Spring position preview: Offensive tackle 
February, 27, 2012
2/27/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Solid yet unspectacular.
Those three words explain the play of Oklahoma’s offensive tackles in 2011. Starters Donald Stephenson and Lane Johnson played a key role along an offensive line that allowed just 11 sacks in 13 games.
Johnson returns but Stephenson is gone to graduation as the Sooners prepare for spring practice. OU has plenty of talented, but inexperienced, tackles on the roster so the competition to start at both tackle slots should be interesting.
Those three words explain the play of Oklahoma’s offensive tackles in 2011. Starters Donald Stephenson and Lane Johnson played a key role along an offensive line that allowed just 11 sacks in 13 games.
Johnson returns but Stephenson is gone to graduation as the Sooners prepare for spring practice. OU has plenty of talented, but inexperienced, tackles on the roster so the competition to start at both tackle slots should be interesting.
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Triple option: Kickoff rule benefits OU
February, 27, 2012
2/27/12
9:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. Kickoffs will move from the 30 to the 35-yard line next season, a change intended to keep players safer. It's a change that should help the Sooners, too. OU's touchback percentage was less than 20 percent last year. By contrast, Oklahoma State's was almost 54 percent. The moving up of the kickoffs should diminish the disadvantage for teams that have struggled with lower touchback rates.
2. Who knew the Sooners had this much offensive speed? Tight end James Hanna and lineman Donald Stephenson clocked the fastest 40-yard dash times times at their positions of any player at the NFL combine. Hanna posted a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. Stephenson ran a 4.94. It will be interesting to see if either can generate momentum heading into the April draft. Neither player was thought to be a possible draft pick. ESPN Scouts Inc. rates Hanna as the No. 12 overall tight end at the moment. Stephenson is ranked the No. 18 overall tackle.
3. Ryan Broyles also had a combine good weekend. On top of popping up 22 reps in the bench press, third-best among WRs, he indicated to reporters he might be able to run for scouts before the April draft. "I’m hoping to have a pro day in early April to show I’m moving around and on pace to be cleared for a May minicamp," Broyles said. If that happens, Broyles has a chance to work his way back into the third round or so.
1. Kickoffs will move from the 30 to the 35-yard line next season, a change intended to keep players safer. It's a change that should help the Sooners, too. OU's touchback percentage was less than 20 percent last year. By contrast, Oklahoma State's was almost 54 percent. The moving up of the kickoffs should diminish the disadvantage for teams that have struggled with lower touchback rates.
2. Who knew the Sooners had this much offensive speed? Tight end James Hanna and lineman Donald Stephenson clocked the fastest 40-yard dash times times at their positions of any player at the NFL combine. Hanna posted a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. Stephenson ran a 4.94. It will be interesting to see if either can generate momentum heading into the April draft. Neither player was thought to be a possible draft pick. ESPN Scouts Inc. rates Hanna as the No. 12 overall tight end at the moment. Stephenson is ranked the No. 18 overall tackle.
3. Ryan Broyles also had a combine good weekend. On top of popping up 22 reps in the bench press, third-best among WRs, he indicated to reporters he might be able to run for scouts before the April draft. "I’m hoping to have a pro day in early April to show I’m moving around and on pace to be cleared for a May minicamp," Broyles said. If that happens, Broyles has a chance to work his way back into the third round or so.
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Analysis: Top targets still on OU's board
February, 27, 2012
2/27/12
7:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
A good weekend for Texas doesn’t automatically mean a huge loss for Oklahoma. Because let’s get one thing straight immediately -- it was definitely another successful junior day for the Longhorns this weekend.
Texas landed three more commits to give the Longhorns nine for the 2013 class. Two of them, linebacker Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Woods) and wide receiver Jacorey Warrick (Houston/Cypress Falls), had OU offers.
And so far through the first real month of 2013 recruiting, Texas is holding a 6-0 edge against the Sooners in head-to-head battles.
Texas landed three more commits to give the Longhorns nine for the 2013 class. Two of them, linebacker Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Woods) and wide receiver Jacorey Warrick (Houston/Cypress Falls), had OU offers.
And so far through the first real month of 2013 recruiting, Texas is holding a 6-0 edge against the Sooners in head-to-head battles.
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James Hanna turns heads at NFL combine
February, 25, 2012
2/25/12
5:06
PM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Former Oklahoma tight end James Hanna, who caught 52 passes for 720 yards and 9 touchdowns during his collegiate career, had an impressive showing at the NFL combine today. Here's an excerpt from ESPN Insider's NFL draft blog 
:
Oklahoma TE James Hanna (6-3¾, 252) turned some heads with a strong workout. Hanna posted a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-2 broad jump. He did drop two passes early on, but Hanna regained his composure and fared better as drills progressed.
