Oklahoma Sooners

Big 12

Demontre Hurst grades the OU secondary

December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
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Oklahoma junior cornerback Demontre Hurst was asked to grade the defensive backs this season.

“Average. Right at a ‘C,'" Hurst said. “Overall, the first half of the season, we played very good. But in the second half, against profound offenses that like to throw the ball, we didn’t step up to the challenge.

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Demontre Hurst
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireCornerback Demontre Hurst said the Sooners defense gave up too many big plays in 2011.
“We weren’t as good as we thought we were. But not as bad as everyone is saying.”

The secondary gave up more than 400 yards passing and four passing touchdowns in losses to Texas Tech and Baylor. The “Sharks” played better against Oklahoma State, though didn’t force any big plays, either.

“Coach (Willie) Martinez has told us we dominate 85 percent of the game, 68 plays out of 75,” Hurst said. “But we give up big plays and yards in those eight-nine plays, and it destroys the defense, the whole momentum of the secondary. We played 85 percent of the game good. But not the other 15 percent.”

When the Cowboys went up 44-3 in the third quarter, a couple of OSU linemen put shark fins to their foreheads, mocking the OU secondary. Later, the Boone Pickens P.A. played the theme to “Jaws.”

Hurst both saw the former and heard the latter.

“Yeah, I seen all that. They kinda got out on us on that one,” Hurst said. “When you put yourself out there, you really have to back yourself up. We didn’t live up to high expectations.”

But despite the disappointing season, Hurst said the secondary will be keeping the “Sharks” moniker in 2012.

“We started with it, so we gonna finish with it,” he said. “We always going to be sharks, gonna scream sharks ‘til we outta here. We’re gonna ride with it and prove that we really are sharks.”
Here are five players to watch when Oklahoma faces Iowa in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on Friday:

Quarterback Landry Jones

His struggles in the Sooners final three games, without Ryan Broyles, have been well-chronicled. Jones has yet to throw a touchdown since Broyles was lost for the season with a torn ACL on Nov. 5.

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Q&A: In-state tight end George Kittle 

December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
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There is no question Oklahoma has been on the quest to find tight ends. With no returning tight ends on the roster, all options are open.

And for one of those options, tight ends coach Bruce Kittle doesn’t even have to leave his own house. Kittle’s son, George Kittle (Norman, Okla./Norman) is a two-star prospect that has considered being a preferred walk-on for the Sooners.

Kittle, 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, played receiver in high school and would need to put on some pounds, but he said he could see a future at tight end. He has offers from Navy and Air Force and is receiving interest from Wyoming, Dartmouth and Iowa.

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Oklahoma’s battle with Iowa in the Insight Bowl could be a much different game than the Sooners have played in this season.

The Hawkeyes will be focused and physical when they take on OU on Friday, Dec. 30.

“It’s the most physical team we will have played all year,” offensive lineman Gabe Ikard said. “So it will be a different game for us.”

With a physical game expected, the Sooners have been going hard at each other in bowl practices with several reps with the No. 1 offense against the No. 1 defense.

“We’ve definitely turned it up, a lot of good on good,” Ikard said. “They’re a very physical football team so that’s what we’ve needed to practice against, our first team defensive guys, to get ready for a strong, physical Big Ten team.”

Setting a physical tone on offense could be a terrific way to spark a quality offseason and spring for the Sooners.

Barkley's call moves Jones up draft board

December, 27, 2011
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USC quarterback Matt Barkley announced his decision to stay in LA for his senior season, and as a result, two Big 12 quarterbacks have moved up Mel Kiper's Big Board.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is still undecided on his future, but he moved all the way up to No. 6 from No. 11 on Kiper's last Big Board update.

"Not buying any talk he'd be higher on some boards than Luck, but his altered delivery has resulted in better accuracy on downfield throws," Kiper wrote. "Great kid, underrated passer, big-time athlete. No ill effects from 2009 knee injury. Remarkable numbers."

That's an unbelievable rise for Griffin, who was nowhere to be found on the Big Board at midseason.

Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones simply slid up to No. 12 from his spot at No. 13 last week.

"I still like the way he's battled in 2011, but it's fair to say his reputation outpaced his performance this season," Kiper wrote. "Accuracy is still very good. Good size, strong arm but needs to improve footwork. Still a very good prospect."

