Open Post | Wednesday, Mar. 9th
Posted on: March 9, 2016
Image of Dakota Austin via USA Today
– Player Note | Joseph Paul: While OU has yet to update (at least as of the time of this post) their roster online, several of the local beat reporters tweeted out yesterday an updated, though scaled down, spring roster. And one of the names you may have noticed was missing was that of offensive lineman Joseph Paul.
So we checked with a source to see what the story was and wanted to pass along what we could with respect to what we were told. Evidently due to a medical related issue, Paul is no longer with the football program. However he is still at OU and according to what we were told, Bob Stoops has every intention of honoring Paul’s scholarship even though he is no longer playing football. – (Super K)
– Team Notes: Also wanted to pass along a few more team notes from folks we’ve spoken with about OU’s first three spring practices.
* Kyler Murray – “Elite quickness” was how one person we spoke with described Murray’s athleticism. Even going so far as to say the Sooners will be in good hands even after Mayfield leaves. Was told Murray throws a great ball and while everyone knows he’s a threat to run, and yet even with those expectations it sounds like his ability to make plays outside the pocket has already surprised some within the program. Have also been told the OU staff is very impressed with his work ethic thus far.
* Rodney Anderson – “Very explosive. On more than one occasion he made some really nice cuts.”
* Dakota Austin – Talked to a couple different sources at length about Austin. Below is a quick summary of those conversations:
As expected the biggest concern is going to be his size, both downfield and in the red zone. The bigger WRs just have an inherent advantage making plays over the top of him. Having said that, Austin is still a very aggressive player. In that he pokes and prods a receiver in every way possible, and just generally tries to make their life uncomfortable any way he can. And if the ball is thrown anywhere in his vicinity, he’ll fight like crazy to either pick it off or force an incompletion.
When it comes to the short stuff, Austin can use his quickness on, slants, stops, etc., he’s all over those type of routes. However given his size, he’s just not a guy that’s going get up on the line in press coverage. Instead, he’s going to give a cushion and play off, then look to use his quickness to jump those quicker, short routes. – (Super K)
128 Comments
I was really impressed by Austin’s play last year. It seems we have a lot of great options at DB for this coming season.
cvcv https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f511bde50c4299fd554d6903dbbf9fa5047048a7011abdca5b47cd1e1f406b49.jpg
Still. Against most teams he ‘ll be fine. But OSU (Buckeyes) and Baylor he may be a liability. I say game plan for him to cover slot wrs.
First
re paul……..was he one of the new orleans guys……….was this a possible reason for orso to oline
another new orl guy, garnett…….has he healed up
really interested in mbanasor sp……..highly regarded for his press coverage in hs, had a tough time in games last yr…….really expected him to make a big jump, nothing against austin
If I remember correctly, PJ actually had pretty good position on most of the plays that he was in on, just seemed to have a problem playing the ball and of course that can be fixed. Hoping for the best for the young man and hope the game has slowed down a little for him.
Really curious about the linebackers? Deberry, McGinnis
Indeed. I’d like to hear about McGinnis.
Prayers to Joseph Paul. Wish him the best.
Austin is disruptive, but is that enough when certain schemes against teams will require size and physicality at the line of scrimmage?
Folks can be critical of his size but it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of fight in the dog.
I don’t disagree, just a thought upon the recent departure of Sanchez. Austin is scrappy, and talented.
Any chance they utilize both Austin and a bigger CB like PJ in different situations? Like use PJ as a “goal line” CB to prevent the jump balls and fades but use Dakota more in the open field situations? We have 3rd down RBs and 3rd down pass rushers and goal line packages that put bigger DTs on the line, so why not goal line CBs?
An OC would have a field day because you would be tipping your hand in how you intend to defend.
I don’t think it could be an every time thing, for the reason Jax mentions above, but I will admit I had a similar thought. It might be something to look at from time to time at least, using the logic of “getting the best player possible on the field for the current situation”
Sucks about Paul. Was hoping after a year or 2 in the program that he’d become a mauler at guard. Best of luck to him.
one report indicated he never lost the 40-50 lbs of ‘bad’ weight he brought with him from NOLA. maybe one of you know whether this is correct or not ?
It was reported earlier a medical condition.
What do you care? He is medically unable to perform, and you are going to pile on? U R a piece of work.
Hey ! don’t shoot the messenger. I didn’t utter the statement ; just reporting what another thread indicated….it may be right and it may be wrong…..