Hanna's 40-yard dash was first among the tight ends at the combine. And he wasn't the only Sooner to impress. Left tackle Donald Stephenson, who started two years at OU, ran a 4.94 40-yard dash, the fastest among all the offensive lineman.
It will be interesting to see where Hanna and Stephenson get drafted in April.
Rapid Reaction: Baylor 70, Oklahoma 60
February, 25, 2012
2/25/12
3:52
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s second-half struggles continued on Saturday. The Sooners squandered a halftime lead, falling 70-60 to Baylor at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas. The Bears outscored OU 39-26 in the second half as the Sooners never could connect from beyond the arc (0 of 12 from the three-point line).
Player of the Game: Steven Pledger. Even though he was 0 of 5 from the three point line, Pledger finished with 21 points on 8 of 17 shooting. When Pledger went cold early in the second half, the Bears began to pull away.
Unsung Hero: Cameron Clark. The sophomore continues to improve in the final games of the season. He scored 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting with five rebounds and two steals. It was Clark’s fourth straight game in double figures after scoring 14 combined points in his previous four games.
Key Stat: 66.7 percent. Baylor guard Pierre Jackson’s three-point percentage. He was 4 of 6 from the three-point line including 3 of 4 in the second half. He finished with a team-high 18 points including 11 in the final 20 minutes.
Up Next: at Texas on Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT
Preview: Oklahoma at No. 14 Baylor
February, 25, 2012
2/25/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
For the first time this month, Oklahoma enters a game with a happy vibe after winning its first contest since Jan. 28 with a 77-64 victory over Oklahoma State on Wednesday.
The Sooners hope to carry that winning momentum to Waco, Texas, as they take on No. 14 Baylor Saturday at 12:47 p.m. CT. The Bears have struggled in recent weeks, going 2-3 in their past five games with losses to Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri.
Key to OU win: Hitting perimeter shots. If Baylor plays zone like they did in the first meeting, the Sooners can count on Steven Pledger to shoot well (42.9 percent from three-point line) but OU will need Cameron Clark, Carl Blair, Tyler Neal and, most importantly, Sam Grooms to shoot the ball well from the perimeter.
Key to BU win: Limiting the Bears’ open looks from beyond the arc. Perry Jones, Pierre Jackson and Quincy Miller will probably draw most of the attention but Brady Heslip and Anthony Jones can make OU pay if the Sooners leave them open.
Stat line that will tell the tale: Baylor's field goal percentage. Allowing teams to shoot 50 percent or higher has become too commonplace for OU. If they can keep the Bears below 50 percent shooting their chances to win improve significantly because it means the Sooners forced Baylor to take difficult shots.
Sooners X factor: Sam Grooms. Baylor is going to force the OU point guard to make outside shots. If he can do it, it will take the Bears out of their defensive game plan.
Bears X factor: Quincy Miller. The freshman had a subpar game in the first meeting (five points) but he averages 12.0 points per game. He has the size and talent to make a huge impact on Saturday.
The Sooners hope to carry that winning momentum to Waco, Texas, as they take on No. 14 Baylor Saturday at 12:47 p.m. CT. The Bears have struggled in recent weeks, going 2-3 in their past five games with losses to Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri.
Key to OU win: Hitting perimeter shots. If Baylor plays zone like they did in the first meeting, the Sooners can count on Steven Pledger to shoot well (42.9 percent from three-point line) but OU will need Cameron Clark, Carl Blair, Tyler Neal and, most importantly, Sam Grooms to shoot the ball well from the perimeter.
Key to BU win: Limiting the Bears’ open looks from beyond the arc. Perry Jones, Pierre Jackson and Quincy Miller will probably draw most of the attention but Brady Heslip and Anthony Jones can make OU pay if the Sooners leave them open.
Stat line that will tell the tale: Baylor's field goal percentage. Allowing teams to shoot 50 percent or higher has become too commonplace for OU. If they can keep the Bears below 50 percent shooting their chances to win improve significantly because it means the Sooners forced Baylor to take difficult shots.
Sooners X factor: Sam Grooms. Baylor is going to force the OU point guard to make outside shots. If he can do it, it will take the Bears out of their defensive game plan.
Bears X factor: Quincy Miller. The freshman had a subpar game in the first meeting (five points) but he averages 12.0 points per game. He has the size and talent to make a huge impact on Saturday.
“Loss Impact” analyzes each outgoing starter or rotation player to assess how much his departure will impact Oklahoma next season.
What Oklahoma loses: The Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Frank Alexander took his game to another level as a senior. He led the conference in tackles for loss (19) and ranked among the Big 12 leaders in sacks (8.5) during his final season in crimson and cream.
He was one of the most consistent defenders on the roster until he was slowed by a shoulder injury in OU’s final few games. And when he wasn’t reeking havoc in opposing backfields with his penetration, he was knocking down passes with his well-timed jumps.
