Juco receiver Gardner taking visit to OU 
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
9:45
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
When looking at the needs to fill out the rest of Oklahoma’s 2012 recruiting class, wide receiver isn't high on the priority list.
But when you’re recruiting a prospect as talented as junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner (Reno, Nev./Sierra College), you have to make exceptions.
Already with three of the top 17 receivers in the nation in Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma City/Heritage Hall), Durron Neal (St. Louis/De Smet Jesuit) and Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood), the future looks incredibly bright for OU. Add 2011 star Trey Metoyer, who is expected to enroll this month after a semester at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, and the Sooners are loaded.
But when you’re recruiting a prospect as talented as junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner (Reno, Nev./Sierra College), you have to make exceptions.
Already with three of the top 17 receivers in the nation in Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma City/Heritage Hall), Durron Neal (St. Louis/De Smet Jesuit) and Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood), the future looks incredibly bright for OU. Add 2011 star Trey Metoyer, who is expected to enroll this month after a semester at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, and the Sooners are loaded.
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Though only one in-state 2013 prospect has an official offer from Oklahoma -- defensive end D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton) -- there are several recruits that could be the next Oklahoma high school recruit targeted by the Sooners.
One of them is offensive guard Rob Boyd (Vian, Okla./Vian). At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Boyd has become very familiar with the program and lists the Sooners as his clear No. 1 favorite.
SoonerNation: How did your junior season finish out?
One of them is offensive guard Rob Boyd (Vian, Okla./Vian). At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Boyd has become very familiar with the program and lists the Sooners as his clear No. 1 favorite.
SoonerNation: How did your junior season finish out?
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Analysis: No. 6 Missouri 87, Oklahoma 49
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
9:37
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
“Hand down, man down.”
Those words made famous by former broadcaster and current Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson perfectly describe Oklahoma’s 87-49 loss to No. 6 Missouri in the Sooners' first Big 12 Conference game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday.
The Tigers (14-0) finished the game 32 of 54 from the field (59.3 percent) including 12 of 21 from the 3-point line (57.1 percent) as they ran the Sooners off the floor to remain unbeaten. Mizzou’s guards proved to be too much to handle as Michael Dixon, Marcus Denmon and Kim English combined for 56 points.
Offensively, OU never found a rhythm, or easy shots, against the Tigers. Andrew Fitzgerald was the lone bright spot with a team high 18 points and six rebounds.
Player of the Game: Fitzgerald. The junior forward provided a early spark and inside scoring with 10 points early in the game. He appeared to be the only OU player attacking the Tiger defense with confidence he could score.
Unsung Hero: Sam Grooms. The junior point guard finished with seven assists and just two turnovers but he probably should have attacked the basket off the dribble more in an effort to help his teammates get easier shots.
Key Stat: 19. The Sooners had just 19 rebounds after entering the game averaging 42.2 rebounds per contest. Missouri out rebounded OU 37-19 as they dominated the Sooners in every possible way.
Key Stat, Part II: 0. OU’s bench combined for ZERO field goals in the game. Carl Blair was the only bench player who scored with two points on free throws. It is critical the Sooners find some bench scoring as Big 12 play progresses.
Up Next: The Sooners host No. 15 Kansas on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.
For more thoughts and observations, talk about the game on our forum.
Those words made famous by former broadcaster and current Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson perfectly describe Oklahoma’s 87-49 loss to No. 6 Missouri in the Sooners' first Big 12 Conference game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday.
The Tigers (14-0) finished the game 32 of 54 from the field (59.3 percent) including 12 of 21 from the 3-point line (57.1 percent) as they ran the Sooners off the floor to remain unbeaten. Mizzou’s guards proved to be too much to handle as Michael Dixon, Marcus Denmon and Kim English combined for 56 points.
Offensively, OU never found a rhythm, or easy shots, against the Tigers. Andrew Fitzgerald was the lone bright spot with a team high 18 points and six rebounds.
Player of the Game: Fitzgerald. The junior forward provided a early spark and inside scoring with 10 points early in the game. He appeared to be the only OU player attacking the Tiger defense with confidence he could score.
Unsung Hero: Sam Grooms. The junior point guard finished with seven assists and just two turnovers but he probably should have attacked the basket off the dribble more in an effort to help his teammates get easier shots.