What? Too fat to play? So, OU 40 Ohio State 28…agree?
Sounds like the QB position is finally on the rebound after some misses in recruiting.
Good to hear Anderson is mentally moving past his injury.
Just thinking that. Thankful he’s back.
Him and Murray behind a solid line could make for some highlight reel plays.
Amen to that! Kid has the makings of a star. Great news.
“Elite Quickness”
“Very Explosive”
“Very Aggressive Player”
Your source’s insight in music to our ears!
https://media.giphy.com/media/FlWgXEtj5aM5G/giphy.gif
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NICE
NICE
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What,an open post and not one BOOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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No you didn’t. Delete this now!
Who dat?
My freakin wife! He is obsessed with her. She is the 2016 TFB mascot BTW. She’s been on almost every post for the past week.
P.S. she’s Cheryl Cole and she’s spec-tacular
You spelled her last name wrong. It’s spelled C-H-U-B-B-S.
Well that is what happens when she is around.
He lies.They were never married and she digs me.
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BOOMER!!!!!! <~ there you go Metz
SOONER!!!!!!
Really glad to hear about Murrays work ethic. I admit that when I found out he was transferring I wasnt overjoyed however Im starting to feel really good about it now. I think that him having a year of watching Baker both on and off the field will end up being a major plus.
Agreed, i think just being at OU fixs alot!
Exactly right. The problem at aTm wasn’t Kyler or Kyle.
He can do what Baker does avoiding the sack (better), I want to see him hit wrs deep and the medium range throws. WE are not settling for a Jerrod Heard type.
Any news on Antoine Stephens? Is it possible he can compete for the open CB spot?
Kudos to Bob regarding Joseph Paul.
On another note, I like Dakota’s aggressiveness. However, his size and top end speed probably aren’t going to cut it. We gotta have CBs who are more than a pest to the WRs.
Agreed, classy move to keep him on scholarship. I wish it weren’t such an out of the ordinary thing these days, but keeping someone on scholarship after they’re hurt is just not a guarantee anymore
Bob is a coach apart from so many others. While others look for ways to move kids off the team and take their scholarships, Bob looks for ways to keep guys on or award scholarships when deserved.
Saban would have dropped Paul off the roster so fast it would make your head spin. Glad we have a coach who honors their commitments.
absolutely on both Saban as well as Stoops.
In regards to Austin– So he is, who we thought he was. Pretty simple.
I still think Austin is day one starter is going to surprise people even more than he did last year. Yes there will be occasions with a really well thrown ball to a 6’4 WR that he not able to stop it but I think we will see a guy that makes his fair share of plays and will be in position more than he is not.
I’d say he’d make a wonderful dime back option. Dakota Austin in run support with a fullback and TE in the area does not entice me.
Based on what I saw with his tackling I’d much rather see him in those situations than Sanchez
Neither did Sanchez!!! This is not 1999 Nebraska football. This is the big 12 of air raid conference. You need a guy who can cover and Austin can. I would with someone else that said Austin was a more solid tacked than Sanchez when he played.
Yes, and Austin weights 20 lbs less than Sanchez. He can cover, that’s cool. Also, you have to consider the opponents that Austin played against, but hey.
Whoever shows up as the best player in practice is who I want to see out there, but I will not be surprised one bit if it’s Dakota Austin.
Kyler Murray does have elite quickness
He also knows how to slide and run out of bounds
So what you’re saying is, he doesn’t have as big a set of cajones as Mayfield? (Yes, that was a joke.)
I’ve seen Kyler play a lot of football and all I can say is come 2017… get your popcorn ready!
KM obviously has the skills and athleticism. But I think his field leadership will really stand out.
He is a good kid and great leader. The situation at a&m was bad all around and I bet everyone involved wished they’d handled it better. I think the change of scenery and HC will make a big difference… plus he has 3 former teammates on the squad with him which should help.
and your peanut M&Ms. Good combo.
Well, until I see more, I’m not ready to rule out Austin Kendall at QB in 2017.
8/8 9/9 10/10
Metz out—– with Cheryl also!
Hey, tomorrow’s OP is up. Check it out.
Crazy to think anderson will be 3rd or 4th string and could start for a LOT of schools out there. Its good to be us =)
Given the problems Perine has had with his ankles (and Mixon’ injuries), there’s a good chance RA will get a fair share of totes. Can’t wait to see what he does.
same here, kid is gonna be a beast.
