, but the state was officially put on notice.
Thompson played the last several games with an ankle injury that eventually required surgery. But he’s finally getting back and will be ready for the start Southmoore’s spring practice. The interesting thing about Thompson is, as a 2018 kid, he’s already garnering attention from some of the top programs in the country. Florida State, Kansas State, TCU and Oklahoma are just some of the schools that have started to show interest in the young and talented QB prospect. As a matter of fact, Thompson says he is “very close” with OU’s head man, Bob Stoops.
Thompson has plans to attend an OU practice and the Red/White game and told me he he can’t wait to meet OU’s new offensive coordinator, Lincoln Riley. Thompson says, “he (Riley) seems like a good QB coach. That’s why I want to meet him and the new staff members.” Thompson will have a busy summer with plans to attend camps at OU, FSU, & TCU for now. And he was also invited to one of the Elite 11 camps. An impressive feat for a kid that doesn’t graduate unit 2018. – (Brandon)
* On a related note I just wanted to mention how loaded Southmoore is with talent right now. They have Thompson and stud offensive lineman Brey Walker in the 2018 class. Both will be recruited by just about everyone in the country. In the 2017 class they have ATH Gervarrius Owens and defensive back Quindon Lewis. Owens is coming on, and Lewis is a long defensive back who is already getting looks from major D-I schools, including Florida State. In the 2016 class Southmoore also has an excellent defensive line prospect in Noah Jones, who is a long, athletic kid and recently picked up an offer from Kansas State. Jones is also hearing from a number of other schools, including Oregon. – (Brandon)
– UPDATE (Sun., 4:43 pm): A source has informed me that Jordan Smallwood has torn his ACL. The injury appears to have happened this past week. – (Super K)
456 Comments
We need moar OKies
They need to go get Maurice Chandler and Chris Baccus IMO 🙂 Both Okies and both are bad dudes!
Agreed, like I said in a previous thread, they need to secure those guys early. Then they can focus on some of the out of state prospects
How often does the state of OK produce talented LB’s like Baccus? Not very often. Plus it’s been a huge position of need the last couple years. Absolutely mindboggling we have not offered yet. I think we’d have a great chance to sign him
I like that safety rotation…
No different from last year really, other than Hayes of course. But I’m just not sold on Thomas, especially w/ the weight he put on. Not like that’s going to make him any faster and/or better in coverage. Hope I’m wrong and it “clicks” for him if he’s the guy they ultimately go w/, but I can’t help but be skeptical.
Have a feeling one of the Freshman will beat out Thomas come summer
I like that parker has taken the main SS roll & that Johnson is the mix.. If Thomas struggles early Johnson could be a good fall back..
Yeah I’m already seeing a lesser role for Thomas with Parker moving to SS when there are 4 DB’s.
I hope they try Will Johnson at Safety, I’d like to see him play there instead of Ahmad Thomas, who is to slow imo
I’m not so sure about it. A Thomas got burned quite a bit last year so I’d like to see a change there.
I think one of the true freshmen Haughton, Sunderland or McKinney might work their way into the rotation by years end. I just see a lot of real talent coming in this year.
Mixon and Perine in the backfield at the same time? LAWD HAVE MERCY
Reminds of the days of thunder n lightning back at Auburn.
Entitlement. Pretty obvious last season. Nobody’s job should be safe.
As much as they preached earning the job last year I thought that was how it was.
Coaches always preach it but it’s rare for that message to be authentic. It sounds like this year there is more authenticity in that regard.
Well if it’s not authentic when they preach it over and over then why would we believe anything they ever say?
I wouldn’t be disappointed if every returning starter from 2014 was demoted …..
Not sure if Perine ever actually started, but I’d make an exemption for him.
Only if you believed them. As much as they may want to sometimes, the old have a hard time with change. The new coaches give everyone a chance to be equal and evaluated as such. These are all good things.
Back in the day If a starter got jumped it just meant you now have depth. We don’t really see that as much in our program.
I think a lot of that falls on Stoops’ own stubbornness but this year his seat is the warmest it’s ever been and that alone means we’re going to see a man out of his comfort zone. Which could be good. I hope he starts wearing more rings, or like boat shoes and no socks or some sh*t like that.
Side note: If Heupel was still at the helm we’d have no chance of landing Thompson. That family doesn’t like him at all. Heupel showed up to Kendall’s birthday party and tried to recruit Casey and this was after Kendall was transferring. Charles was pissed… This kid is going to be a stud, and I’d hate to let an in-state kid with this much talent get away, but he loves Oregon.
Was thinking the same thing.
If Bob got rid of Heupel last year Riley’s head would have exploded with the possibilities of having Knight and Bell on the field. Even though Blake had a lot of success I think things could have been way better.
I have said all along that I believe Trevor Knight could still be the starter this year. I think whatever Heupel was doing produced the exact same lack of improvement in LJ, BB, and TK.
Just think about Boykin in 2013 vs Boykin in 2014. All that changed was a new OC and all of a sudden he came on and TCU was an offensive Juggernaut.
Another thing to consider, if TK does earn the starting spot… surely the couches would feel more comfortable turning him loose to run if Mayfield was available should he get hurt.
I’m not sure if it was Heupel or it it’s just Trevor but too much seems to be based on timing with little to no feel of the actual game being played, or routes being ran.
But when it comes to the QB position I have faith in Riley, so I would be totally OK with Trevor gaining starting status. Then again, that announcement would make TFBs unbearable for a little while.
Just win baby.
Im just glad to hear that theres no favoritism this year. Whoever is the best QB will be the guy thats in there plain and simple. If it turns out to be TK no one should gripe because the coaches know who can ( or cant ) do the job better than any of us.
I would be ok with never seeing Knight again as starting qb. Hope he becomes a career backup!
He (TK) just never learned about reading the LB on certain routes. Three pick sixes and nearly a fourth!
manning 4 picks in AFC champ game. couple were 6’s. guess he was cut.
Manning has a track record of overwhelming success, TK, ah, not so much.
You have to start somewhere. Also, manning didn’t run their offense, manning ran his offense. He’s been in the same offense forever. I wouldn’t say JH had a system that will last. Again, if you read my comments, I don’t care who starts but people who expect a 20 yr old QB to be great is not thinking right. I know from personal experience in the stands and its brutal. QB throws pic 6 then he comes back in to 3 TDs but all you hear is well, he threw a pic 6. Yea, but he also threw for over 300 and had 3 TDs and team won by 30.
A Qb must be a manager, not just an administrator. Under Heupel, the Qb was an administrator. He had no authority to change things, just administer the play calling process. Under Riley, the Qb will manage the team, in other words make decisions.
JMO!! But I think that’s what a team needs. Not just for the coaches to correct you but for your teammates to scold you as well. Just look at last year you seen the coaches arguing with players and vice versa and coaches arguing with coaches. But you very rarely seen the players scolding their teammates. To me that’s when a player puts in more effort is when a teammate is on you. That’s your brother and you really don’t want to let family down so it makes you step up your game!!! But like I said this is just my opinion.
So is Westbrook playing mostly on the inside or outside? Hope its inside, I would think he and shepard on the inside would be a very very deadly combo
Based on what K said yesterday, I got the impression is was mostly outside. I think Shep & Andrews have been the 1st team inside WRs
hope he plays more slot receiver, would be major problem in there with Shep.
But id guess he plays both, with Andrews playing inside on some formations and westbrook outside
fwiw, I think they will move both of those guys around btwn inside & outside.
