OU Football Practice Notes 8.12.15

Image via OU Football Facebook

Had a couple more carry over notes in addition to those on the QBs, so we wanted to share them with you as well.

– Earlier this week we mentioned that Marquise Overton was beginning to flash that great first step we all saw back in his high school days at Jenks. I spoke to someone yesterday who brought Overton up, and said that he really is beginning to have a great camp. He puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback and has even started to receive some second team reps at NG.

– As expected, Samaje Perine did not practice yesterday. However, I was told that Joe Mixon also did not practice in the second of OU’s two sessions yesterday. He did, however, take part in the morning session.

– Was told Jordan Thomas had a nice INT yesterday. Also, Brandon let me know (and I was later able to confirm) that Kahlil Haughton had two pass break-ups as well.

– We’ve mentioned him on TFB numerous times now, but it really sounds like Haughton is going to be a player for the Sooners. And he’s someone who will likely see the field in some capacity this year. Which isn’t to say Haughton is going to unseat Ahmad Thomas necessarily, but in order to assist in his development he will almost assuredly get some live-action reps in 2015.

– Was told that, in general, the defense won the day on Tuesday. I was told they were practicing with Mike Stoops in the booth to get used to getting the calls in early.

– Continuing to hear about the TEs being targeted much more frequently in this Lincoln Riley offense than they have been used in the past.

149 Comments

  • Randy says:

    First…

  • Randy says:

    I am still not use to nor comfortable with true freshman playing in certain spots S is one of those but I love Haughtons game and if he can help then I am all for it.

    • Super K says:

      I think Thomas starts but Kahlil will get some PT to groom him for the future

      • Randy says:

        That’s what I thought Parker would do last year but I guess we were a lot thinner than I thought.

    • Perry Dickey says:

      I understand your hesitance but what you have to consider is when the last time you heard his competitor “had two pass breakups”.

  • cdzendolet says:

    Man, I needed these notes today!

  • Troyce Lewis says:

    Can we get the receiver breakdown?

  • For any of you that know, when you say the TEs being targeted much more frequently, do you mean the TE being flexed out in the WR position or the TE actually being lined up as a TE? The reason I ask is because I almost don’t associate a TE being flexed out as being a TE. I understand they can “flex” out, but if they are just going to line up in the slot, then they are basically a WR to me. Can you find out any distinction on whether the TE position is being played as a prototypical TE at all? Or if the TE position is just being flexed out at all times? Thank you. Good stuff as always guys!!!

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Won’t be flexed out at all times, but you can expect to see a good bit of that.

      • Randy says:

        I want to see Alex Ross flexed out wide…

      • I would hope that Riley can utilize the prototypical TE position. If nothing else, it will give defenses yet another look to prepare for. Will he be blocking or running a route? When he is flexed, he is always running a route.

  • Boomer15 says:

    K, are you getting the sense this early in camp that the days of favoritism have begun to go by the wayside and every position is getting an honest eval?

  • Andy Sundborg says:

    What’s a TE? LOL sorry had to say it once

  • Fear The Magic says:

    Love hearing that Overton could really be a playfor us but at the same time its a little worrisome that if a true freshman could put that much pressure on our QBs then whats a VERY good and experienced Tennessee DL going to be able to do.

    • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

      I’d read somewhere on the internet that Tennessee would be starting two true freshmen at DL this year. Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      They can’t be too experienced. One of the things said about Tennessee last year was they were starting all new players on both the DL and the OL.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Just checked. Their 1st team DL is Sr/ Jr/ Fr/ So.
        Also from reading quite a few Tennessee posters they seem to think that their DL is easily their best position group.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          Living in N Alabama I know lots of Tennessee fans. Two things to keep in mind:

          1) They wear Orange
          2) Their schools initials are UT.

          Along with that comes strong delusions of greatness.

    • Roger Nixon says:

      Ummm, OU gave up just 9 sacks last year while recording 32. Tennessee gave up 43 sacks and recorded 35, 10 of which were by a true freshman.
      I don’t know how relevant that will be this year but I don’t think OU’s OL will collapse and true freshmen CAN be very productive on the DL.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        This years OL is totally revamped so I dont see a major correlation there but that being said I hope that youre right.