Key Stat: 19. The Sooners had just 19 rebounds after entering the game averaging 42.2 rebounds per contest. Missouri out rebounded OU 37-19 as they dominated the Sooners in every possible way.
Key Stat, Part II: 0. OU’s bench combined for ZERO field goals in the game. Carl Blair was the only bench player who scored with two points on free throws. It is critical the Sooners find some bench scoring as Big 12 play progresses.
Up Next: The Sooners host No. 15 Kansas on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.
For more thoughts and observations, talk about the game on our forum.
Sterling Shepard wins UA skills challenge
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
7:14
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Wide receiver and Oklahoma commit Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma City/Heritage Hall) has never seen a challenge he wouldn’t accept.
That included Tuesday as Shepard took home the WR/DB Good Hands Skills Challenge championship at the Under Armour All-America game practices in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Shepard was one of four finalists and knew exactly what time he had to beat to win the event. The competition went in alphabetical order and Shepard went last, needing to go faster than 31 seconds to earn the crown.
That included Tuesday as Shepard took home the WR/DB Good Hands Skills Challenge championship at the Under Armour All-America game practices in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Shepard was one of four finalists and knew exactly what time he had to beat to win the event. The competition went in alphabetical order and Shepard went last, needing to go faster than 31 seconds to earn the crown.
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Sooners in the mix for DB Brandon Beaver
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
4:34
PM CT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Defensive back Brandon Beaver (Compton, Calif./Dominguez) was all set to take his last visit to Utah and then decide the following Monday. Those plans now have changed.
Beaver already has visited Washington and Nebraska and has taken multiple unofficial visits to UCLA. The athlete will still visit the Utes (Jan. 13) but has added a new school to his list.
“I just got offered by Oklahoma Monday night,” Beaver said. “It’s crazy, I’ve never talked to Oklahoma in my life, and then out of the blue, they decide to offer. I don’t know if they just watched some recent film on me or if they talked to some people who watched me, but I’m definitely excited about it, and I’m going to visit there (Jan. 20).
Beaver already has visited Washington and Nebraska and has taken multiple unofficial visits to UCLA. The athlete will still visit the Utes (Jan. 13) but has added a new school to his list.
“I just got offered by Oklahoma Monday night,” Beaver said. “It’s crazy, I’ve never talked to Oklahoma in my life, and then out of the blue, they decide to offer. I don’t know if they just watched some recent film on me or if they talked to some people who watched me, but I’m definitely excited about it, and I’m going to visit there (Jan. 20).
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Sooners reach out to OL Joey O'Connor
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
4:05
PM CT
By Recruiting Nation | ESPN.com
Throw another school in the mix for Joey O'Connor.
The four-star prospect from Windsor (Col.) High School said Oklahoma coaches contacted his high school coach on Christmas Eve to gauge any interest the offensive lineman might have in the Sooners.
"I haven't been talking to the coaches yet," O'Connor said. "I'll call them after the [Under Armour All-American Game] is over. I'm focused on this right now. We'll see what happens after I give them a call."
The four-star prospect from Windsor (Col.) High School said Oklahoma coaches contacted his high school coach on Christmas Eve to gauge any interest the offensive lineman might have in the Sooners.
"I haven't been talking to the coaches yet," O'Connor said. "I'll call them after the [Under Armour All-American Game] is over. I'm focused on this right now. We'll see what happens after I give them a call."
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Durron Neal becomes OU's top recruiter
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
2:07
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- Oklahoma commit Durron Neal (St. Louis, Mo./DeSmet) is one of the athletes not worried about making a commitment announcement during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Throughout the week, the four-star receiver has focused on the uncommitted players, serving as an unofficial recruiter for OU.
On Tuesday, Neal said he’s targeted three players -– five-star receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo./Hillcrest), four-star offensive tackle Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) and four-star cornerback Brandon Beaver (Compton, Calif./Dominguez) -– in his quest to earn his recruiting stripes.
“Those are the three I’ve really been working on because they all have OU high,” Neal said. “Every time they have a conversation, I try to throw OU in there. I’m just trying to help out the program and get us more athletes.