I’ve never specifically asked but I think they play him at both. They’ve been moving guys around a lot…inside and out.
ok makes sense
Offense has all the pieces in place to be extremely explosive. Now if we can just find a darn QB that can throw the freakin football accurately
The QB’S actually have a coach that will push them to be the best they can. Lincoln is not an OU National Championship QB. Who feels like he is entitled to do as he pleases. He knows he better produce or it will cost him his job!!!!
Thanks for the fine reports! My concern (carried over from last year) is the other side of the coin for your praise of the receivers – “… giving OU defenders absolute fits in practice.” I worry about crediting OUr offense when it is going against OUr defense.
I know exactly what youre saying and that is my concern as well but you do have to consider that Shepard gave every DB he faced fits last year ( prior to his injury ) and Westbrook DOES appear to be the real deal.
Anyway we’ll find out about our DBs soon enough.
the offense would really be benefitted by Quick taking the slot receiver position from Shepard…Better overall speed….
So are you wanting Shepard benched?
if somebody has the same consistency and more speed—whatever helps the offense become more productive………
Quick hasn’t shown the same consistency as Shephard. No one on the roster has…
If someone has the came consistency and more speed than Shepard, they are an All-American and 1st rd pick. Any offense benefits from guys like that.
Cool, lets put in a guy that hasn’t proven he can catch the ball consistently in instead of a potential all-american, sounds like a winning formula.
So bench our all-American WR for a receiver who showed some promise last season but doesn’t have the hands or route running talent Shepard has or even had compared to Shepard’s freshman year. That’s some dynamite analysis work there. My goodness lol…
What kind of drugs are you on?
Something good…
I’ll take an ounce of whatever you’re on.
Trevor Knight is Nate Hyble without the arm talent and toughness. A fantastic practice player who can’t play a lick. If Knight finds a way to trick Riley into naming him the starter it will be a disaster…right up until the point where Oklahoma again has to make a change at quarterback after terrible quarterback play and multiple losses.
Paul, curious question on my part. Were you a past QB or have you been around coaches who have taught the QB position? Seems like your assessment is harsh unless you can provide knowledgeable QB experience to help the rest of us.
I bet Paul was an enormous QB talent when he played flag football.
“If coach would’ve put me in we would’ve won state”
“I was unstoppable. I never got tackled once.”
I can throw a pigskin a quarter mile.
Uncle Rico is that you?
LAWL. If you refresh the page, you’ll know the answer…
I was the best QB in my backyard growing up.
Only child? 🙂
So? Er.., I mean…NO.
Do you disagree with Paul or do you just not like his harsh criticism?
Lane, I was just curious. To me, anyone can be a hater. However, you have to be knowledgeable of a position before you can truly have an evaluation. When you do, normally you don’t bash a kid for trying.
QBs struggled with JH because after the 1st series, he lost the rhythm and flow. It became a down and distant call from there. QBs play well in rhythm and JH didn’t help that during his stint IMO.
I don’t have any ties with Trevor and don’t care who starts. However, I will not bash a kid no matter the position for trying.
I think the biggest issue with Josh was that his play calling was too conservative. When the QB was playing well, he opened the play book and I thought the play calling was good. When the QB struggled early, the play book was narrowed, and narrowed too much, IMO.
The other issue, was that, other than Landry and Sam, the QBs didn’t develop. That was either recruiting or coaching.
The thing about which I have no knowledge, is whether you can coach decision making and field vision.
You can coach it but the player has to execute. Riley’s offense seems to have more set passes or options on same side of field. Minimizes all of the field only in halves/thirds. Big help for young QBs.
It doesn’t take Bill Walsh to watch two years worth of game film on Trevor Knight to see what he is…but if you need to go watch the two years worth of film on Knight. Inaccurate, inconsistent, poor decision maker, doesn’t play as fast or athletic as he tests and he is constantly injured.
Nate had issues but was tough as nails and had as talented of an arm as any quarterback under Stoops…Trevor Knight will never be on Nate Hybl’s level and that tells you about all you need to know about him as a football player.
Again…if that hurts your feelings I just point you toward his film.
Fair enough. I wasn’t comparing the two, just curious on your knowledge of QB techniques. Interesting about Walsh, he took Montana to run his new style of offense which has been labeled west coast. Everyone thought he was nuts for taking Montana in 3rd round to run it too. Hmm, seems like it worked out for ole Bill.
New offense, new coordinator so we will see. Again, I don’t care who starts as they will pick the best but since I know a little about QB, I’m not going to bash a kid for trying to do what one certain coach wanted him to do.
Nobody thought Walsh was crazy for taking Montana in the 3rd…and that offense wasn’t some new thing he created. They were running it in Cincinnati for years prior to Bill leaving for the 49ers.
OK Paul, you’re right. Seems like you make a lot of friends on here.
You…like so many, are confusing this discussion for a me vs you or anyone else, when in fact any discussion should be about what is right and not who…and reality just is what it is with Knight.
If you need a good reminder pop in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
I asked a question – were you a past QB or do you have knowledge of how to evaluate a QB. Neither were answered which tells me all I need to know.
Trevor “The Trickster” Knight…..I like it.
And Paul Warfield is Stephen Dale without the troll game. I can do it too
Some of you guys should chill out. Trevor played like a scrub last year. Like I’ve said previously I would be OK with TK being starter of 15/16 season, but you can’t blame someone for not wanting to see him play this year. It was bad.
I think TK is plenty tough, but not very durable.
We have seen what TK can do, what we haven’t seen is consistency.
To me it appeared he played scared last year because the coaches were scared of him getting hurt when Cody was injured and they didn’t want to use Hansen or take Bell away from TE.
I’ll trust the coaches to determine who is the best fit and make changes if necessary.
That’s a very unfair assessment of Nate Hybl. When he first started in 2001, his OL was decimated by graduation and injuries. He was running for his life against K-State.
In the last half of 2002, as his OL matured, he really came into his own.
He was the MVP of the 2002 Big XII CCG as well the Rose Bowl. Not bad for a player who couldn’t play a lick.
You’re another one who never has anything positive to say.
Maybe I was not clear enough…its Trevor Knight that can’t play a lick. Nate simply had his issues, but was tough and had a great amount of arm talent.
However…Nate also would rank near the bottom of Oklahoma quarterbacks over the past 15 years….hence Knight ranking behind him as clearly the worst Oklahoma Sooner quarterback under Stoops…and it ain’t close!
He’s inconsistent. When he’s hot, he’s great; when he’s cold, he’s not great.
K or Jordan. Do we know if the cover guys are still lining up 7 yards off the ball!!!
I was told before spring that press techniques would be emphasized but I honestly don’t know the alignments right now. I haven’t asked around about that but I can do that for you. If I found out anything I’ll post it.
You guys are the best!!! Thanks, K
Just dont feel comfortable with Ahmad Thomas at safety. I think they need to spin him down to OLB. Too big and too slow, cannot cover enough ground up there
No worries. 3 stud freshmen coming in that are faster and can cover better. Future is bright at safety.
Future is very bright at safety. They got some long kids that can really run.
In my opinion them with Parker will be the best talent we have had at safety since the Roy Williams years.
I never have. There were a lot of folks that felt that way before last fall camp and I reported as much. I was really surprised when he was named the starter but I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he knew the assignments better than Parker and Hatari. I’d spin him down to LB. I think he could be fantastic as an OLB.
couldn’t agree more about Thomas….not really comfortable with Byrd or Sanchez, either…..maybe some others can develop and take those spots…as for as a new attitude, i’ll wait till it shows on the field next fall……….just hope OU gets better QB play and Mayfield, Thomas, or Hansen gets a real chance to win the job……..
Sanchez is an all big 12 performer.
I don’t see linebacker in him at all. I think people get way too hung up on the ‘just change positions’ method of problem solving. The last thing Oklahoma needs is another converted safety at linebacker like Frank Shannon and Dom Alexander. No coincidence both have been starters during the worst period of linebacker play at Oklahoma.