Jones hasn't announced his decision, but Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said last week he expects Jones to stay. That's what he should do, too.

Justin Blackmon stuck at No. 5 on the Big Board.

2012 class has glaring defensive holes 

December, 27, 2011
12/27/11
7:45
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Oklahoma’s defensive recruiting for the 2012 class has intensified in the last month as the Sooners have started to address some of their needs.

But with still more than a month until signing day, OU is not done with its defensive class and some top targets remain on the board. Here is a look at some of the Sooners' holes to fill:

Defensive end

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Taylor McNamara down to OU, Colorado 

December, 26, 2011
12/26/11
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Just a week ago, tight end Taylor McNamara (San Diego, Calif./Westview) was set to make his college choice. He had picked his school and was on the phone telling the other schools on his list that he appreciated their time when a funny thing happened.

McNamara took all five of his official visits checking out Colorado, Notre Dame, Washington, California and Oklahoma. Two weeks ago, McNamara said he had narrowed his decision to a final three -- Oklahoma, Cal and Washington. Last week, he made his selection.

“I was going to Oklahoma,” McNamara said. “I had a good visit there and really liked everything about the school and the depth chart especially. I knew I could play early for a team that will compete for a national championship every year and I was excited about that opportunity.

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Przybylo's Mailbag: Don't doubt Everett 

December, 26, 2011
12/26/11
10:15
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Junior college signing day hasn’t meant much to Oklahoma the last couple of seasons, but last week was eventful -- to say the least -- in the junior college ranks for the Sooners. Bob Przybylo answers recruiting questions every week. Have a question? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.

Sam in Shawnee, Okla., asks: Help me make sense of the Kass Everett situation. Should I be excited that he switched from Texas Tech to OU?

Bob Przybylo: Yes, yes you should. I understand why somebody might be skeptical about the level of commitment for cornerback Kass Everett (Philadelphia/Pierce College). From an outsider’s view, he looks like nothing but a flip-flopper.

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Jackson, Hayes among bowl practice stars

December, 26, 2011
12/26/11
7:30
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Bowl season is the time for younger players to show what they can do in practice.

Who has impressed so far?

“Quentin Hayes is coming along at safety,” said cornerback Demontre Hurst. “He’s been making a lot of plays now. He’s getting in a lot, and the coaches have been dialing in with him about how to prepare. He’s taking advantage of it and improving. I see him getting better.”

Quarterback Landry Jones said he’s liked what he’s seen from freshman wideout Kameel Jackson, who is expected to start in the Insight Bowl with Jaz Reynolds out with a kidney injury.

Linebacker Tom Wort singled out a pair of freshman linebackers.

“I like P.L. Lindley,” Wort said. “He’s big guy, being really physical. Kellen Jones always seems to be improving.”

Running back Brennan Clay said a couple of front-seven defenders have caught his eye.

“Frank Shannon will be a baller. I’m excited to see him out there,” Clay said. “Geneo Grissom. Even though he got to play, I’m excited to see him.”

How well do the Sooners know Iowa?

December, 25, 2011
12/25/11
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How well do the Sooners know Iowa? Pretty well, actually. In a quiz about Oklahoma’s Insight Bowl opponent, all seven Sooners answered at least 5 of 10 questions correctly. Guard Gabe Ikard did best, getting all but one answer right. Extra credit goes to safety Aaron Colvin for knowing that Iowa beat Louisiana-Monroe, and to Kenny Stills for mentioning Iowa’s best win (Michigan) and worst loss (Minnesota). The Iowa quiz:

What is Iowa’s mascot?
Tom Wort: Hawkeyes
James Winchester: Hawkeyes
Gabe Ikard: Hawkeyes
Aaron Colvin: Hawkeyes
Roy Finch: Hawkeyes
Brennan Clay: Hawkeyes
Kenny Stills: Hawkeyes
Answer: Hawkeyes

Who is Iowa’s coach?
Tom Wort: No idea
James Winchester: No idea:
Gabe Ikard: Kirk Ferentz
Aaron Colvin: Name begins with a “K”
Roy Finch: No idea
Brennan Clay: No idea
Kenny Stills: No idea
Answer: Kirk Ferentz

(Read full post)

DE Nelson signs LOI, will enroll in January

December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
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Thanksgiving weekend against a non-rival with one of the smallest crowds in the history of the Bob Stoops era at Oklahoma shouldn’t have generated as much interest as it did for defensive end Chaz Nelson (Columbus, Ohio/Garden City CC).

