TFB ‘Town Hall’ 8.15.16

Just to reassure your request has definitely not fallen on deaf ears, we’re going to try something new here. We know you’ve wanted something of a Q&A/chat type of opportunity and that’s what we’re aiming to give you with this new ‘Town Hall’ feature.

As many of you are painfully aware, the comment section here at TFB isn’t exactly the easiest to navigate with regards to carrying on and/or following a conversation. So the goal with this ‘Town Hall’ feature is to give you a chance to ask all the Q’s you might have, and we here at TFB to do our best to provide the A’s.

With that said, at least in this initial feeling out period, we’re going to institute a couple guidelines we’d very much appreciate you following.

* As mentioned, the comments aren’t exactly easy to follow once things get crowded in there. So at least at first, we’d like to request that for the purposes of this ‘Town Hall’ post you limit your comments strictly to the question/s you’d like answered. In turn, we will respond with an answer. Thus if someone is coming to the comments after the fact, in theory, it would be much easier for them to follow along, rather than having to scroll thru dozens of comments trying to follow along.

* Again at least for now, our plan is to delete any unnecessary comments in these ‘Town Hall’ posts to make it easier for everyone to follow the conversation and get to the information they/you want. So if your comment gets deleted, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong or can expect a visit from the Ban Hammer. Rather, we’re just trying to keep things clean and easy to follow.

* Follow up questions are fine, within reason, but obviously what we’re trying to avoid is a drawn out, back-and-forth conversation in the comments cluttering things up for everyone else.

* The comments section will be ‘closed’ until the Q&A session is about to start, at which point we will then ‘open’ the comments back up and you can start posting your questions. Once the chat has concluded, we will again ‘close’ the comments so as to avoid any aforementioned clutter after the fact.

* We’ll see how things go, but the plan as of now is to spend around 30 minutes trying to answer as many questions as we can get to. Maybe that 30 minutes goes up at some point (no promises!) depending on how popular this new feature becomes, or maybe 30 minutes proves to be too long a time. That all depends on you, TFB’ers.

If we don’t get to your question within the allotted time, well there’s always next week. We love the interaction and are working to encourage even more of it, but we also have lives too you know 😉

Hopefully that all makes sense and you understand why we’re approaching things the way we’ve chosen to do so (again, for now).

Alright, now that we have all that out of the way we’ll open up the comments starting at 7pm (CT). Looking forward to seeing you back here then.

178 Comments

  • Jordan Esco says:

    If you would, please read the post above. And hopefully we’ll see you back here at 7.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Here.
    We.
    Go.

  • Super K says:

    I’m here.

  • j l says:

    If OU goes 11-1 and makes the playoffs(beating UT by 14), and UT goes 8-4 with decent offensive stats, who lands wilson, manning and graham?

    • Super K says:

      Depends on what games UT wins…early wins and Marvin Wilson forgets but Graham probably pulls the trigger.

  • Zach Evans says:

    Is AD Miller the 4th guy behind Baxter, Dede, and Andrews? And can we expect to count on him to be consistent?

  • David says:

    What position group are you guys most worried about/excited about?

    • Super K says:

      LB. Think the OL works itself out though it would be naïve not to be a concerned about the OL with such big games coming early. No time to work out the kinks

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Are you trying the Q&A in place of a pod cast or is that something still in the works? And if so would you prefer live with open comment section or prerecorded and posted somewhere on the site.

  • metzker says:

    Is wren really a true possibility?

  • ICommentOnThings says:

    How is Austin Kendall looking, through practice? The biggest concern I have with Mayfield’s style is the possibility of another hard hit that keeps him from playing multiple games. Could we potentially have a similar problem as Baylor last year – and if so, who might be behind Kendall?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Kendall has looked good so far, taking some reps w/ the first team to get him ready when/if need be. But he’s still a true freshman, so there will be growing pains.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    What’s the scoop with Deberry?

    • Super K says:

      He runs with the 2s/3s. He’s a solid player but I get the sense they don’t feel like he’s nearly as explosive as a guy like Obo

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Seems to not be a lot of big talk regarding Geno Lewis. Is he going to be a contributor like Brown was a few years ago? What do you think?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      He’ll contribute for sure, but the comparisons to Justin Brown were really one of convenience and circumstance rather than similar skill sets.

