Hilinski enjoys return visit to Oklahoma 
December, 9, 2011
12/09/11
7:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
There are a lot of great spring break destinations for high school kids. And when you live in Sherman Oaks, Calif., staying at home isn’t a bad idea, either.
But that’s not what junior quarterback Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) chose to do during his spring break in March.
Instead, Hilinski went to Tahlequah, Okla., as part of a Habitat for Humanity project.
But that’s not what junior quarterback Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) chose to do during his spring break in March.
Instead, Hilinski went to Tahlequah, Okla., as part of a Habitat for Humanity project.
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Analysis: Oklahoma 73, Oral Roberts 59
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
11:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Cameron Clark is growing up before our eyes.
For the second straight game, the sophomore Oklahoma forward was remarkably efficient while leading the Sooners to a 73-59 win over Oral Roberts at Lloyd Noble Arena on Thursday night. Clark finished with 16 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the field with eight rebounds.
Clark has scored 34 points on just 20 field goal attempts in the Sooners last two games. He has shot over 50 percent in each of OU’s last three games.
Steven Pledger lead the Sooners with 17 points while Andrew Fitzgerald added 16 to join Clark in double figures.
Player of the Game: Clark. If he continues to perform at this level, Clark will give the Sooners another strong perimeter presence to join Pledger and help lessen the scoring load on OU’s sharp shooter.
Unsung Hero: C.J. Washington. The senior gave OU a spark with some strong minutes late in the first half, helping the Sooners take a 34-24 lead into the locker room. He finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Key Stat: 6.7. Oral Roberts shot 1 of 15 from the three point line (6.7 percent) including 0 of 8 in the second half.
Quotable: “From freshman year to now, he’s slowed down a lot. Freshman year he was doing things quick, trying to get it off as quick as he can, now he’s being patient when he catches the ball. He’s not looking at the man in front of him he’s looking at the help, if the help isn’t there, that’s when he’s going to attack.” --Pledger on Clark’s offensive improvement as a sophomore.
“C.J. came in and gave us a big lift. That was huge.” --Ccoach Lon Kruger on Washington’s impact in the first half.
“As long as we maintain the balance of improving and knowing we have a long way to go, we will become as good as we can become. And that’s our goal.” --Kruger on where the team is at this point.
“Coach says I need to bring energy and that’s all I was trying to do.” --Washington
For the second straight game, the sophomore Oklahoma forward was remarkably efficient while leading the Sooners to a 73-59 win over Oral Roberts at Lloyd Noble Arena on Thursday night. Clark finished with 16 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the field with eight rebounds.
Clark has scored 34 points on just 20 field goal attempts in the Sooners last two games. He has shot over 50 percent in each of OU’s last three games.
Steven Pledger lead the Sooners with 17 points while Andrew Fitzgerald added 16 to join Clark in double figures.
Player of the Game: Clark. If he continues to perform at this level, Clark will give the Sooners another strong perimeter presence to join Pledger and help lessen the scoring load on OU’s sharp shooter.
Unsung Hero: C.J. Washington. The senior gave OU a spark with some strong minutes late in the first half, helping the Sooners take a 34-24 lead into the locker room. He finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Key Stat: 6.7. Oral Roberts shot 1 of 15 from the three point line (6.7 percent) including 0 of 8 in the second half.
Quotable: “From freshman year to now, he’s slowed down a lot. Freshman year he was doing things quick, trying to get it off as quick as he can, now he’s being patient when he catches the ball. He’s not looking at the man in front of him he’s looking at the help, if the help isn’t there, that’s when he’s going to attack.” --Pledger on Clark’s offensive improvement as a sophomore.
“C.J. came in and gave us a big lift. That was huge.” --Ccoach Lon Kruger on Washington’s impact in the first half.
“As long as we maintain the balance of improving and knowing we have a long way to go, we will become as good as we can become. And that’s our goal.” --Kruger on where the team is at this point.