What Oklahoma loses: The Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Frank Alexander took his game to another level as a senior. He led the conference in tackles for loss (19) and ranked among the Big 12 leaders in sacks (8.5) during his final season in crimson and cream.
He was one of the most consistent defenders on the roster until he was slowed by a shoulder injury in OU’s final few games. And when he wasn’t reeking havoc in opposing backfields with his penetration, he was knocking down passes with his well-timed jumps.
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Trotter’s Mailbag: Coach under pressure
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
1:50
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Chris in Tahlequah, Okla., writes: Do you think we will have top 10 defenses under Mike Stoops again? Or has the offenses in the Big 12 changed too much for that to happen?
Jake Trotter: Difficult, but hardly impossible. OU had a top 10 defense just three seasons ago. Texas’ defense has ranked in the top 12 in each of the last three years. Big 12 offenses are tough to stop. But they are not invincible.
Josh in Norman writes: I've got a question about the linebackers for next year. I've seen lots of message board talk/rumors that Tom Wort will be moved to the outside and either Jaydan Bird or Kellen Jones will be taking over in the middle. How do you see the linebacker position playing out?
Trotter: I see OU’s two starting linebackers being Wort and Corey Nelson. I suppose that could change with the new defensive staff. But I’d be surprised if it did.
Jeff in Muldrow, Okla., writes: Is Dominique Whaley going to be back in time for the season opener?
Trotter: We really won’t have any idea until the summer. If Whaley is starting to move around by then, I would feel a lot better about his chances of being ready. But it’s way too soon to speculate.
Mike in Dallas writes: Is Mike Stoops going to be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny from the fans and media this season? Meaning do you get the feeling there may be unrealistic expectations regarding the defense? I think Stoops will do a good job, but turning the 2012 defense into that of the ’85 Bears may be extremely lofty expectations.
Trotter: Mike Stoops is a very good defensive coordinator, and should make an instant impact on the defense. But as I have said all along he’s not a savior. And to assume OU will automatically have the No. 1 defense in the country next season is unrealistic, especially with what the Sooners have returning up front.
Chris in Tahlequah, Okla., writes: Do you think we will have top 10 defenses under Mike Stoops again? Or has the offenses in the Big 12 changed too much for that to happen?
Jake Trotter: Difficult, but hardly impossible. OU had a top 10 defense just three seasons ago. Texas’ defense has ranked in the top 12 in each of the last three years. Big 12 offenses are tough to stop. But they are not invincible.
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Trotter: I see OU’s two starting linebackers being Wort and Corey Nelson. I suppose that could change with the new defensive staff. But I’d be surprised if it did.
Jeff in Muldrow, Okla., writes: Is Dominique Whaley going to be back in time for the season opener?
Trotter: We really won’t have any idea until the summer. If Whaley is starting to move around by then, I would feel a lot better about his chances of being ready. But it’s way too soon to speculate.
Mike in Dallas writes: Is Mike Stoops going to be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny from the fans and media this season? Meaning do you get the feeling there may be unrealistic expectations regarding the defense? I think Stoops will do a good job, but turning the 2012 defense into that of the ’85 Bears may be extremely lofty expectations.
Trotter: Mike Stoops is a very good defensive coordinator, and should make an instant impact on the defense. But as I have said all along he’s not a savior. And to assume OU will automatically have the No. 1 defense in the country next season is unrealistic, especially with what the Sooners have returning up front.
Priest Willis open to OU, taking his time
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
12:05
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Defensive back Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza) is in no rush to attend junior days or make a college decision.
With the way colleges from across the country are flocking to him, he is justified in taking a calm approach to recruiting.
Willis, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, is receiving interest from just about every major program in the nation and has offers from nearly 20 schools.
With the way colleges from across the country are flocking to him, he is justified in taking a calm approach to recruiting.
Willis, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, is receiving interest from just about every major program in the nation and has offers from nearly 20 schools.
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Spring position preview: Defensive tackle
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
The Sooners don’t have a Lee Roy Selmon, Tommie Harris or Gerald McCoy at defensive tackle. But they do have three experienced veterans, and a couple of intriguing prospects. Will that be enough?
What Oklahoma has: The senior trio of Jamarkus McFarland, Stacy McGee and Casey Walker, who have anchored the defensive tackle position for the last two seasons. All three have had moments. But none has developed into an all-conference-caliber performer.
Of the three, McFarland has the best chance to become that player next season. He had one of the best games of his career in the win over the Iowa in the Insight Bowl. McFarland finished with five tackles, including two for loss as the OU defense dominated, holding the Hawkeyes to 2.1 yards a carry.
What Oklahoma has: The senior trio of Jamarkus McFarland, Stacy McGee and Casey Walker, who have anchored the defensive tackle position for the last two seasons. All three have had moments. But none has developed into an all-conference-caliber performer.