    • Super K says:

      Honestly that’s probably more our fault. When I talk to “sources” I tend to forget to ask about him. And he may not naturally come up as much because he’s in the mould of a “solid” contributor as opposed to a big splash guy. But what OU needs from him is to be a consistent guy. And I suspect he will give them that

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    If Wren is able to replace Alvarez at center, do you think the online will still have a chance at being an upgrade from last year?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s possible. I thought Darlington, for all he did well (which was a lot), def got pushed around at times. But I’ll need to see Wren under fire before we could really make a true assessment.

    • Super K says:

      The edges will be better. The interior will be more athletic so more upside but they’ll make their fair share of mistakes. It’s just part of the growing process.

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    If we go 9-3 with losses against Houston, Texsa and Ohio state do you think we lose commits we currently have? I hate to be negative.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s possible. But under that scenario the guy I’d be more worried about losing, or missing out on as it were, is Okudah.

    • Super K says:

      I think there are a few guys that could look around. But guys like Justin, Draper, etc. aren’t going anywhere.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    Is Lampkin practicing?

    • Super K says:

      I’ll have to check for you but I believe so but not rotating with the top 6 last I heard.

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Is Anthony Hines basically an OU lock?

  • Scott says:

    Do you guys think OU has a realistic shot at landing Greg Rogers , Joesph Lewis and Baron Browning?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      At this point I’d say of the three Rogers is the best shot, but probably not likely w/ any unless something changes.

    • Super K says:

      Greg is at least visiting for an official so OU will have a chance. I think Baron for whatever reasons just isn’t interested in OU. Couldn’t say on Lewis

  • Soonernavy says:

    Of the 17 being interviewed for spots in the Big 12, who do you think they will go with?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Cincy & Houston, if it’s just two. But ESPN & Fox are really trying to prevent expansion from happening it would seem.

    • Super K says:

      I don’t know but I know who I’d go with and I’m sure people will call me crazy so I’ll leave it be for now but one of the schools rhymes with “Shulane”

  • TY says:

    What happened to Bryce youngquist? Will he ever play for ou?

  • TypicalSooner says:

    Tell me more about Tay Evans. Should we expect a drop off at ILB? How is he doing in practice?

    • Super K says:

      Hearing good things. I think he will initially be a drop off just because he won’t be as assignment sound as dom. But over time…his upside exceeds Dom’s in my estimation.

  • Austin Dye says:

    So what are the chances Ou can be a legitimate player for Joseph Lewis? 5 star players from So Cal rarely get away from USC.

  • Chris Ray says:

    Will the OU defensive line be dominant enough to take the pressure off of the young linebackers or is intensity on the defensive line still an issue for OU?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Up to guys like Obo and the young d-line talent. Can they? Sure. Will they? No way to know right now until we see them on the field. But I like their chances based on some of what we’re hearing.

    • Super K says:

      OU doesn’t move a lot on the defensive line. They aren’t your aggressive hat in the crack d. They play technique on early downs and then let loose on 3rd down. As such folks are always going to feel like their production isn’t there. I think if Walker stays healthy and Gallimore comes on…they’ll do their job which is to hold the POA and bully some OL freeing up the LBs.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Is there really no one that can handle kickoffs? I know Siebert is a tough kid, but what is the back up plan if he gets injured?

  • Jerry Reid says:

    What do you think the main reason we’re that OUr recruiting had problems for a couple years, and do you think it’s going to get better than what it is now?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Just a revamped approach and renewed sense of urgency on the part of the entire coaching staff. Think the new hires really helped to reinvigorate Bob, personally.

  • Ryan says:

    Zero DT’s last class. Unrealistic shot at signing big time DT’s this year. Our future doesn’t look bright on the D-Line…whatcha think??

  • ⚡️Electric Sooner⚡️ says:

    Are the back up S ready to play if one of the starters goes down?

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Any recruits post on here under different names that you know of?