“Coach says I need to bring energy and that’s all I was trying to do.” --Washington
Broyles, Alexander named All-Americans
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
7:56
PM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Oklahoma seniors Ryan Broyles and Frank Alexander have been named to the Walter Camp All-America team, it was announced Thursday night.
Receiver Broyles, who missed the Sooners' final three regular season games with a torn ACL, has been named to the first team for the second consecutive year. Defensive end Alexander was named to the second team.
Broyles finished the season with 83 catches for 1,1157 yards and 10 touchdowns. Alexander had 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Oklahoma now has 153 first-team All-Americans since Claude Reeds first won the honor in 1913.
Receiver Broyles, who missed the Sooners' final three regular season games with a torn ACL, has been named to the first team for the second consecutive year. Defensive end Alexander was named to the second team.
Broyles finished the season with 83 catches for 1,1157 yards and 10 touchdowns. Alexander had 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Oklahoma now has 153 first-team All-Americans since Claude Reeds first won the honor in 1913.
Scouts: Landry Jones' draft stock slipping
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
5:53
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
Scouts Inc. updated its 2012 NFL draft board today, and Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has taken a tumble.
Jones, who before Bedlam was rated by Scouts Inc. has the second-best quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft, is now the fourth-rated QB on the board, behind Stanford's Andrew Luck, USC's Matt Barkley and Baylor's Robert Griffin III.
He fell from No. 7 to No. 16 overall.
Here's what ESPN's Todd McShay said about Jones:
In his last three games -- without star receiver Ryan Broyles -- Jones completed 85 passes out of 144 attempts for 953 yards and five interceptions. He also had two costly fumbles in the Sooners' blowout loss to Oklahoma State.
What do you think of the ranking? If Jones leaves school after this season for the NFL draft, will he be a first-round pick in your opinion?
Jones, who before Bedlam was rated by Scouts Inc. has the second-best quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft, is now the fourth-rated QB on the board, behind Stanford's Andrew Luck, USC's Matt Barkley and Baylor's Robert Griffin III.
He fell from No. 7 to No. 16 overall.
Here's what ESPN's Todd McShay said about Jones:
Jones' stock continues to slide. His accuracy has been erratic, and he finished the season without a touchdown pass in his last three games.
In his last three games -- without star receiver Ryan Broyles -- Jones completed 85 passes out of 144 attempts for 953 yards and five interceptions. He also had two costly fumbles in the Sooners' blowout loss to Oklahoma State.
What do you think of the ranking? If Jones leaves school after this season for the NFL draft, will he be a first-round pick in your opinion?
OU parts ways with commit Manukainiu
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
5:08
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Defensive end Polo Manukainiu (Euless, Texas/Trinity) wasn’t trying to offend anyone by taking visits to Baylor and Texas A&M during the season, but the result has been Oklahoma rescinding its offer to Manukainiu, he said Thursday.
Manukainiu, 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, verbally committed to the Sooners in early September but was never able to take an unofficial or official visit to the campus. Because of the proximity of Euless Trinity to Baylor, however, Manukainiu saw nearly every Baylor home game this season.
Baylor has former Euless Trinity teammate Suleiman Masumbako on its roster. And Manukainiu visited one of his cousins on a trip to Texas A&M, which turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Sooners.
Manukainiu, 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, verbally committed to the Sooners in early September but was never able to take an unofficial or official visit to the campus. Because of the proximity of Euless Trinity to Baylor, however, Manukainiu saw nearly every Baylor home game this season.
Baylor has former Euless Trinity teammate Suleiman Masumbako on its roster. And Manukainiu visited one of his cousins on a trip to Texas A&M, which turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Sooners.
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A lot expected from OU-bound TE Green
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
4:35
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College coaching staff calls him “Moose.” By the end of Brannon Green’s college career, Oklahoma’s hoping to call him “all-conference.”
Green, a 6-foot-4, 268-pound tight end who committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, is expected to be an immediate impact player as a blocking and pass-catching option. What the Fort Scott coaches are anticipating from Green, however, goes far beyond the football field. Green has the tools to be a true student-athlete and football ambassador.