Of the three, McFarland has the best chance to become that player next season. He had one of the best games of his career in the win over the Iowa in the Insight Bowl. McFarland finished with five tackles, including two for loss as the OU defense dominated, holding the Hawkeyes to 2.1 yards a carry.
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Triple option: Okotcha the next Ed Reed?
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
9:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. OU is really utilizing Tim Kish and Mike Stoops to recruit Arizona and California. I think it's safe to say OU's national recruiting philosophy is here to stay.
2. In case you didn't notice, WR Kameel Jackson tweeted that OU safety Bennett Okotcha was going to be the next "Ed Reed." We didn't hear a lot of talk among players or coaches last year about Okotcha, who redshirted as a freshman. Okotcha, remember, was a huge steal in the 2011 recruiting class, as the Sooners got him to flip from Notre Dame to OU days before signing day. Okotcha obviously has a lot of potential. And safety is a position where the Sooners could use some help. Okotcha will be worth monitoring this spring, to see if he can make a move and earn playing time at a position where playing time is to be had.
3. I give a lot of credit to OU shooting guard Steven Pledger in the win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday. Pledger had to leave momentarily with a slight ankle injury. But hopping around, he hit a couple of huge 3s that staved off OSU's rally.
1. OU is really utilizing Tim Kish and Mike Stoops to recruit Arizona and California. I think it's safe to say OU's national recruiting philosophy is here to stay.
2. In case you didn't notice, WR Kameel Jackson tweeted that OU safety Bennett Okotcha was going to be the next "Ed Reed." We didn't hear a lot of talk among players or coaches last year about Okotcha, who redshirted as a freshman. Okotcha, remember, was a huge steal in the 2011 recruiting class, as the Sooners got him to flip from Notre Dame to OU days before signing day. Okotcha obviously has a lot of potential. And safety is a position where the Sooners could use some help. Okotcha will be worth monitoring this spring, to see if he can make a move and earn playing time at a position where playing time is to be had.
3. I give a lot of credit to OU shooting guard Steven Pledger in the win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday. Pledger had to leave momentarily with a slight ankle injury. But hopping around, he hit a couple of huge 3s that staved off OSU's rally.
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Offer update: OU offers seven receivers
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
7:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The Sooners extended several new offers to 2013 prospects this week. Bob Przybylo breaks down the most recent Oklahoma offers by position:
• Wide receiver isn’t looking like a major position of need for Oklahoma’s 2013 class but that hasn't stopped OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell from offering several top wide outs from across the country. Through Twitter.
• Wide receiver isn’t looking like a major position of need for Oklahoma’s 2013 class but that hasn't stopped OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell from offering several top wide outs from across the country. Through Twitter.
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2013 DT Hardreck Walker high on Sooners
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
5:30
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
One of the biggest things defensive tackle Hardreck Walker (Houston/Westfield) said he is looking for in a college is the relationship the players have with the coaches.
After attending Oklahoma’s junior day earlier this month, that is one spot where the Sooners are in great position.
When talking about the visit, Walker said one of the things that stood out the most was the genuine appreciation the players had for the defensive coaching staff.
After attending Oklahoma’s junior day earlier this month, that is one spot where the Sooners are in great position.
When talking about the visit, Walker said one of the things that stood out the most was the genuine appreciation the players had for the defensive coaching staff.
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Loss impact: Defensive end Ronnell Lewis
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
4:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
“Loss Impact” analyzes each outgoing starter or rotation player to assess how much his departure will impact Oklahoma next season.
What Oklahoma loses: One of the best athletes of the Bob Stoops-era, Ronnell Lewis is a freak of nature with his combination of speed, size and athleticism.
Lewis had 5.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 10 games played as he began to get comfortable at defensive end after playing multiple positions during his first two seasons. His versatility allowed the Sooners to use multiple defensive looks last season and that versatility could be difficult to match with anyone currently on campus.
What Oklahoma loses: One of the best athletes of the Bob Stoops-era, Ronnell Lewis is a freak of nature with his combination of speed, size and athleticism.
Lewis had 5.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 10 games played as he began to get comfortable at defensive end after playing multiple positions during his first two seasons. His versatility allowed the Sooners to use multiple defensive looks last season and that versatility could be difficult to match with anyone currently on campus.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
2:30
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, SoonerNation releases the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting with news and notes on the latest happenings around the program. Talk about it on our forum. A few things discussed in this week's update:
• An update with a possible Sooners QB target that no one's talking about
• Arizona defensive back is hoping to visit Norman soon
• One versatile 2013 Texas athlete lights up when he talks about Oklahoma
• An update with a possible Sooners QB target that no one's talking about
• Arizona defensive back is hoping to visit Norman soon
• One versatile 2013 Texas athlete lights up when he talks about Oklahoma
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ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.