  • NM Sooner says:

    Who would you compare Gallimore to ? hopefully G McCoy ; )

  • ALar03 says:

    Chanse Sylvie… I loved the kids film think he will be solid.. Where is he right now?? Behind will Johnson at nickel??

    • Super K says:

      Yeah. And he’s going to be a good one for OU from what I’ve heard. I’ve heard some folks in the program say great things about him

  • Boomer145 says:

    So glad you guys are trying this format. Thanks.

    Filiaga/Ealy/Zabie/OT Not previously named….who finishes out the 17 OL classs?

  • BD says:

    So does OU still have a chance with Marvin?

  • Krys Allen says:

    Your opinion… Higher chance we have 1 loss or 3 losses at the end of the year.

  • DrewChubbs says:

    With the Creed flip, does that effectively close the door on Xavier Newman flipping?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Unless something changes I’d say yes. They’re looking for an OT to close out this 2017 o-line class.

    • Super K says:

      It did. I think some Texas folks tried to spin it based on what they were hearing but bottom line is OU does’t have a spot for him. Creed was higher on their board.

  • NM Sooner says:

    If you had to pick one breakout WR who would it be?

  • SquidGiant says:

    Predicted run/pass ratio this year? There was a lot more running last year than I expected when Riley was hired. (Not complaining, but actually rather pleasantly surprised)

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    Who will be OU’s next first round draft pick?

    • Super K says:

      Tough one…this year? Only possibility would be Perine in my mind. JT and Parker would need huge years and would need to perform at a combine at a level I do not believe they can in order to be in that talk. Walker is a possibility but too early to say.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Perine is possible, but the NFL just doesn’t value RBs like they used to.

      Walker, if he has a HUGE season.

      Orlando Brown, maybe.

  • Manny78d says:

    What degree of PT do you think Rodney Anderson will see? I know he had a couple of snaps and a good spring game but is he legit?

    • Super K says:

      Yes I’ve heard he is very much legit. In fact was told that he was a missed assignment on the OLs part from being gone in the scrimmage.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Mykel Jones is receiving high praise, do you think he is our next super star WR?

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Kyler Murray looking good in camp?

  • Austin Dye says:

    Who do you think are the kick return/punt return guys?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Punts – I’ll go w/ Baxter
      KOs – I’ll say Mixon & somebody else

    • Super K says:

      Not sure yet but some names to keep an eye on are Mixon, Westbrook, Mykel…but will have to check on that

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    In your opinion, will either Perine, Mixon, or both end up leaving after this year?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I’d bet on both leaving. Honestly, I could see Perine coming back before Mixon.

    • Super K says:

      I don’t know about Mixon. I can tell you scouts are already sniffing around about Perine.

      • SoonerFan92 says:

        A lot of them on Twitter have him either 2nd or 3rd on the list. Thanks for the response.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Your one MUST HAVE for the 2017 class out of players not currently committed, and not named Marvin?

  • NM Sooner says:

    Best home game, after Ohio State of course?

  • Amayetli says:

    How do you fellas think the offense will continue to change and develop as Lincoln Riley and Company get it going with year 2 on this offense? Any specifics?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I think you’re going to see Perine & Mixon on the field together A LOT more this year. Plus more Andrews, obv.

    • Super K says:

      I think you’ll see them use Mark on inside routes more. I also think you’ll see them attack the deep edges and deep middle more in general. I also think you won’t see the run game disappear as much as we did at times last year.

  • Matt says:

    In your opinions, who are one breakout guy regardless of position on each side of the ball you think will breakout this season?

  • Krys Allen says:

    How well do you think Ryan Broyles will perform in his new role… 🙂

  • Manny78d says:

    2 parter. Will Baker leave after this season? If not, how does his decision to stay impact the qb situation?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Depends on this draft grade, IMO. I’d bet on him coming back, especially if OU doesn’t win #8 this year.

      Could lose one guy, but they all seem to be on board at this point.

    • Super K says:

      I’m gonna guess Baker leaving depends on draft grade and how far OU goes this year. If he gets a decent draft grade but has unfinished business then he stays. Great draft grade and I’d reckon he leaves.

  • Matt says:

    Prediction on the Ohio State game after 2 weeks of camp?