He needs on the field since he is a good tackler, OLB seems like a spot for him but its full atm
I don’t either. I thought he was going to be the SS/LB in the the 4-2-5 but I guess they want to make that position a cover guy.
Sorry, didn’t mean to post pic twice. Sometimes people don’t think about their headlines.
Giving up yards is one thing(the secondary gave up a lot), but the busted coverages are the real issue. At least once a game it seemed someone was wide open down the field, whether it was the safety or the corner not communicating who each had or simply not accounting for someone, they need to clean that up to have success. Hopefully another year in the system and these guys will be in the right spots.
The lack of leadership and communication in the secondary was problematic for sure. Lots of busted assignments that were simply banjo calls.
I can see them turning it around quickly if they play sound defense. Just hope the loss of Jordan Phillips doesnt kill the rush defense
With the change in the defensive front alignment OU should be fine. Romar seems more than capable of playing the 1
Awesome thanks K, he had me worried like the loss of Colvin had me worried the year before
I think the guys we have now are hungrier than Jordan. Jordan was a beast but at 6’6 with previous back issues and a shot at a 1st rd pick, it was obvious he was protecting his back and draft status. Which I have no problem with from him but we have more Sooners.
I don’t know any of these players personally, but common sense/human nature is such that if a person says, I have my position based upon my time in the system and my experience, I don’t have to work as hard to keep my position. However when a new philosophy comes along that is enforced, that creates opportunities for those who work hard and produce positive results, it creates an overall better/competitive atmosphere.
My hope is that this what is being created in Norman with the influx of new coaches. An attitude adjustment for the players and the returning coaches.
that goes for the entire defense…too much women & baby issues and not enough concentration on football…..
Well There’s a different coach in charge now so that could be a positive thing.
thats my hope, and he’s responsible for the entire secondary which hopefully reduces the communication errors
They are saying Rodney Anderson is out the rest of spring?
yes
Sucks for the kid. Good luck to him.
I suspect Anderson has already shown enough to be considered a contributor in the fall if he is healthy…….
Kid has “IT” but it’s a long way to the top(of the depth chart) if he wants to rock n roll.
Guess I missed that yesterday. Thanks guys.
Ahmad thomas needs to show sooner nation something this spring. If Kerry cooks still has him back there with the ones come fall, then Thomas needs to break out some new tricks like blazing speed and a one handed pick in crunch time. Will it happen…….. oh, hey there, Prentice McKinney!
I think Haughton has the best chance to play as a true freshman, maybe thats just me though
Could be so. I really liked watching McKinney’s highlights though so maybe there’s a developing bias haha.
I think all three guys are good, Haughton just seems the most ready to cover B12 receivers
I like rumors. If I had to think about somebody feeling entitled with their character, I might say it was Sanchez. Obviously I don’t know anything, but I just get the feeling.
I saw him take plays off last season. That’s all I’m gonna say.
I never saw that from Sanchez. Sanchez looked like one of the few players on the defense that actually came to work every Saturday.
I agree with you
I too often saw him give up when backs ran by him or when receivers broke free of him. It was frustrating to watch.
Hmmmm……I never saw Sanchez give up. He got beat on occasion, especially in one game against WVU but he has never, ever stood out to me as a player who gives partial effort.
Only when tackling
There is no debating this. Not using your arms is partial effort. I like Zach but come on kid.
He had one bad tackling game against WVU with a hurt shoulder. That’s all I saw last season. Aside from that he was solid. He was dropping Lockett so fast they had to move him to Wilson’s side just to get him going.
I can see both sides here but, to be fair, he did get that bum shoulder by tackling with poor technique…perhaps an indication that he wasn’t giving his all?
Can’t have good technique if you can’t lift your arm. I actually saw improvement in his tackling over the course of the season, not degradation.
In terms of slacking effort, what I saw, was along the entire defensive line. Ndulue, Phillips, and Tapper started off strong, looked like they might become dominant, and then they all disappeared after the WVU game and became essentially a non-factor. Tapper took the entire season off. That’s what I saw.
Well, he got his shoulder hurt in the Tulsa game by shoulder tackling a guy that was already wrapped up by another player. Tapper was doubled a lot more than last season, but I do agree that there were issues across the entire D last season.
We had a Dline last year? I coulda sworn is was 7 on 7 all year.. Snap, pass, snap pass, snap pass.
Yes I saw the Tulsa game and what Sanchez did was stupid I agree. I think he knew it was stupid too.
Now that might be fair, but after that shoulder injury I could see how one might be a bit skiddish
Can’t be skiddish at 145 pounds. I hear AD come to OU to do box jumps with a Zach Sanchez in each hand. Crazy. 🙂
Can’t be skiddish? Easy to say when your not the one pulling shoulder off ground each play. Even the toughest guys will at least try to shelter a significant injury, hard not to.
I know he was hurt, he shouldn’t have played. He didn’t help anyone, hurt or not. I like the kid, I love the Sooners. But when you are already light in the cleats just grab on and wait for help. Everyone knows most cbs aren’t great tacklers but this is football. You’re gonna have to tackle.
Ever see Deion Sanders with a pulling guard coming his way? LOL.
Doesn’t that tell you the state of OU secondary last year? That even that hurt, they needed him. He stepped up & fought through.
Is that a conviction of him or the fact that we were that desparate?
That said, sure his tackling needs improvement. But like you said, most do. He needs more good weight but it appears that it’s a struggle for him to keep it on.
It probably appeared that way but I know for certain that once backs ran by him he quit chasing them. Colvin for example never gave up on those plays. Heck, he chased down one of Bamas receivers from the opposite side of the field. I give Sanchez props on his cover skills but he needs to learn how to form tackle, not make the big hit with his shoulders. That’s why he got hurt in the first place.
I agree with you on the technique vs. lowering the boom with the shoulder. But in fairness, I did see Sanchez publicly acknowledge the issue and I did see improvement from him.
Zack’s tackling technique was poor, but his coverage was outstanding. In many games, they wouldn’t throw his way, and picked on Wilson/Thomas on the other side.
I can’t see Shepard, Tapper, or Striker doing something like that. Soooooo….
Tapper disappeared last year entirely and has been a slow developer. I can totally see it being him but I have no facts to support that.
Yeah. I thought it would be between him and Sanchez. Speculation!
Tapper would be my FIRST choice as far as speculation goes about who it may be.
All I know is Tap was the only who appeared to give a D@#$ in the bowl game
Yeah that may be true but I think Mike had lost his entire defense at that point and they had no faith in the offense.
faith in the offense went away after TK9s near pick 6 to Hager
Heupel may still be here today without Knights pick 6’s. That’s scary. So I guess Knight did us a huge favor.
I can’t blame JH for TK’s poor play unless you want to blame him for taking TK when Jameis Winston wanted to come to OU.
Yeah and I think there was more to it than just that. I don’t think those guys had any confidence in what they were being asked to do.
That is spot on, my friend. The D lost faith in the O, not so much in their coaches.
Tapper may have been slowed by health issues last year. He wasn’t as effective as he was in 2013. Hopefully, he’ll be a beast this year.
My wife was a college recruiter in Maryland, and visited his HS in Baltimore. The guy had to get up before dawn to get to this school, kind of a magnet school, so I have a lot of respect for him.
Seems like a stretch to me. Understand how that perception could happen, but the plays I saw where someone could question him were plays he was dragging his shoulder to even get lined up. Pretty tough SOB IMO to fight through that injury. I thought it showed great heart for rest of team.