        • Roger Nixon says:

          Dereck Barnett, the Soph DE is a beast. Other than that the Tennessee DL is pretty average. ChThe Sr & Jr combined had fewer tackles than Chuka last year. No idea about their true freshman this year.
          I’d say their LB corps is their real strength.

          • rphokc says:

            read where they’ve recruited some stud fr dts, one being mckenzie (sp) that mont tried hard to get……..saw a tenn tape on him destroying one of their vet olineman in a man-on-man drill
            well, old news, hadn’t scrolled down yet

          • Mr. Jones says:

            They also brought in Shy Tuttle (dt) and a stud DE whose name escapes me right now.

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            They better hope their backers are their strength. They’re gonna get ran over by Perine.

    • EasTex says:

      All of last year’s vol DL and OL were first year starters.
      They have some talent, but so does OU.

    • hOUligan says:

      Love that. He really wanted this and was sweating not making it so I am certain he appreciates his opportunity even more. Think we will be very happy with Big ‘O’ and Gallimore over the next few years.

  • Brad Warren says:

    Joe missed the afternoon session due to a prior obligation with the media. His in depth interview with Jenni will be in tomorrow’s sports. Lmao.

  • Jesse says:

    Is there a scrimmage this afternoon?

  • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

    Love what I’m hearing about Overton. I never wrestled (too big a pansy), but there is something about wrasslin’ that makes good football players great. Leverage and whatnot. I don’t know the science behind it, but I love the results.

    Keep it up, Q. Looking forward to seeing you on the field. You too, Walker. And Dede. And J. Evans. And…

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I think anyone that is going to play a line position would benefit greatly from either wrestling or judo. They would learn a lot about balance and leverage that could be applied in football.

      • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

        I agree. Based on what I’ve seen from players who have.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Case in point Kelly Gregg.

      • EasTex says:

        I agree, as an old lineman that wrestled and studied judo, strength is important, stamina is even more important and learning how to control your body and your opponents is far more important.
        I believe that every decent human being on Earth should study judo.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          I took jiu jitsu for awhile. It’s judo’s meaner cousin. Was never good at it. But you do learn a lot of things upside down three feet in the air.

          • EasTex says:

            If you haven’t seen it, Akira Kurasawa’s first film Sanshiro Sugata, is about the clash between Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Great movie and also the modern source for “kamikaze” or divine wind.
            http://broadcast.imdbhdmovies.com/play.php?movie=0036400

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I’ll check it out.

          • KJ1123 says:

            There a video out there of a match between Gracie (the founder) and one of Judos top player ever. It was like from the 50s or 60s. It’s pretty good, I think the Judo player ended up winning.

          • hemisooner says:

            Kimura vs Helio…Helio had a 40 lb disadvantage. Kimura won by a shoulder lock now named the kimura. I’ve trained under a Carlson Gracie black belt for 7 years now that’s how I know

          • KJ1123 says:

            That’s the one, it was a pretty good video just watching the different styles at a high level.

          • hemisooner says:

            BJJ, judo, or freestyle wrestling it’s all good for you.

          • EasTex says:

            Of all the different forms I tried (Greco-Roman wrestling/goju-ryu/eskrima/judo, Judo was by far my favorite. Because of my instructor Dr. Kim(an olympic referee) the focus on proper “break falls” gave me a calm confidence boost unlike any of the others

          • hemisooner says:

            I like old school judo not the point system BS they have now.

          • EasTex says:

            I’m witchu.

          • hemisooner says:

            BJJ is getting the same way. Berimbolo and 50/50 crap makes me puke. Lucky for me my professor is old school. Pressure pressure pressure

          • JB says:

            Classical jiu jitsu or Brazilian? As a LEO we train in some BJJ techniques. There is a good reason why BJJ dominates UFC.

            As far as martial arts I’ve trained in, I enjoy Krav Maga the most and Tae Kwon Do the least. TKD is pretty worthless in anything except a point-scoring refereed match. In a street fight, not so great. KM and BJJ on the other hand are much more effective and instinctual.

          • hemisooner says:

            My favorite is BJJ but I do like Muay Thai. That’s toughest thing I have ever tried. Oh man, the bruises I would have hurt for days if not weeks.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            It was out of a classic stream of jiu jitsu, but would borrow/steal techniques from other styles. Where I studied they would let you wear a belt that you had earned in any style. They would try to learn from you as much as teach you.