  • thebigdroot says:

    Is that “next great LB” on the team yet?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I think Kelly has a chance to be, but outside of him I’d say probably not.

    • Super K says:

      Kelly is the only one that comes to mind. Jackson has potential but isn’t necessarily long enough for me to give him that without seeing how explosive he is and how well he can hold the POA.

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Do you think the first ever TFB Town Hall is awesome? Because I do!

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Not much has been said about Daniel Brooks. Has he been past over by Anderson and Adams? Can he play a role in the return game at all?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s just a matter of only so many snaps to go around. But he’s very different than the other RBs, so there could definitely be a role for him in this offense.

    • Super K says:

      He can indeed. Like Jordan said, he gives OU that change of pace back and Bob loves him as a person. He’s going to give the kid some snaps.

  • Gibbs says:

    Does Abdul Adams or Rodney Anderson have a better shot at the starting RB spot in 2017-18 (assuming Perine and Mixon leave)?

  • Boomer145 says:

    Any news on Caleb’s injury other than Stoops “slight sprain”?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      We’re working it. Have heard he could be back at practice as early as tomorrow, but that is unconfirmed at the moment.

  • NM Sooner says:

    Who is better at this time DeBerry or Kelly?

  • BD says:

    Other than Houston and Ohio state who would be the next hardest team OU will face?

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    Geno Lewis info?

  • Manny78d says:

    This is awesome by the way. Well done. You all can delete, just felt like the comment was warranted.

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Best recruiter (not coaches) for SS17?

  • Maverick says:

    On a scale of 1-10, 10 being highest, how shocked would you be to us lose 5 games this year? How shocked for undefeated?

  • Tiger6 says:

    Lincoln Riley staying 1.5 more years, you taking the over or under?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I really, really, really want it to be ‘over’ but if I were a betting man I’d have to take the under.

    • Super K says:

      tough one! He does have aspirations to be a HC. But it’ll have to be the right job.

  • ⚡️Electric Sooner⚡️ says:

    Any chance we see Mixon run the wildcat this year?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      They didn’t seem to have a ton of success w/ it last year, but I’d bet you they tweak it and keep it in the playbook

  • Scott says:

    Is OU recruiting any kids that are currently committed elsewhere?

  • Farmer Glickstein says:

    I see a lot of times Alabama is credited with 16 NC’s and Oklahoma with 7 NC’s without any mention of it being an apple and oranges type comparison. Should Oklahoma ever retroactively claim their non-consensus championships like Alabama has?

  • NM Sooner says:

    Do we have the front line hosses to win it all or much the same as last year?

  • DCinAZ says:

    Will the DL play a 2-gap scheme this year?

    • Super K says:

      Yes in a sense…they have a primary and secondary gap so it’s not a true “2 gap” but its definitely not a hat in the crack 1 gap.

  • SWoods says:

    Has the O-line and D-line improved enough to be competitive with teams like Clemson and Alabama? Obviously there is more depth.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I don’t think they’re on that level yet, no. Taking steps in the right direction tho.

  • RBear says:

    Any continued interest in the Sooners on the part of Westbrook’s brother, Aaron Sims?

  • JD says:

    Reggie Turner

  • Mark Hiner says:

    The O-line eventually improved throughout the year but if we’d had a statue at QB he’d gotten killed. BM helped the O-line so much last year. Is there reason enough to believe that they will be better in allowing the normal routes to progress or will this be another year of improvising out of the pocket? Last year was exciting and I trust BM to make plays but we need him healthy too. Can they pass block?

  • j l says:

    Biggest impact redshirt freshman this year is?

  • Maverick says:

    Why does Mike Stoops refuse to play simple concepts? In your opinion, is our defense too complicated?

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Alright, we’re gonna call this one.

    Thank you VERY MUCH to everyone who took part!!!

    If this is something you like and want more of, be sure to let us know in the comments (on another post, obv, lol) and/or on Twitter.

    Again, thank you everyone!

  • Manny78d says:

    Are the 7 touch sacks given up during the scrimmage due to the o-line, soft play, or a little bit of both?

  • ruasoonerfan2 says:

    What are your win/loss predictions?