Yep. Seems like he can’t escape the ghost of that WVU game where he was injured, going up against possibly the #1 WR in the draft this year, with a bum shoulder. Sanchez has been solid from the first time he stepped on the field is what I’ve seen.
Personally, I think this entire conversation is lame and inappropriate. People are just guessing, and as a result are putting down some good guys. I think our players deserve more than a bunch of negative speculation from the fans. IMHO.
I’m not trying to put down any ‘good guys’. All I said was what I saw. Not guessing. We went 8-5 for a reason. Fans just want to see improvement and full effort. We haven’t seen that lately from the entire team. Former players have said the same thing. When they played their teams gave all they had. I just think this is a generation thing.
Yes we do so give the new coaches along with the players a chance. There’s a reason those coaches aren’t here so my focus is on spring improvement and fall. Last year is in my rear view mirror.
If it’s not for speculation, then why mention it in the post. Just very interesting.
Dede, Sterling, Andrews & Todd. I like it.
Throw in a improved (2nd season) Quick on rotation – a filthy thought for D’s on paper at least.
Meier too.
I’ve been excited for Durron to step up, which hasn’t happened. He will be fighting for a spot this year it appears. Now or never, should motivate him.
Thanks for awesome updates TFB.
My busy time of year to say the least, so have only been able to check in once in a while but scanning through OP’s gives me a great fix.
Interesting note about the slacking player, entitlement, and him having the starting job “anyway” with last year’s staff. Speaks to the culture problems of favoritism that we all knew were present. Glad to hear he took the feedback the right way and self corrected.
Jordan Esco, is this you? Every time I see you post I only see Saved by the Bell. I got a sense of what the other brainiacs look like. I’m curious about you. Not to be creepy or anything.
true dat.
Love seeing the sweat on Cooks shirt in photo too. Silly, but gives impression he’s gettin down in there with the troops.
I was thinking the same. Looks like he is going to be a players coach. And actually show them how to do it. Instead of telling them how to.
that’s exactly what I was trying to say, thank you
No Prob!!!
I wanna see more of that sweat from all of the coaches, especially BS and MS.
Exactly!!
…..will cooks have final say on who plays and where in the secondary
Has to. Bob’s way hasn’t been working so he’s going to have to let go and let God.
Not that Kerry Cooks is God but you southern Christians get it.
Maybe Stoops will have to get some thick rimmed glasses for Ahmad Thomas like the Cleveland Indians did for Wild Thing in the movie Major League. Dude has no clue how to utilize his cover 3 skills successfully, at ll.
I thought Thomas improved during the course of the season. Considering he will have different and improved coaching at that position, along with more experience, I’m not prepared to write him off just yet.
https://youtu.be/Y3XQUc4z1cE
EasTex, please don’t make logic or common sense to some of these folks as it don’t compute. ; )
I…I…sorry.
He may do much better at SS than he did at FS. The main thing I noticed last year was he was too slow to react to the deep balls.
His reaction could improve with better coaching and more confidence in what he is seeing.
Coaches must see something we don’t, he is still running with the 1’s.
Hopefully, you are correct. I do love that Byrd is playing exclusively at FS. Desperately need someone to seize that position and excel at it, I don’t care who it is.
Bingo, that’s what I was trying to say
People need to realize how lost the QBs AND WRs were in Heupel’s offense. They would practice certain things in practice and then not bring them out in games. They would get the playbook in the spring and then when the fall would start would get a new playbook with completely different formations and plays. The QBs and WRs were never on the same page which frustrated them. Each play had WRs with multiple route options and Josh would change options or plays last minute on checks to the sideline. This offense is all about the QB and WRs knowing their queues and not looking to the sidelines last minute. This offense is also much simpler in nature and has an identity. Knight will do well in this offense and is the more talented QB when compared to Mayfield.
Mayfield throws the ball more accurately and has better pocket presence
Subjective…we shall see in time!
Heupel was never going to get it done learning on the job. Because of this man our all time leading everything QB never had a chance.
May be harsh. But I blame the Landry Jones era on why we are so soft now.
Landry leaves after his junior year and Blake Bell surely would have been OU’s starting QB for 2 years.
Mayfield is proving already that he is the better QB. Knight had 1 great game vs Bama, but his performance was sub par leading to that game, and his performance has been sub par since that game. He’s a good guy, and I want him to succeed. But his best chance for success is at another position. I’m excited about our offense with Mayfield behind center.
How is he “proving” he is a better QB haha? What a crazy statement.
Running first team already ahead of the others. Hello?
You might want to try reading the Brainiacs’ posts.
HAHA. Please do read their post. It says Baker is more comfortable in the system. FACT the quarterbacks are rotating equally through drills with the different units. FACT Trevor and Baker seem to work a lot with the 1s. Baker should be more familiar with this system than Trevor but I have heard from a good source that Trevor looks surprisingly very good in Riley’s system and has been very good in practice so far.
EasTex What say you!! You have fishbowl head today!!!
Nah, got many things going on. New smart-aleck phone shopping being one of them.
Well give it the good fight. And have a blessed day.
Thank you and I will.
Leaving in a few to get a Samsung Note 4.
Sweet. Still have a couple months before I can get a new one.
Best Buy has them on sale now for the lowest price I’ve yet to find.
Check their website. With only a few months to go you may already be eligible for an upgrade.
Ill check it out. Thanks
Perine and Mixon in the backfield…
https://media4.giphy.com/media/REzysNTbSNws/200.gif
https://media3.giphy.com/media/axWsua0zHhRXq/200.gif
Like it, I was trying to find the Chris tucker in Friday after beevo gets knocked out.
Riley, with OU’s talent.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mOxP0V9Fph8/maxresdefault.jpg
Kid in a candy shop, you say? I say a kid who knows, with OU’s talent, his offense will crush all opponents
https://i.imgur.com/8kCS76L.gif
Whaley commit yet?
Not yet. But Denzell will let you know!!!
The player who wasn’t giving the effort coaches were expecting sounds a lot like Durron Neal. Norvell has been accused of favoritism with players in the past, and Durron has underwhelmed to date
Please stop with the wild guesses that insult our players. They don’t deserve that. Feel free to slam the coaches who make big bucks. But slamming 20-yr-old kids seems inappropriate to me!
I tend to agree. I mean who really cares which player it was. What difference does it make?
Boom
Seconded.
Fans talk about their team, even on an individual basis, good and bad, at all levels of sports, everywhere. It’s pretty normal.
IMO, a pretty good rule of thumb is not to say something about a person online that you wouldn’t say to their face. We wouldn’t walk up to someone as say “you can’t play a lick” like I see posted here. Not only would you likely get smacked, it’s just not how we should treat people.
I would, then I’d drive as fast as possible from them, showing my cowardice.
i would pay to watch the throttling some of these yahoos would get dealt if they were to say any of this to the players’ faces. and as someone said, “it happens”….well, it don’t make it right. maybe that’s what some need is to be thrown a good beating
I agree, I don’t think it’s worth my time and haven’t participated in the guessing game but you guys did put that out there for the speculation so here it is.
What matters is not what was happening, but what is happening. This player is working their arse off. We all need a little “come to Jesus” talk every now and again.
The players and coaches deserve our respect for all their hard work. They shouldn’t be slammed.
For players as well as coaches, I think that being specific in what you are criticizing is the key. For example, the guy got beat on deep passes too much, fumbled too much, threw too many interceptions, or dropped too many passes. That’s not slamming. For examples for coaches, it was a bad decision to repunt the ball against OSU, or being too conservative on play calling with the lead.
Especially considering it’s already fixed & player has responded very well.
I’ve been saying this for a while, TK9 will be the starting qb in the opener. I’m not sure why people are so worried about it also… We’ve seen what he can (and will) do.