“He’s the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry,” Fort Scott defensive coordinator Rico Cherico said of Green, who originally is from Altamont, Kan. “He’s just a good kid who has an incredible work ethic. He has a tremendous motor, and he was a qualifier coming out of high school. He has a 3.7 GPA. I think he’s going to be able to contribute right away.”
Green, a 6-foot-4, 268-pound tight end who committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, is expected to be an immediate impact player as a blocking and pass-catching option. What the Fort Scott coaches are anticipating from Green, however, goes far beyond the football field. Green has the tools to be a true student-athlete and football ambassador.
“He’s the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry,” Fort Scott defensive coordinator Rico Cherico said of Green, who originally is from Altamont, Kan. “He’s just a good kid who has an incredible work ethic. He has a tremendous motor, and he was a qualifier coming out of high school. He has a 3.7 GPA. I think he’s going to be able to contribute right away.”
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
1:41
PM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
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:
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:
- More on the Sooners' newest commits, receiver Derrick Woods and tight end Brannon Green
- Where will Dorial Green-Beckham and Mario Edwards be this weekend?
- The latest on linebacker Quanzell Lambert
- Will OU make a late run at an in-state defensive back?
- An update on new basketball signee C.J. Cole
Tight end Taylor McNamara (San Diego, Calif./Westview) took official visit No. 4 this past weekend to check out Cal. He has one more visit left before he’ll have to make a very tough decision.
McNamara has already visited Colorado, Notre Dame and Washington and will check out Oklahoma (Dec. 16). The visit to Cal was one the tight end almost canceled but he’s glad he made it out.
“I really had a good time, it was well worth it,” McNamara said. “There was only a few other players there but that was cool, and I already knew Derrick Woods and KeiVarae Russell really well from being on my GK team in the summer. I’m pretty close with those guys and KeiVarae and I hung out a lot and talked about how fun it would be to play together in college because we each have Cal, Washington and Notre Dame high on our list.
McNamara has already visited Colorado, Notre Dame and Washington and will check out Oklahoma (Dec. 16). The visit to Cal was one the tight end almost canceled but he’s glad he made it out.
“I really had a good time, it was well worth it,” McNamara said. “There was only a few other players there but that was cool, and I already knew Derrick Woods and KeiVarae Russell really well from being on my GK team in the summer. I’m pretty close with those guys and KeiVarae and I hung out a lot and talked about how fun it would be to play together in college because we each have Cal, Washington and Notre Dame high on our list.
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OU commit McGee enjoys visit with coach
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma verbal commit offensive guard John Michael McGee (Texarkana, Texas/Texas) has talked repeatedly about the intensity of the Texarkana Texas and Texarkana Arkansas rivalry.
OU offensive line coach James Patton can now vouch for the rivalry, too. Patton, who visited McGee on Tuesday, saw firsthand what happens when the teams come together. McGee was playing in a basketball game when the game was stopped at halftime because of fights in the stands.
“It was ridiculous, but I knew something would occur,” McGee said. “They’re our rival school and events of this nature usually occur. However, it was disappointing.”
OU offensive line coach James Patton can now vouch for the rivalry, too. Patton, who visited McGee on Tuesday, saw firsthand what happens when the teams come together. McGee was playing in a basketball game when the game was stopped at halftime because of fights in the stands.
“It was ridiculous, but I knew something would occur,” McGee said. “They’re our rival school and events of this nature usually occur. However, it was disappointing.”
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Ten Sooners named to All-Big 12 team
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
12:05
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
The Big 12 coaches voted six Sooners to the All-Big 12 first team and four to the All-Big 12 second team.
All-Big 12 First Team:
FB Trey Millard, WR Ryan Broyles, OL Gabe Ikard, DL Frank Alexander, DL Ronnell Lewis, DB: Jamell Fleming,
All-Big 12 Second Team:
WR Kenny Stills, TE James Hanna, LB Travis Lewis, DB Demontre Hurst
What do you think? Were any Sooners snubbed?