On Tuesday, Neal said he’s targeted three players -– five-star receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo./Hillcrest), four-star offensive tackle Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) and four-star cornerback Brandon Beaver (Compton, Calif./Dominguez) -– in his quest to earn his recruiting stripes.
“Those are the three I’ve really been working on because they all have OU high,” Neal said. “Every time they have a conversation, I try to throw OU in there. I’m just trying to help out the program and get us more athletes.
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Chat Leftovers: OU secondary in 2012
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
1:25
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers Monday. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag to be published on Friday.
Here are a few highlights from his chat:
Here are a few highlights from his chat:
Jack (Dallas): How do you see the secondary shaping up next year? The secondary seemed to be much more consistent with Tony Jefferson at safety above Javon Harris and Sam Proctor.
Jake Trotter: OU would love to put Jefferson back at nickelback, but I'm not so sure they can afford to. If I had to predict, the start DBs next year would be Everett/Hurst at CB, Jefferson/Colvin at safety, Ibiloye at NB. But don't write off Harris yet. I see him getting another chance down the line.
Ben (Iowa): Do you think Mike Stoops will be back? How soon if so?
Jake Trotter: Nothing new on the Mike Stoops front, and I don't think we'll hear much until if/when an OU assistant leaves. That will be the sign that something is about to happen. I will say Mike was pretty chummy with the OU coaches/players/admins during the Insight Bowl. Nothing I saw in Phoenix made me believe Mike to OU wouldn't happen.
OUFlyer (Denver): Can you give us your take on Mario Edwards' comments from his visit?
Jake Trotter: I think it reflected poorly on OU. It's a very bad sign when players on your own team are doing the negative recruiting. Better believe, coaches from other schools are going to be using Edwards' comments against the Sooners with other players.
Scott (Austin): Do you think if Landry Jones goes pro that Blake Bell will beat out Drew Allen for the starter?
Jake Trotter: Not necessarily. I got the impression this week there are many people on this team who believe Drew Allen would win the competition if it were held now. Bell is a special runner, but Allen has a firmer grasp of the offense and is the better passer right now. The upside to starting Allen is that you could still play Bell with the Belldozer, too. Bell is capable of winning the job. But right now, Allen might have the edge.
Drake Plotter (Oklahoma): What person transferring away impacts the team most next season?
Jake Trotter: Assuming no one else transfers, Brandon Williams. There was a reason why OU tried to talk him out of transferring. Austin Haywood is a big loss, too, because OU has no one else returning at tight end.
OU looking to add to stellar offensive class
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
10:45
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
With less than a month until National Signing Day, Oklahoma’s prospects on offense look a lot better than on the defensive side of the ball. The Sooners have been able to nab several top targets and have one of the best offensive classes in the country.
But the search is still far from over as OU is still in play for a lot of top kids on their board.
Quarterback
But the search is still far from over as OU is still in play for a lot of top kids on their board.
Quarterback
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Three offseason storylines to follow for OU
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
9:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Oklahoma ended its season on a high note by taking care of Iowa in the Insight Bowl. But intrigue surrounding the program figures to continue.
Here are three storylines to follow in the immediate offseason:
1. Will quarterback Landry Jones go pro?
Last week, Jones said that he’s gone back and forth so many times in his mind about what to do that he forced himself to stop thinking about it leading up to the bowl.
Now that the bowl is done, Jones has returned to contemplating that decision, which he is not expected to make until close to the Jan. 15 deadline. Jones would probably be no worse than the third quarterback in the draft, behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, likely making him a first round pick.
But the way Jones finished the season questions justifiably have been raised about his pocket presence, footwork, decision-making and body language. All things he could work on by coming back for his senior season.
Bob Stoops told the Tulsa World a couple of weeks ago that his “gut feeling” is that Jones returns. If he does, the Sooners will have the most experienced quarterback in all of college football. If he doesn’t, the spring will feature one intriguing quarterback derby between Blake Bell and Drew Allen.
2. Will there be any more attrition?
Stoops “put his foot down” after the 34-point loss to Oklahoma State and told several players before the bowl game their scholarships would not be renewed. But will there be more attrition? Stoops said after the Insight Bowl that the two or three players that he was still evaluating had improved attitudes and work ethics during the bowl practices, obviously getting the message they might be next.