Pretty sure that’s why they’re worried.
Haha! Guess I should have clarified. I’m talking about the good parts obviously.
He can flat out run with the ball. There’s no denying that. It’s his Magoo vision that kills his game.
That definitely hurt him a little bit this past year. I’ve seen enough good things out of him to know that his shortcomings are nothing that proper coaching can’t fix.
I’d like to see the coaches move Knight to WR. He runs well enough he could be effective as a receiver. Not picking on the guy, but he simply isn’t a D-1 QB. He also injures too easily and cannot stay healthy behind center. Perhaps he’d have better luck out on the edge.
Lol he would be crushed at wr. And I wouldn’t want him playing ahead of the current receivers we have.
Or his judgement. If it is that we can hope he can learn to fix it with the right training.
Welp……TCU turned around their awful QB so there’s hope there in some capacity I guess.
Barring injury, Baker Mayfield will be the starting QB, not TK.
I so want to believe in Trevor b/c he has such tremendous physical ability. When he runs the ball, he is terrific and he opens the zone read for the RB (think K-State game in 2013). Wow! When his passing is on, it is also excellent.
However, for two years he has been great in practice and then very inconsistent in the games.
We’ve all seen some brutal games when he shows poor field vision and poor decision making. Reading the body language of the defense, they seemed demoralized by the pick 6s.
So, although I very much want him to succeed, I take any positive reports cautiously.
Agree with all the assessments. What I’m excited about if finally having depth. We had none last year as Cody didn’t have game experience till Trevor got hurt. Now, we have 3 with game experience which is awesome..
Bob knows he had his chances and I bet he wants Baker behind center. But, on the other hand, I’m sure he has finally realized Heupel may have hindered Knight as well.
If we could have scheduled 11 games agaisnt Alabama this year then TK would definitely be our starting QB.
Think about that game…lots of passing…quick passes, passes to the RBs, play action deep….all things this new offense will utilize but Heupel never used on a consistent basis outside of Bama. KSU this past year was the only other time I can think of Heup doing this and Knight, outside the pick 6, had a great game that day too. 300+ passing, 4 tds-1 int…75+% on his passing.
What if Dede Westbrook is a better Jalen Saunders than Jalen Saunders?
Well…..we’ll be pretty damn good if that turns out to be the case.
This is true. But until we know for sure, to speak such a thing may be to speak Sooner blasphemy.
As far as I’m concerned, it IS blasphemy until proven otherwise. I actually didn’t see how Saunders could ever work out here given his diminutive stature but he sure made me look stupid, and everybody else for that matter.
Forgive me. I know not what I do!
And I loved his game. I remember seeing him thrown an awesome ear-hole during a Bester sweep. Kid played a hundred pound heavier than his roster weight.
One of my favortie Sooners of all time. This kid could of been on any Sooner team and been productive. Switzer would have loved em.
Yep. He was a BEAST! I was laughing watching him mess with Bama’s DB’s in the Sugar Bowl every time he came off the LOS at the snap. They were terrified of him LOL!!!
http://www.quickmeme.com/img/5a/5ad6c8f9897f923139508114de14254e39448111a2df182724814d9322721861.jpg
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
I’d say that his mom might have some explaining to do.
*sigh*
If only Aaron Sims could join his brother this year, Aaron would be the newest Jalen.
https://twitter.com/AMKing00/status/581503239394357248
I see they corrected Bob’s pinky issue in this painting.
That thing gives me the willies’.
My offer still stands to Bob, I got all kinds of strong test line we could use to lop that thing off with.
He should rent his pinky out as a coat wrack.
He likes his tea and crumpets.
That angulated pinky is a badge of honor. At least I know he played the game hard. He was tough as a DB @ Iowa. I think they should leave it in the painting. The crooked pinky and the gold ribbon on his visor are timeless and pure Bob Stoops.
Lol you deleted my post asking if you were the guy in the picture? Okay.
I just didn’t want it to break the screen of anyone else like it did mine 🙂
Lol you look like me man. Bald guys are handsome. Nothing wrong with that!
Great report, Super K. Thank you!
Very interesting about Byrd and A Thomas. Last year A Thomas started at FS, backed up by Byrd. Thomas often struggled at the position, as did Parker. It would be a great help if Byrd excelled at FS.
Hearing anything about Marcus Green and Tito Windham in the secondary?
Y’all realize Riley tried really hard to bring Baker Mayfield to East Carolina right? That should tell you a lot of what Riley thinks of him. A big reason I think he will start and put up crazy numbers. He may be special.
What’s everyones prediction for tonight? I’m saying OU 67-63
Big variable will be how tight/loose the refs call the rough-housing in the lane… cause it’s going to get physical. Spangler, in particular, and Thomas gotta stay out of foul trouble.
Good point, Im thinking they need to get at least 12-15 points in transition too
Bench scoring is going to be key.
Some of the outcome depends on Spangler’s health. With a week off, maybe he’ll be a lil more loose and vertical. The huge question is the officiating crew. If they call a close game, OU wins by 10 due to OU being the better foul shooting team. If they allow mugging in the lane MSU wins. Thomas HAS to be aggressive and hopefully Hield comes out of his slump.
Is it typically warm out in Norman during “Spring Game” time?
I’ve been the last 2 years and it was beautiful.
Ok cool thanks.
Was about 80 last year
NICE
And about 3 or 4 years ago, it was in the mid 30s, overcast and had about 30 mph winds. Miserable! Here’s hoping for more like last year’s weather.
MID 30s!!? I hope not.
I remain cautiously optimistic – no,make that cautiously hopeful – about this team. As an optimistic-leaning pragmatist, my natural inclination is usually to expect the best in most things while trying to mentally be prepared for the worst.
Which leads to a bit of helter skelter at times like these. Naturally as a Sooner fan, I want to hear reports about the defensive staff getting a handle on the problem, about them wanting to be more multiple, about the team having a different attitude as stronger team leaders emerge. I want to hear that this year’s team is more engaged, is working harder, and has a better grasp of the playbook than teams of the recent past.
Unfortunately, we’ve heard that tune far too many times in the last 3-4 years, only to see everything revert to form as soon as the ball left the tee for the opening kickoff. How many times were we told “Trey Millard is a weapon and we can be so multiple with him on the field, but to really to take advantage of his talents, he needs 7-10 touches a game” only to see him never touch it more than 3 or 4 times a game? How often have we heard that the tight end is finally going to be a weapon in the offense again?
Worst of all, I’ve seen multiple stories across the Sooner-Webisphere related to conversations had with Mike Stoops wherein he has detailed the need to be more multiple in alignments, and able to dictate to teams what they can do, and the need to be more aggressive/ attacking. Unfortunately, I’ve read those exact same reports from Alan Hale over on OUI, almost verbatim, for the past 2 offseasons… but nothing really changed.
My heart wants to buy in. My heart wants to believe that the addition of Cooks and Reynolds will bring about an actual change in what happens on the field defensively on Saturdays. My heart wants to believe that the offense will become offensive again (this one I’m having less trouble buying into – probably because I haven’t heard Lincoln Riley talking about the exact same changes for 3 offseasons in a row without any actual on-field results to show for it). But until I see it all on the field, against quality competition, I’m not buying in yet.
I will make this prediction though… I will bet you anything that at the start of summer camp in August, Coach Stoops will announce that through the first 3 or 4 practices the team has looked in better shape and better prepared mentally and physically than any team in recent past. And that it’s no surprise to him because Coach Schmidt will have reported to Coach Stoops that the team worked harder and a better attitude and better attendance than any team in the recent past.