I think if Anderson stays healthy, he’s going to see a fair bit more time than your average 3rd stringer. I’m really hoping the young man is so good he can’t be kept off the field.
Totally agree. We have a three-headed monster in the backfield. If the ‘Beast’ Anderson proves to be an adept blocker, suspect he’ll help share the load.
One thing that bothers me is the 4th quarter in blowouts. Why does BS consistently live the starting qb/rb in for half of it? Give these guys more time when we are destroying people.
YOU have identified the one area that Stoops needs to address : building depth…guys don’t improve standing on the sideline….depth issues hurt OU vs Clemson……..
Have always wondered that myself.
agreed……he was always productive while at Katy TX.
things can change in an instant ( injuries, academic, legal, etc) ….Anderson may move up the depth chart quicker than we expect…..
Sucks about Paul but at least he is getting a valuable opportunity.
I noticed Paul being absent yesterday on a Spring Roster that one of the beat writers tweeted. I also noticed Isaac Ijalana no longer being listed. Anyone have information on him?
Ijalana was on there as a DE if I’m not mistaken.
I think Austin would be better served in the Slot/WB position on 4 wide packages. His quickness against these shifty receivers on option routes over the middle would be a big advantage plus it may help us align better against 4 wide packages. If Austin was playing the smaller shifty guys he could follow them all over the field thus helping the Right & Left Corner alignment that OU loves. I just keep remembering that West Virginia determined match-ups all day by putting Kevin White 6’3″ 215lb (totaled 173 yds and a td that day) to their right side on Sanchez 5’11” 170lb and Mario Alford 5’8″ 180lb (totaled 101 yds and a TD) to their left side all day against Julian Wilson 6’2″ 215lb and it was a nightmare for both guys and we gave up 376 yds passing mostly to those two guys. Would just love to see a way to eliminate the other teams Offense from determining our defensive match-ups!
It seems in the distant past, maybe under BV, the CBs would flip. Maybe one of the more knowledgable coach types or K could address the way OU uses their corners. Seems the DC would want to set the matchups and flip corners when possible, esp m2m.
They tried that boundary and field side CB switches with I think it was when Hurst and Fleming were playing maybe the pair the year before and it didn’t quite work the way they had anticipated.
It would be tough to do against HUNH offenses we face today. Just my thought.
I agree that Austin could succeed covering slot receivers. But I actually think Austin will be solid as the “second” corner. The position JT played the last 2 years and flip JT to Sanchez’s side. The reason I say that is for as sophisticated as offenses are these days, most of the time the WR with the best skill set lines up to the right of the QB and generally plays outside. And the WR to the far left of the QB is usually a burner and runs a lot of deep routes. If given the choice, I would match Austin up on burners instead of PJ who I’m admittedly not very high on right now. PJ is going to have to make a significant jump IMO to deserve playing time. Everyone points to the Tulsa game and say that wasn’t his fault (which may be the case) but even in garbage time last year he didn’t look exceptional.
Don’t you think teams will see Austin out there and intentionally move their bigger WRa over to him? Austen is scrappy but just not sure he can do all that is required of the corner or nickle positions
They might but that doesn’t mean they will be able to take advantage of him. I don’t worry about his size I saw him play like an all conference type of corner. He played better than Sanchez did.
Those Tulsa receivers —when healthy— made a lot of db’s look ordinary….problem for Tulsa was the fact two of the top three were injured much of last season. The Garrett kid , if I remember, missed several games….
Bob Stoops honoring Paul’s ship even when he’s medically unable play doesn’t surprise me. The man is a class act.
It will. OT count against OUs 85 scholarship limit but all the same you are right in that it’s a good thing for OU to honor the agreement.
I think Bob did it because it’s the right thing to do, but it will make it hard to negative recruit against OU.
Coaches located south of the Red River will go to great lengths to talk about his “lack of character/race issues.”
GIVE. ME. A. BREAK.
Any kid/parent that believes any of that is living under a rock.
lots of rocks in Texas headed by two substantial boulders : Charlie Strong & Kevin Sumlin……
LOL.
Is Timarcus Davis OU good?
https://twitter.com/hunterrison/status/707735513873195008
“No particular order” I beg to differ.