All-Big 12 First Team:
FB Trey Millard, WR Ryan Broyles, OL Gabe Ikard, DL Frank Alexander, DL Ronnell Lewis, DB: Jamell Fleming,
All-Big 12 Second Team:
WR Kenny Stills, TE James Hanna, LB Travis Lewis, DB Demontre Hurst
What do you think? Were any Sooners snubbed?
OKLAHOMA SOONERS
Record: 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma embraced the preseason expectations and didn't shy away from any talk of a national title. Before the season, coach Bob Stoops even told an audience of boosters it was "about time" the Sooners nabbed their eighth national title, first since 2000 and second under Stoops. Oklahoma didn't really even come close to making it happen. Texas Tech embarrassed the Sooners on their home field, ending a 39-game win streak at Owen Field, the nation's longest and one that dated back to 2005. That offered the first evidence that the Sooners weren't the juggernaut they looked in the preseason. Tech finished 5-7 and the Sooners got a road win against a then-top 5 Florida State team, but the Seminoles fell to 8-4 and 5-3 in the weak ACC.
Oklahoma was hurt by late-season injuries to Ryan Broyles and Dominique Whaley, as well as a knee injury to Ronnell Lewis, but the Sooners lost two of their three final games and finished basically fourth in the Big 12, since Baylor holds the tiebreak over OU. The late-season swoon made the Sooners rival Texas A&M as one of the Big 12's biggest disappointments.
Offensive MVP: Landry Jones, quarterback. Jones' career, which may be over if he enters the NFL draft, is a bit unfortunate. He's always been undervalued by Oklahoma fans and really, most everyone. That's what happens when you follow Sam Bradford, a Heisman winner and No. 1 draft pick and make a few mistakes in big spots. Jones struggled at times as a freshman (he's the only guy to ever do that, right?), but he's been outstanding the past two years. His numbers regressed this year, but he still threw for 4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Defensive MVP: Frank Alexander, defensive end. Easy pick here. Alexander's been the Big 12's best defender, and a huge disruptive force for every offense in the Big 12. He led the league with 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He had 51 tackles and also grabbed an interception.
Turning point: Broyles' injury. The FBS leader in career receptions went down with a torn ACL against Texas A&M, and from that moment on, three games and a quarter-plus against Texas A&M, Jones didn't throw another touchdown pass and the Sooners lost two of three games. Broyles was missed in a big way, and though the Sooners improved in the short yardage by bringing in quarterback Blake Bell in the "BellDozer" formation, Oklahoma didn't rebound from the loss of Broyles.
What’s next: In the immediate future, Oklahoma faces Iowa, Bob Stoops' alma mater, in the Insight Bowl. After that, it's decision time. The defense loses Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis, but brings back a lot of talent with guys like Tony Jefferson, Aaron Colvin and Tom Wort. Offensively, if Jones returns, the Sooners could be in for a 10-win season in 2012 with a bit of upside. If Jones leaves, the Big 12 is wide open in 2012 and Oklahoma will have a quarterback competition between Bell and Drew Allen on tap for the spring. Running back Dominique Whaley will be back with Brennan Clay and Roy Finch, but the Sooners will be without a lot of experience if Jones leaves.
Record: 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma embraced the preseason expectations and didn't shy away from any talk of a national title. Before the season, coach Bob Stoops even told an audience of boosters it was "about time" the Sooners nabbed their eighth national title, first since 2000 and second under Stoops. Oklahoma didn't really even come close to making it happen. Texas Tech embarrassed the Sooners on their home field, ending a 39-game win streak at Owen Field, the nation's longest and one that dated back to 2005. That offered the first evidence that the Sooners weren't the juggernaut they looked in the preseason. Tech finished 5-7 and the Sooners got a road win against a then-top 5 Florida State team, but the Seminoles fell to 8-4 and 5-3 in the weak ACC.