When that happens,someone please remind me about my post today. It will be too close to the start of the season and I’ll be susceptible to buying into the coach-speak instead of waiting to see it for myself in the play on the field. Thanks in advance… Sooner 4Ever
tl;dnr
Huh?
Too Lazy; Did not read.
Long*
Yeah, some people say that. I still prefer mine.
Okie dokie
Same here
Like you have something better to do. Well, your typo job does take up some of your time. 🙂
I swear I have a life outside of this board. I’m pretty sure.
I concur………I think.
I agree, could easily win 10-11 games or 7-8 games next year
To me, I would just be happy as a clam if we reached out team’s potential whatever level that would be. I would like the players and coaches to game plan and execute to their potential and let the chips fall. I can’t stand the give up attitude vs. Baylor and Clemson where we look like we are lost. Those are the games I can’t stand. Now if we play our hearts out and still get beat by a better team, then I can take that. We just need to recruit better and have better coaching. But to be thoroughly whipped on the field and in the coaching boxes is absolutely no fun. This is what causes me pain. It isn’t the Spring / Fall camp hype. It is the throw in the towel games that just kill me as a 35 yr Sooner Fan.
Add 15 years to that and I feel the same way. I know I’m old but I just want them to perform like it’s the last game they’ll ever play. And kick *** accordingly.
Hearing word of visitors this weekend. Anybody know who?
My mother in law is coming in this weekend, but how did you hear about it already? 🙂
I try to keep up with my Sooner brethren.
I thought everyone was supposed to keep up with you…(the Jones’s)
Keeping up with the Jones’s is one thing; The Devil in Miss Jones… that’s a whole other issue.
Well, you’re doing a hell of a job; I just found out last night.
LOL.
Her 40 time is SLOW, she has lousy hands and her football IQ sucks (only about 2 points higher than Mack Brown’s)… but she makes great tamales and amazing stuffed jalapenos.
what time is dinner again?
Is it going to be an all you can eat buffet. Because we have a lot of people here?
Those cooking skills are great for team morale. Definitely worth bringing in.
Check Wednesday’s OP. Brandon reported there are several Cali kids in town this weekend.
Our top RB target wearing UT headgear at Texas Relays. Not that it means too much, but Newsome did the same last year, and he is now one of the castrated cattle.
Really good OP today. Appreciate this site with all the information and discussion. Thanks to TFB for all you do for us daily. I can’t wait to read every post, update and comment and visit several times every day for well over a year now. I discovered this wealth of OU info when I followed Jordan here after some whiney pukes rode for free with pop guns firing over his last gig. It’s so much better here than any other site, not even close. I enjoy MOST of the regular commenters. Thank you, TFB.
And it’s FREE!!! Where else can you go and have this much fun?
Yep. Free entertainment that feeds my Crimson obsessive compulsive disorder!
Well Crimson on then!!!
BOOMER!!!!
Thanks for the kind words and for reading!
Is the Thompson kid left-handed like big bro?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rw3qLwP034
So, no. Thanks.
Thanks for the updates. A couple months ago you posted about how (last year and before he left) Jerry Montgomery was bringing a new attitude to the coaches and how the ballistic yelling and screaming of Mike wasnt resonating with the kids anymore. Do you guys get the sense that the new coaches are more in the mold of instructors than the Mike Stoops yelling types?
Yes and mike had calmed down SIGNIFICANTLY. I’m pulling for Mike.
had or has?………volatility is, seemingly, his nature
2 new predictions for Austin Kendall to Kentucky today AFTER he visited OU.
Has already visited or is here this weekend?
Has already visited. Last weekend I believe.
Your right he was here a couple of days ago don’t know what I was thinking.Lol
Didn’t help that he was here during a tornado scare!
Its really frustrating watching knight get all the hate he gets.
Is it knights fault the WR couldnt get open, and when they did, they dropped a lot of passes?
Knights fault our punt return game was a joke?
Knights fault we gave up almost 300 yards a game passing?
He deserves his share of the blame, but people showing outrage at the prospect of him possibly winning the job again is mindboggling.
its like people dont seem to think theres any possibility of improvement from him.
2 words. Trevone boykin.
He did have a lot of bad throws too…Over throws, under throws, leading a guy backwards on screens. It was a combination of both
Sure, like i said, trevor deserves his share of the blame. He had some really bad throws.
How many passes did neal and quick drop that hit them in the numbers though, 12-15? That right there boosts his completion % almost to 60%.
Just think he shoulders a much larger load of the blame than he deserves though.
If we were holding teams to 15 PPG and losing, i think their claims would have some more validity.
QB always gets the blame and the glory
I agree with you regarding the WRs. Trevor is a much better QB than people give him credit. The biggest criticism Trevor needs to address is with respect to “learning from his mistakes”. You can make a mistake – but when you make the same mistake for the 4th and 5th time, it shows you either lack concentration or acumen. The game seemed to be moving too fast for him – still, even after 3 yrs in college. Hopefully LR was what he needed – atleast Bob thought so.
dont disagree with any of that. Yes i believe riley is the missing piece.
I have maintained since week 1 of 2014, the difference I. The OU offense & even season was loss of Saunders. We needed 1 more playmaker on offense, the lack of no punt returner speaks volumes
Player on deck……Dede.
Then let’s get it. TK struggled & loves the pick6, but he’s not that far from sugar bowl (not that I watched
so does manning, brady and the rest of the pros. no such thing as a perfect QB. Scheme makes a QB look good too. I was never a fan of JH scheme or lack thereof.
True, but if we had Brady we wouldn’t lose a game. He takes his team from good to the best…that’s a big jump.
He does now but at 20 he couldn’t even start.
Yep, Knight has had some great games and some awful games in the passing department. It’s not that he’s always bad but just way to inconsistent, which is what I believe draws the online boo birds. I think the offense really held him back too. . His receivers haven’t gotten open much but when they have somehow he hasn’t been on the same page except with Shepard. This O needs a very reliable accurate passer not necessarily a gun slinger with a rifle arm. Not sure our O is really fitted to Knight but if he makes some adjustments he might surprise.
Hopefully he will get that one pick 6 per game problem eradicated.
Hopefully we have an OC now that dosent call plays like 5 yard outs on the 3 yard like.
B Stoops addressed that call in the post game. He said although it is an option in that play call, you don’t throw it down there. So, apparently there were other options on that call that Knight had and ignored them.
If we would have converted a few more passes per game we wouldn’t have given up so much on defense.
21st in the nation for scoring O, 55th in the nation in scoring D.
Lets all blame the QB!
Both sides of the ball need to play more consistently. But the QB gave the other team 4 touchdowns…in our biggest games (TCU, K ST, Baylor).
Exactly. Score or at least run more plays to keep our def on the bench.
I would agree some people go overboard with their hate for QBs, in this case Knight, when they do bad. Yeah, the whole team was responsible for our losses, not just Knight, but Knight still didn’t play well (except for when he was allowed to run). It’s not Knight’s fault when the WR can’t get open, but it’s not the receiver’s fault when Knight can’t get him the ball.
With that said, if Knight turns a corner under Riley and wins the job, I’m all for it; same for Thomas. After all, we’ve seen the level Knight can play at (Sugar Bowl).
Knight’s problem seems to be confidence. He plays too tight most of the time. Like he’s afraid to make a mistake thus causing many. Against Alabama in the Sugar we had nothing to lose and a couple of weeks to prepare. Knight came in loose, had some early success and boom. It just seems like he puts to much pressure on himself.