If that continues through January, the attrition might be over. But with those players one slip-up away from getting the axe, it’s very possible Stoops might end up cleaning house some more.
3. What will happen with Mike Stoops?
Bob’s brother did nothing to quell the rumors he’s coming back to Norman during the Insight Bowl. Mike was on the Sooners’ sideline throughout the game, and at one point even allegedly yelled at one of the OU players. Then after the game, he was taking pictures on the field with the OU coaches and administrative staff before hanging out outside the locker room as the team celebrated the victory.
Viable jobs elsewhere continue to dwindle, and Mike said Friday night he’s eager to get back to work. Right now, there’s no vacancy on the OU staff. But if that changes in the coming days, Mike Stoops could be roaming the OU sidelines again for good.
Here are three storylines to follow in the immediate offseason:
1. Will quarterback Landry Jones go pro?
Last week, Jones said that he’s gone back and forth so many times in his mind about what to do that he forced himself to stop thinking about it leading up to the bowl.
Now that the bowl is done, Jones has returned to contemplating that decision, which he is not expected to make until close to the Jan. 15 deadline. Jones would probably be no worse than the third quarterback in the draft, behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, likely making him a first round pick.
Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones could be a first round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones could be a first round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
But the way Jones finished the season questions justifiably have been raised about his pocket presence, footwork, decision-making and body language. All things he could work on by coming back for his senior season.
Bob Stoops told the Tulsa World a couple of weeks ago that his “gut feeling” is that Jones returns. If he does, the Sooners will have the most experienced quarterback in all of college football. If he doesn’t, the spring will feature one intriguing quarterback derby between Blake Bell and Drew Allen.
2. Will there be any more attrition?
Stoops “put his foot down” after the 34-point loss to Oklahoma State and told several players before the bowl game their scholarships would not be renewed. But will there be more attrition? Stoops said after the Insight Bowl that the two or three players that he was still evaluating had improved attitudes and work ethics during the bowl practices, obviously getting the message they might be next.
If that continues through January, the attrition might be over. But with those players one slip-up away from getting the axe, it’s very possible Stoops might end up cleaning house some more.
3. What will happen with Mike Stoops?
Bob’s brother did nothing to quell the rumors he’s coming back to Norman during the Insight Bowl. Mike was on the Sooners’ sideline throughout the game, and at one point even allegedly yelled at one of the OU players. Then after the game, he was taking pictures on the field with the OU coaches and administrative staff before hanging out outside the locker room as the team celebrated the victory.
Viable jobs elsewhere continue to dwindle, and Mike said Friday night he’s eager to get back to work. Right now, there’s no vacancy on the OU staff. But if that changes in the coming days, Mike Stoops could be roaming the OU sidelines again for good.
Preview: Oklahoma at No. 6 Missouri
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
7:30
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma opens its Big 12 Conference schedule with a tough road opener at No. 6 Missouri tonight. First-year coach Frank Haith has the Tigers rolling as they are one of four unbeaten teams in Division I college basketball.
The Tigers lead the nation in field goal percentage (51.7 percent) thanks to their up-tempo style and pressure defense which leads to easy baskets in transition. Senior guard Marcus Denmon leads the way for Mizzou, averaging 18.7 points per game.
Key to Oklahoma win: The Sooners will have to handle the pressure defense of the Tigers and limit Missouri’s transition baskets. Point guard Sam Grooms will need to take care of the basketball and help control the overall tempo of the game if OU expects to earn the upset.
Key to Missouri win: The Tigers, who average 10.1 steals per game, will be looking to control the tempo. Missouri will have to get easy shots and shoot well because OU leads the Big 12 in rebounding margin at 10.4 and the best way to do that is to get steals resulting in layups and dunks.
Stat line that will tell the tale: OU turnovers. If OU has 15 or more turnovers against Missouri, the Sooners will have a very difficult time winning the game.
Sooners X factor: Carl Blair. The Sooners backup point guard will be counted on to spell Grooms and could see time alongside him in a two point guard lineup. If he can handle the ball well and make quality decisions, it will allow OU to match up better with Missouri’s speedy, uptempo lineup.
Tigers X factor: Mike Dixon. The junior could be the Big 12’s top sixth man, averaging 12.5 points per game. He’s also among the team leaders in assists (3.0) and steals (2.0).