            Funny thing was the TKD black belts usually came with a white belt the second time around. After you have had your leg swept out from under you a couple of times trying to throw those high kicks the TKD guys use you realize that you don’t know anything about falling.

          • pitbull17 says:

            In my current security job I had to learn some BJJ that centered around weapon retention. I really enjoyed that part of it.

        • JB says:

          And there is a world class judoka in Moore named Pat Burris.

    • Boom says:

      Strong hands and forearms. Bench is the measurement but to me, if you have strong hands & forearms, you can control the person in front of you.

    • JB says:

      As evidenced by the great Kelly Gregg. Shame he had to be on some bad Sooner teams.

    • eastoksooner says:

      I wrestled in HS and was better than average. HS career record of 88-12 at a 3A Oklahoma HS. I think what wrestling contributed to my football skill set was balance and body control. That’s my opinion someone else might think different. Hope you and yours are well brother. God’s blessings to you.

      • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

        Great input, man. And God’s blessings an you and yours also. By the way, I’m an east OK Sooner myself. Green Country.

        • eastoksooner says:

          Where are you man? I live just outside of Poteau.

          • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

            Tulsa area. But rural. I live elsewhere but hail from T-Town.

          • eastoksooner says:

            Awesome. I have a brother and sister who have migrated to Glenpool. I was born and raised in the sticks and that’s where I’m staying! They can hardly get me to come and visit. I make them come down here and see us, hey, they were the ones who moved.

          • pitbull17 says:

            where at outside of Poteau? I’m in Wilburton.

          • eastoksooner says:

            About 8 miles straight east in a community called Gilmore. It would be north of Monroe. Foot of Sugarloaf mtn. Been in Wilburton many times, used to date a girl from there. I know a few people who live there. Nice town and beautiful country.

          • pitbull17 says:

            Right, I know exactly where you’re talking about. I can almost gaurantee if you know somebody from Wilburton I know them. That’s one of the perks of a small town.

          • eastoksooner says:

            Yep sure is. Don’t know if I should post there names on here or not but I bet your right, you probably do know them.

          • pitbull17 says:

            You can always hit me on Twitter and I’ll dm you my email address. Same username on twitter

          • eastoksooner says:

            I don’t have a twitter or FB. Just send me an email [email protected]

          • pitbull17 says:

            will do

      • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

        Hey, Toats. I’m seeing the roster when I follow the link. Is there something else I should be seeing?

        • ToatsMcGoats says:

          No. It was in reference to the last part of your comment where you were listing all the players. I just figured I’d try to be funny…it hardly ever works for me…

  • Jason Vos says:

    I think Hatari Byrd will surprise this year like his skill set and hitting ability.

  • David Raath says:

    Super K, any word on Austin Roberts and Courtney Garnett?

    • Fear The Magic says:

      The Austin Roberts situation is starting to take a turn for the bizarre.
      what could possibly be so hard about getting grade transcripts faxed on over?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Garnett is practicing, but I don’t believe the expectation is for him to contribute much this season.

    • Brad Warren says:

      I just looked at Robert’s Twitter and it says, “OU commit working on pass rush somewhere.” Lol. The tweets don’t reveal anything specific pertaining to transcript matter. As we both know, it’ll be on here as soon as something happens. I am super impatient.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    I’m really hoping Overton will be another dominant defensive lineman.

  • KJ1123 says:

    I really like Andrews (TE), he seems pretty fluid and has some good hands. Im not sure if he blocks as well as Bell but he’s a good looking TE.

    • EasTex says:

      I think Carson Meier will prove to a better blocker, based on what I saw of his style of play in High School.

  • Troyce Lewis says:

    Really hoping we can land Cleveland! Would be a big get IMO

    • Randy says:

      Me too.. Getting a visit is huge.. !!! Ole Miss and and TCU worry me the most.

      • Boom says:

        Shea was his QB at The Opening and they lite it up. From there, they built a relationship which I’m sure Shea is trying his hardest to get him to Ole Miss. I think we just need to keep grinding and have some results on the field. He would be dynamic in Riley’s offense.