I’m gonna throw this out there for the dogs…we’ll have a top 5+- offense next year with Perine, Mixon, Shep, and Westbrook carrying the skill load…Two years ago Shep made an AA safety from Bama look like a 3star and Westbrook seems to be in the same mold and prob closer to Saunders (speed wise)…obviously a lot will depend on health, Oline, and the qb but I think we have a real good potential of blowing up on offense with this new system…if the D mixes the pass D of two years ago with rush D of last year…come january the sun is gonna be pumping #8 out
While that is the hope, I’m a bit more skeptical that its going to take more than one season on offense. The D is poised to have a nice turnaround and Seibert should be a solid addition to the kicking game, but Knight/Mayfield/Thomas are what they are and that means 9-3 to me
Throwing the Clemson game out we were really a fg here and there away from a 1 loss regular season last year…our team is a year older beside the Oline (and I listed that needs to click) and I believe our offense will be ALOT better than last year…this type of O is easy to adapt to (look what happened to TCU in one year…are we a lesser talent than them…NO) and the HUNH will be an advantage and keep the guys focused…btw Boykin in his first two years before last year has very similar stats to the last two years of TK and if our qb comp is close I wouldn’t be surprised if we use more than one to keep them working hard
No doubt, I just dont like how the team ended the year…and replacing as much lost on the OL is a big worry for me
The neat thing about the Air Raid is that your O-Line doesn’t have to be AA caliber to be successful or effective. The reads are quick – which is why I favor Baker in the QB race because of his prior experience with the system — and our run game (Perine and Mixon) is going to be a defensive nightmare. We have a chance to be exceptional now that the WRs and Mark Andrews are stepping up. Remember we won an NC using converted DBs at WR and Q in the backfield and a fairly average but lunch-pail O-Line. I’m not saying we’ll win #8, but I am suggesting that our offense could be scary good.
Go ahead and say it! 8 is great! 🙂
I agree, so is ate, but I like your 8 better.
Im not really sure we know just how good Knight/Mayfield/ Thomas can be, the jury is still out IMO… but I will say this. In this offense ( Think TTech here ) even an average QB can look really good.
Yeah thats true, just basing off past performance(which is all we have)
You’re 100% right but add to the equation another year of maturity, better coaching, better and more cohesive scheme, a better receiving unit and voila…a 53% passer becomes a 64% passer
And I could live with that, Im hoping Samaje/Mixon combine for 2500 yards rushing and 25+ TDs
Im with you on that
08 part deux
Couldn’t have said it better.
and just look at Boykin from two years before and then the next year…he blew up to a Heisman contender
Nobody ever mentions Hansen…don’t sleep on him.
TFB doesn’t seem to have heard anything about him, either. At least, he hasn’t been mentioned in their posts. Makes you wonder if he’s behind or something?
plus TCU put this offense together in one offseason and dang near made the playoff….if they would have been OU I believe they get in last year
Yeah no way OU goes from #3 to #6
I’ll just wait to see how everything plays out. I’m really hoping we come out strong this year and put a whoppin’ on these opponents the first few weeks and then start hammerin’ the rest of the schedule. If this team is on a mission we should know in the first two weeks after Tennessee. I’ll hold my enthusiasm til then.
I just hope we open up the playbook a little. I’m tired of this vanilla crap.
Yyyyyyyyyep.
Some of this has been covered but they are running 100+ plays every day and really getting inundated in the new offense. Working on a ton of situational stuff and the qbs and wrs are all rotating a ton for now. With a new O however reps will be cut down and 2 qbs will get more reps and wrs will begin to see roles develop soon. Westbrook and Shep will be a dymamic duo and Andrews and Todd have looked great so far. Neal and Quick banged up but are practicing. Dimon is fine and will be back with the team soon. Offense makes a lot more sense and wrs and qbs seem to be on the same page a lot more.
Thanks man!
Heard Switzer was at practice raving about Mixon and Westbrook.
Always love good news.
Really appreciate your insight into what’s going on in practice. Thanks!
Love the inside stuff Redzone…You’re a asset to every Sooner board you post on. Very informative.
Appreciate it.
Thanx! Much appreciated.
If not monitored the increased reps and workload will lead to injuries…as players fatigue those injuries occur. That’s why you see programs like Florida State utilizing sports science to monitor their players…more is not always best.
So Ahmad Thomas comes off the field when we go to a 4 man secondary ?
Looks like it..fig it was just a matter of time…Parker has better coverage skills and is overall better…there’ll be more competition once the freshmen get here also
Wouldn’t surprise me if one of the newcomers pushed for a starting spot. Wouldn’t be easy but still possible. I’m just glad to hear that no jobs are safe right now.
Yep..by mid season one of the new dbs just might be starting…I really like 2 or 3 of em but I’m not ready to flat out say guarantee
Who is OK Preps #1 RB, WR, QB, OL, ATL, DL, ILB, MLB, OLB, CB, SS, FS, SPT(special team), KR, PR, K,and P? Quite a few new names are starting make waves. Would like to see these guy’s start to appear. Some will move in from other states, cities, towns, and counties. Thanks K for the good news.
Good question. Seems like there’s not going to be the same high rated guys like wariboko que and Barnett from last year but this class does appear to be loaded with 3 star kids. The running back class will be good. I think there’s a good chance 4 QBs land at power 5 conference schools.
Dedicating the below verse from “Run for the Roses” to the men’s basketball team.
And it’s run for the roses
as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment’s at hand
It’s the chance of a lifetime
in a lifetime of chance
And it’s high time
You joined in the dance
You know, I know and the Brainiac’s know that your best basketball is yet to be played.
You got this!
Whaley has changed out of his UT visor and is wearing an OU visor at Texas Relays today. Kids are funny.
Sooner’s baseball is looking weak tonight, trailing Baylor 3-0 in the bottom of the 7th.
Thanks Zack Southmore looks like they might have a crew to be dealt with we will see. QB’s are looking good. I think you all are right about some of the talent is being over looked because of their location, I’m pulling for Lone Grove, and Beggs to put themselves on the map.
I’ve said it before on another thread, but I’m right there with you. There is a crop of athletes in the Creek-Muskogee communities. Just poor, rural, and not a lot of opportunity. I’d like to see that change.
Two predictions to Ole Piss now for Chanse Sylvie. Recruiting is going down the drain.
Stephen, is that you?
Haha. I have a feeling its Jeff. The one with the girl in the Sooner jersey for the avatar. He must have 2 accounts
*Hello*
No.
Different Stephen.
Waa-waa-waa.
Anyone know if there is still a football scrimmage scheduled for today?
I’m sure because it is the OU coaches clinic. They usually scrimmage for the coaches in attendance.
I just checked…supposed to be at 11am
Fox sports southwest says 2:00pm
That is for the red/white game on the 11th. We were talking about today.
Thanks
Where does Flowers fit in to this offense?
He’s versatile. I bet there isn’t any one fit. But yeah, I’ve been waiting for his name to appear in the team notes.
– UPDATE (8:41 am): Texas still sucks. And Mike Gundy is still a man (but not THE man).
Are we recruiting anyone from Dallas Woodrow Wilson?
Probably 2017 receiver Charleston Rambo..
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Charleston-Rambo-172693
Just a kid decked in OU gear at TX Relays. Could be him. Rambo is listed as an alternate on the heat sheets for the 4×1 which this kid ran. This kid looked bigger than listed on scout. There are a couple of 10th graders listed on Wilson’s entries too. Kid was build more like a RB than receiver.
entirely possible its a track athlete and not a football player… I don’t know where you would find that information though… maybe the soonersports website…
I checked MaxPreps site and unlike all the others I have checked there was no roster available for Wilson, but lots of videos.
He wasn’t D-1 track speed. Held hiz own on the second leg of the 4×1, but didn’t suck anybody up. Real D-1 track speed is pretty amazing. May just be a fan, but he looked the part for sure.