The Tigers lead the nation in field goal percentage (51.7 percent) thanks to their up-tempo style and pressure defense which leads to easy baskets in transition. Senior guard Marcus Denmon leads the way for Mizzou, averaging 18.7 points per game.
Key to Oklahoma win: The Sooners will have to handle the pressure defense of the Tigers and limit Missouri’s transition baskets. Point guard Sam Grooms will need to take care of the basketball and help control the overall tempo of the game if OU expects to earn the upset.
Key to Missouri win: The Tigers, who average 10.1 steals per game, will be looking to control the tempo. Missouri will have to get easy shots and shoot well because OU leads the Big 12 in rebounding margin at 10.4 and the best way to do that is to get steals resulting in layups and dunks.
Stat line that will tell the tale: OU turnovers. If OU has 15 or more turnovers against Missouri, the Sooners will have a very difficult time winning the game.
Sooners X factor: Carl Blair. The Sooners backup point guard will be counted on to spell Grooms and could see time alongside him in a two point guard lineup. If he can handle the ball well and make quality decisions, it will allow OU to match up better with Missouri’s speedy, uptempo lineup.
Tigers X factor: Mike Dixon. The junior could be the Big 12’s top sixth man, averaging 12.5 points per game. He’s also among the team leaders in assists (3.0) and steals (2.0).
De'Vante's Diary: Day 2 at the UA game
January, 2, 2012
1/02/12
8:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma verbal commitment De’Vante Harris (Mesquite, Texas/Horn) has gone from being an underrated prospect to one of the top recruits for the Sooners defense in 2012. Harris, a four-star cornerback listed at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, is one of three OU verbal commits at the Under Armour All-America game this week in Florida. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma City/Heritage Hall) and running back Alex Ross (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) are also in Florida, though Ross will not play because of injury.
Harris has agreed to speak with SoonerNation every day this week to talk about his time in Florida:
SoonerNation: Just as we got off the phone Sunday, Coach Herm Edwards made comments about how you have all the skills needed to be an elite cornerback. What did that mean to you?
Harris has agreed to speak with SoonerNation every day this week to talk about his time in Florida:
SoonerNation: Just as we got off the phone Sunday, Coach Herm Edwards made comments about how you have all the skills needed to be an elite cornerback. What did that mean to you?
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New Year's resolutions for Oklahoma
January, 2, 2012
1/02/12
5:15
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
With the Sooners ending 2011 on a positive note with a win over Iowa in the Insight Bowl, the SoonerNation staff gives our New Year's resolutions for the Sooners for 2012.
Oklahoma’s resolution should be to be perfect off the field.
What does that mean? No failed drug tests. No offseason DUIs. No missed class suspensions. No skipped workouts.
There’s no question such shortcomings affected the Sooners on the field. Injuries played a big part in OU’s three losses. The Sooners can’t control broken ankles, torn ACLs and bruised kidneys. Injuries are part of the game.
But the Sooners can control their level of commitment off the field. Defensive captain Travis Lewis said he noticed the Sooners weren’t doing the “little things” off the field this season, like they had in season’s past.
The degree of difficultly in winning the national championship is so great that there is little margin for error. If the Sooners aren’t better off the field, they stand little chance of being good enough on it next season.
The Sooners should aim for greatness in 2012. On the field. And off it.
- Jake Trotter
Oklahoma’s resolution should be to be perfect off the field.
What does that mean? No failed drug tests. No offseason DUIs. No missed class suspensions. No skipped workouts.
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But the Sooners can control their level of commitment off the field. Defensive captain Travis Lewis said he noticed the Sooners weren’t doing the “little things” off the field this season, like they had in season’s past.
The degree of difficultly in winning the national championship is so great that there is little margin for error. If the Sooners aren’t better off the field, they stand little chance of being good enough on it next season.
The Sooners should aim for greatness in 2012. On the field. And off it.
- Jake Trotter
Big 12 hoops season starts this week and ESPN.com's Jason King takes a look at the conference favorites as well as which players will take home the postseason awards.
Here's a look at Jason's predicted finish:
1. Kansas: Never sell Bill Self short.
Here's a look at Jason's predicted finish:
1. Kansas: Never sell Bill Self short.
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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.