        • Randy says:

          Yeah, I watched a few of those games at The Opening they were really in sync even told my friend watching with me wouldn’t be surprised if he went to Ole Miss. But OU did some good work and it’s paying off with the visit so you are right the offense needs to show out and let the chips fall where they may.

      • Troyce Lewis says:

        I think TCU is the team to beat..iyo who do you think would be impact this class more Cleveland or Kelly?

        • Boom says:

          Seems like a WR can make an immediate impact whereas Kelly could take over his Soph/Jr years. To me, they’re both impact players.

        • JB says:

          That’s a tough one. If Cleveland is going to be a DB at the next level, we could certainly receive a lift from a DB with his speed. (If he’s being recruited as a WR then I’d say it’s not even a contest giving Kelly the nod hands down, since we need the most help on D.)

          I think Kelly would make the bigger impact. The combo of him, Youngquist and Terry would be a super athletic combo alone, and that’s not even counting the addition of Jefferson. If you get a dominant front 7 then a lot of pressure is taken off the secondary. However, you can have the greatest secondary ever, but if the defensive front seven can’t pressure the QB, receivers will get open and you’ll still get burned. The proximity of LBs to the LOS and the QB make them a greater priority.

          So I’d say kelly would have the bigger impact of the two.That’s my humble opinion anyway.

        • Randy says:

          Immediate impact Cleveland he was come in and be a difference maker day 1. Long term, 3 yrs Kelly. But Cleveland would get OU on SportsCenter (recruits like that) every week.

  • Jesse says:

    TFB thank you guys for the info. Sucks to see everyone’s gotta hate because they can’t stand other people doing a better job then themselves. You guys are the best, again, thank you.

  • EasTex says:

    Excellent info, Super K.

    As always, greatly appreciated.
    Love to hear about all the young talent that may contribute.

  • Cush Creekmont says:

    Nice report! Thanks as always for your work and presentation.

  • Matt says:

    I feel like the overall tone of practice notes this season is
    much more subdued than last season..I really hope that’s just cautious optimism
    after feeling like you guys were possibly given too positive of notes last year…I
    hope the news out of practice is actually much better than what you’re sharing!
    Thanks for the great info, this stuff is amazing!

  • JB says:

    It’s been a couple of days without a “Boom!” and it’s time to feed the monster again. He’s getting hungry.

  • Slim Sooner says:

    Practice notes make my day. K or Jordan, I thought I read something yesterday about our guys not doing the Oklahoma Drill this year, but I could’ve misread because surely that can’t be right. Do y’all know anything about it?

    • soonersd says:

      I heard Dusty D discussing it on the sports animal a few days ago so safe to say it’s true. He was pretty bummed about it as we are all, I’m sure.

      What will they take away from us next, scrimmages? I understand it’s a head on collision but it’s also something that occurs in football all the time. I believe it’s simply a PR move to make it seem like schools/universities are taking steps to prevent/limit head trauma but I don’t feel cutting this drill will do so.

      • Slim Sooner says:

        Thanks for the info. I hadn’t heard official word here and don’t listen to radio much. Losing the Drill is disturbing since it’s such a tradition for our program. I don’t like it at all.

        • soonersd says:

          Exactly… and not just a tradition here but tradition all over the country from pee wee up through high school. Sad to think kids won’t be getting a tiny glimpse in to the tradition that is OU football by doing this drill growing up 🙁

  • Tex'ish says:

    First time post – new to this esteemed collection of SOONER fans… Have very much enjoyed and appreciated TFB’s postings and the subsequent thoughtful comments by this community.
    BOOMER! 🙂

  • Stephen says:

    Off-topic
    Ole Miss goes 9-4 and recruits think they’re going for a championship.
    Oklahoma goes 8-5 and it’s we’re considered to be heading downhill.
    Does anyone else see the perception problem that’s affecting recruiting?
    ***(YES I KNOW WE JUST HAD SOME REALLY GOOD SUCCESS ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL)***

  • SamSooner says:

    I don’t know about the rest of you but seeing passes thrown to the tight ends gets me excited about the season. I really don’t think teams will know where to defend us.

  • Randy says:

    TEs meaning Carson Meier as well ?

  • pitbull17 says:

    I like the idea of OU using TE’s again, it just gives you another weapon on the field for the d to have to pick up. The last few years everybody knew the TE’s were not getting the ball.