Exactly in order*
Kinda what I thought.
ffg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f511bde50c4299fd554d6903dbbf9fa5047048a7011abdca5b47cd1e1f406b49.jpg
Ban Hammer
Asthma*
So why not play Dakota Austin in the slot as a NB, and move the bigger Johnson outside?
Not the ideal size for run support.
I love wills physicality on the screen game. He fights through anything
Agreed, kid is not afraid to run up and smack people.
Re: Paul. His scholarship will NOT count against OU. There was a TE named Max _____. Who tore his pec really bad and he remained on a medical schalorship as did that TE (Harlow ?) out of Florida that could not pass due to an injury that wouldn’t heal right. Because it was discovered after he had committed he still had a schalorship that dos count against OUs 85 limit.
I believe you are correct. As I understand it, they can give him a scholly that doesn’t count against the limit but he can never play football at OU, if he were to get better.
With an Office staff the size of the OU athletic program I cannot understand how the roster isn’t updated on sooner sports. As of Monday they still had not posted Thibs bio and pic on the coaches page.
Austin was a lot more physical than Sanchez when he played, certainly a better tackler. I only remember seeing him get burned in one game (KU, if memory serves). I was so impressed with his play I wasn’t looking forward to Sanchez coming back.
For all you late night owls.
Sterling shepherd scouting report
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/09/draft-pff-scouting-report-sterling-shepard-wr-oklahoma/
Stat to know:
At 3.17, Shepard had the second-highest yards per route run average from the slot of any receiver in this draft class.
Seriously? 3.17 yards per route is the highest YPR?
prob a lot of bubbles to bring down the avg…those are neg yards
Could be, just sounds very low to be the highest.
You gotta realize, that’s not yards per attempt that came his way. That’s yards per route run so that’s taking into account every pass play he was in on even when the ball went to another receiver, baker took a sack or baker ran it. And if it includes RPO plays where he handed it to a back then that’s really a lot of routes ran.
Yards per route run, right? Not yards per catch.
If he’s in the game for 40 passing plays, he runs 40 routes. He might get thrown to 12 times, catch 10 for 100 yards and still only average 2.5 yards per route run.
, ‘Yards Per Route Run’ makes use of our detailed snap data that breaks down what each player was doing on each play. Total receiving yards is divided by the number of plays a receiver spent out in a pattern to give a mark to their per-snap contribution.
As the NFL as a whole grows more and more fond of three-receiver sets, the slot receiver position takes on increased importance
https://www.profootballfocus.com/about/pff-signature-stats/#YardsPerRouteRun
Efficiency stat and it’s really good
Wow, I never really thought of it in that manner. Since he was in on most every possession, I guess that is actually pretty darn good.
“Invaluable” is not a bad adjective to have on your scouting report.
SS has made some serious money during his workouts this winter…I hope he is still available when the Steelers draft in the 2nd rd ( somewhere around #50 ) but I think he’l be gone long before –possibly to NE in the 1st……
Loved the way Austin played last year when he had his chances, but I also loved the film on PJ. Hope the game slows doen for PJ and he can get his head around on the ball. When PJ was in, I thought he had very good coverage, but because he failed to get his head around he got flagged a couple of times.
Good to see Bob step up with Paul.
On another topic, I will be surprised if the Raiders do not win the AFC West next year. The moves they are making in offseason are huge. O-line, speed rushers, DB’s. With the draft coming, they are looking like a team to beat in AFC.
We need this guy to step up for real. With this type of build, he could be a beast
http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/oudaily.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/fe/bfe7d1cc-e583-11e5-a6b1-7319b1047e7e/56df5d3cbf425.image.jpg
Imagine this for fun… Charles Tapper is slightly undersized at DE for an NFL team with a 3/4 defense. One of those teams drafts him and Tapper cuts down ~15lbs to play stand up OLB. Scary with his speed
Lotsa potential with Tap. 4-3 SDE or SOLB or gain 25 pounds and go for the 3 tech. Those 11 1/2 inch hands and 34 1/2 inch arms to go with his speed/expl/agility numbers should cause OT’s fits when he pulls it together.
Biggest knocks I hear on him would be about playing with consistent technique..mainly keeping pad level low and using those monster hands better…nothing a great NFL DL coach can’t fix.
Tap would be a perfect developmental player and won that probably every GM is hoping drops into their laps after their immediate needs are addressed and can afford the luxury of drafting potential.
Good info. Thanks