New Cali offer.. Terrell Bynum…
@TDBynum: Blessed to receive an offer from Oklahoma! #BoomerSooner http://twitter.com/TDBynum/status/581843562632851457/photo/1
Another 2017 Cali WR offer to Joseph Lewis..
@HawkinsFootball: Congrats to @BigtimeJody on being offered by Oklahoma University this morning #Boomersooner #OUDNA #Hawkinsfootball http://twitter.com/HawkinsFootball/status/581841118532243456/photo/1
I had an interesting discussion today with 2 NFL coaches about mostly NFL stuff but some OU. One has coached in Oregon and an Air Raid offense. He said Oregon/ Philly is different because of Kelly. He said the passing game is more sophisticated but the biggest difference is the run game. They do a lot of reading in the run game and the Air Raid not so much. He said the pass protection and terminology is where Kelly has really amped it. He said that it is very closely guarded.
He thinks the OU QB’s will have a ton of pass plays that they will check to running plays. We won’t be looking at the sidelines. He said that really we were a jack of all trades offense but not a master at anything before. Tough for teams to prepare for yet tough for your own team to prepare well. He thinks we will benefit from a more structured offense and will simplify things for the offense.
I like it that people count out knight. I’m rooting for him and I hope he can prove the doubters wrong if he is given a chance again.
If he can make the reads and throws, I’m sure he will. Baker has the advantage I should think, having played in the system before. So if TK can beat him out, then he’ll definitely have earned the starting job. May the best man win!
This X …… It will come down to who can make the throws. If it’s TK, more power to him.
Great post. Thank you, sir. My favorite part? “We won’t be looking at the sidelines.”
Yeah! What was the affectionate term for that: the Meerkat offense.
Best trick play I ever saw was out of the Meerkat.
https://youtu.be/g7GnxUhO66Y
lol, that was great.
LOL!
I saw it live and was like…whuh…buh…zah?
That was sweet. Thanx!
Thx for sharing ET, was the type of play that left you with a smile on your face.
Welcome.
The only thing I enjoy more in football than punching the air out of an opponent is punching them in the brain. 🙂
Amen. I am so ready to get back to our roots.
The thing I like most about Knight is his athleticism. It would be a waste if he didn’t see the field at least to run if he’s not the starting QB.
It’s not like he’s a 4’3 guy. Hell, let him run a reverse pass option then. But we need someone who can sling the ball around find the open man and look off defenders, not stare down a wr.
Obviously, I want a passing QB first. If Knight can’t be that QB it’s a shame because he’s a freak athlete.
With all due respect to TK9, he’s only a freak athlete as a QB… He’s at best an average athlete for any other position he’s large enough to play.
Eh, I don’t care what kind of athlete he is at any other position than the one he plays.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000481807/article/chip-kelly-has-nfl-world-fascinated-with-his-philadelphia-eagles
In that same discussion this NFL coach I was with today told me that Kelly is as confident in his plan and system as anybody could be. He really likes Sam and loves their backfield. They love Mathews too and Sproyles. I do not think Murray will be a workhorse and it should prolong his career in Philly. Kelly I was told has some closely guarded terminology and pass pro. He also has really sophisticated pass route trees. I never realized that it is the route trees that we may have failed out and why Norvell was out. He WAS in charge not Heupel in the passing game. I also heard that Stoops recognized we were not good at developing QB’s and ran poor route trees and wanted Riley to have his guy. Exit stage left Norvell.
The bôttom line is the coaches that have systems like Briles, Leach, and Kelly do better. Stoops wanted that and pulled the trigger.
OU fan since 1972. Studied and watched a lot of football, don’t understand everything. But three years ago I looked at the route trees and they were really simplistic, further, there seemed to be a lack of improvisation by the WRS after the initial route was broken off. So, this rings true with this OU die hard.
Hi
Just occurred to me that I hadn’t heard anything on osu’s coaching vacancies being filled- I admit that I don’t necessarily keep my eyes and ears open to such nonsense but I am curious…
I think Gundy ended up hiring like 4 or 5 dudes in one day… not sure who they are (I, like you, don’t follow such nonsense, but was also curious), but a couple had NFL experience.
thx
Whaley commit yet?
I’m checking…..wait right here.
Hurry up. I’ve got things to see and people to do.
@SuperKBrainiac:disqus @JordanEsco Dwayne Orso is wearing a boot. Any ideas about the injury?
That sucks.
I heard from another board that he has a sprain in the ankle. Should not be a big deal at all.
Believed to be minor, OU puts guys in boots all the time just as a precaution.
Texsa and its suckage.
K, thanks for all the great information, you guys rock. Have you heard anything new with the Austin Quillen kid from Jenks. He seems to be a bit undersized but wow, does he have closing speed! He operates like a heat-seeking missile. I have got to try and see him play this year.
There was a scrimmage today, right? I didn’t just imagine that there was scrimmage did I?
I thought so. Open to public and media, but not seeing any info going around.
I don’t think it was supposed to be an open scrimmage, but I’m surprised there hasn’t been a peep from anyone about it all these hours later. I have yet to see a solitary post from anyone about it on the 2 sites that I frequent. This isn’t a complaint; I am just starting to wonder if there really was a scrimmage today.
The scrimmage is today (Sunday) and open to neither the public or the media. Though, as always, we’ll be working things on our end to try and bring you whatever we can.
10-4. My mistake on all accounts. Thanks!
Jordan, I’m pretty sure they had a scrimmage yesterday at 11am during coach clinic.
http://m.soonersports.com/mobile/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209950243&db_oem_id=31000
They moved it to today.
@OU_Football: .@OU_CoachViney breaks it down at #OUWomensTee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F7xbF7OnxU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcw5U5kRRro
I’m embarrassed for the lady trying to dance. Embarrassed for her and, well, all of humanity.
But at least she’s trying, and obviously having fun.
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (see Matthew 21 and Luke 19).
Happy Palm Sunday to those celebrating. For those attending worship, I hope the day speaks meaningful entry into Holy Week.
You too brother. Have a blessed week!
http://youtu.be/n0SLzMGJViw
Thank you! Happy Palm Sunday to you as well! No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.
Has Austin Kendall committed yet? I hear he’s close.
Close to committing to us or Kentucky?
I understand it to be us and that (obviously) it would end our QB recruiting.
I hope your right I had just saw the Crystal ball trending Kentucky which I know not to trust but found it odd no picks for us after he visited this week.
I like Kendall, but it wouldn’t bother me one little bit if OU got Chandler Garrett.
Especially if Garrett can have a big year. He reminds me a lot of Blake bell though, big guy, big arm but not good with touch throws so if he can develop that part of his passing then I think he has all conference type potential.
…..classy gesture by departed dean smith to former players…….
……..http://i.imgur.com/AzJMHTy.jpg
Pure class.
…man, we had many opportunities to beat mich st……give them credit, they’re tenacious and beat 3 good teams to get to the final 4
This is the best job I’ve ever seen Bob do at keeping a scrimmage EXTREMELY closed… and that’s not such a good thing. Are they handing out presidential secrets behind those fences or something? Being so secretive is not this necessary haha I guess we’ll all hear news on the phantom scrimmage/practice tomorrow. G’day, good evening and g’night, everyone!
Damn. Smallwood has been snakebit…
Unfortunate news on Smallwood, thought he was finally going to get his break but yet another injury. On the positive side, I guess this makes it easier for Dallis Todd to see the field.
What’s going on with Ford?
Rumor that Smallwood tore an ACL, anyone heard this?
Where are you getting such erroneous information?
LOL, the posts from the past two hours weren’t showing. Now I see it’s been mentioned here. Actually saw it on LT.