But it was a perfect fit for Nelson and the Sooners, and it speaks volumes about what OU’s tradition means on the recruiting trail. Nelson’s stock was soaring at the time. OU had a need at the position, and Nelson committed before that weekend was over.

And when Nelson got home to Ohio on Friday, he did one better, signing with Sooners. Nelson will enroll at Oklahoma in January and has two years of eligibility remaining.

Nelson gave Sooners fans a bit of a scare Wednesday by not signing on the first day. His national letter of intent papers were in Ohio, while he was in Florida. Nelson said in a text message that there were no worries and that as soon as he got home to Ohio he would sign.

The Sooners have had success before in looking to Garden City (Kan.) products, and Nelson quietly went under the radar. And now in what has turned out to be one of the more successful weekends of the season, Nelson was the first to pledge to OU.

As it turns out, the Sooners also ended up getting junior college defensive back Kass Everett (Philadelphia/Pierce College) and wide receiver Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood) on that weekend. Both were on official visits as well and Everett signed Wednesday, while Woods committed three weeks ago.

Nelson is in a prime spot to play as soon as he steps on campus, something that weighed high on his priority list. Frank Alexander is graduating, and most believe Ronnell Lewis has played his final game for OU and will enter the NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Nelson spent most of the last offseason working in the weight room and working on his technique. It all paid off.

Nelson also had offers from Iowa State, Illinois, Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas State.

Nelson is one of two defensive ends for the 2012 class, joining Charles Tapper (Baltimore/City College). OU is still on the hunt and still in the hunt for No. 1-ranked Mario Edwards (Denton, Texas/Ryan), but the addition of Nelson guarantees at least one 2012 end will be ready to make an immediate impact.

Sooners focused on Iowa, 10-win season

December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
3:00
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It would be easy for Oklahoma to come out in the Insight Bowl with subpar enthusiasm and excitement. A three loss season is below the standard set for the Sooners, making for disappointed coaches, players and fans.

Nonetheless, the Sooners have some goals heading into their postseason battle with Iowa.

First, they want to forget about their blowout loss to Oklahoma State and secure a 10-win season.

“It was pretty disappointing but we still have a chance to have a 10-win season,” sophomore offensive lineman Gabe Ikard said. “You want to end on a positive note and you want to go into the offseason with a little more confidence.”

Secondly, they’d like to send this senior class out with a win and keep them from being remembered as a group who lost three out of four games to close the season.

“Our seniors are doing a good job [keeping us focused],” junior offensive tackle Lane Johnson said. “They know it’s their last game and they want to go out with a bang.”

How the Sooners play against Iowa could be a sign as to how the coaches and players have responded to this year’s disappointment. If they move forward and beat the Hawkeyes, it could be a good omen for 2012. If they come out with a lackluster effort, it could be a sign that this year’s issues could carry over into next year.

Trotter's Mailbag: O-Line will improve

December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
11:15
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Jake Trotter answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.

Michael in Long Beach, Calif., writes: Was Brandon Williams’ departure a two-way thing? Was he not what OU thought he was going to be? Or would the Sooners have liked to keep him?

Jake Trotter: No, the Sooners didn’t want him to leave and actually tried to talk him into staying. Ultimately, Williams wanted to be closer to his family in Brookshire, Texas. That’s why leaving OU and going to Texas A&M made sense.

(Read full post)

Position Analysis: Defensive coaches 

December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
8:00
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The defensive coaching staff at Oklahoma became the primary scapegoat as the Sooners finished the 2011 season with three losses after beginning the year ranked No. 1 in multiple preseason polls.

While the Sooners' defensive coaches deserve plenty of blame, OU’s defense had several dominant performances in 2011 that seem to have been forgotten.

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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes

December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
3:00
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SoonerNation has released the latest edition of the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting for SoonerNation subscribers only.

As with any good piece of intelligence, everything that is reported in Sooner Intel stays on the There’s Only One forum. Sometimes some of the information is so sensitive and for Sooner fans’ eyes only, that it simply doesn’t need to be passed on beyond this thread.

Some things discussed: Check out the Sooner Intel here.

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