Oklahoma was hurt by late-season injuries to Ryan Broyles and Dominique Whaley, as well as a knee injury to Ronnell Lewis, but the Sooners lost two of their three final games and finished basically fourth in the Big 12, since Baylor holds the tiebreak over OU. The late-season swoon made the Sooners rival Texas A&M as one of the Big 12's biggest disappointments.
Offensive MVP: Landry Jones, quarterback. Jones' career, which may be over if he enters the NFL draft, is a bit unfortunate. He's always been undervalued by Oklahoma fans and really, most everyone. That's what happens when you follow Sam Bradford, a Heisman winner and No. 1 draft pick and make a few mistakes in big spots. Jones struggled at times as a freshman (he's the only guy to ever do that, right?), but he's been outstanding the past two years. His numbers regressed this year, but he still threw for 4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Defensive MVP: Frank Alexander, defensive end. Easy pick here. Alexander's been the Big 12's best defender, and a huge disruptive force for every offense in the Big 12. He led the league with 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He had 51 tackles and also grabbed an interception.
Turning point: Broyles' injury. The FBS leader in career receptions went down with a torn ACL against Texas A&M, and from that moment on, three games and a quarter-plus against Texas A&M, Jones didn't throw another touchdown pass and the Sooners lost two of three games. Broyles was missed in a big way, and though the Sooners improved in the short yardage by bringing in quarterback Blake Bell in the "BellDozer" formation, Oklahoma didn't rebound from the loss of Broyles.
What’s next: In the immediate future, Oklahoma faces Iowa, Bob Stoops' alma mater, in the Insight Bowl. After that, it's decision time. The defense loses Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis, but brings back a lot of talent with guys like Tony Jefferson, Aaron Colvin and Tom Wort. Offensively, if Jones returns, the Sooners could be in for a 10-win season in 2012 with a bit of upside. If Jones leaves, the Big 12 is wide open in 2012 and Oklahoma will have a quarterback competition between Bell and Drew Allen on tap for the spring. Running back Dominique Whaley will be back with Brennan Clay and Roy Finch, but the Sooners will be without a lot of experience if Jones leaves.
Scouts: Sooners strike again in California
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
11:16
AM CT
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
The best thing about Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif.) is his versatility to play on either side of the football.
For Oklahoma the need may be at wide receiver, but Woods is an accomplished corner as well. With Woods you have a savvy route runner with some deceptive physicality due to his compact, but stout frame. He is a guy that can play both in the slot and on the perimeter and also has some return traits.
For Oklahoma the need may be at wide receiver, but Woods is an accomplished corner as well. With Woods you have a savvy route runner with some deceptive physicality due to his compact, but stout frame. He is a guy that can play both in the slot and on the perimeter and also has some return traits.
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OU's Frank Alexander earns Big 12 honors
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
11:16
AM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander was named the Big 12 Conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year Wednesday. He was also named to the All-Big 12 First Team.
Alexander finished the season with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He shared the Defensive Player of the Year with Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein.
Selections are made by the league’s 10 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
Alexander finished the season with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He shared the Defensive Player of the Year with Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein.
Selections are made by the league’s 10 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
Change in position seals deal for Woods
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
10:57
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Wide receiver Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood) had felt for the last couple of months that Oklahoma was going to be his school of choice.
He wanted to weigh all of his options, however, before making the decision. And after an official visit to California last weekend, Woods knew all he needed to know and verbally committed to the Sooners late Tuesday night.
Woods told his mother first and then called wide receivers coach Jay Norvell to let the OU coaching staff know about the good news.
He wanted to weigh all of his options, however, before making the decision. And after an official visit to California last weekend, Woods knew all he needed to know and verbally committed to the Sooners late Tuesday night.
Woods told his mother first and then called wide receivers coach Jay Norvell to let the OU coaching staff know about the good news.
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Q&A: 2013 in-state linebacker T.J. Ponds
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
When thinking of Wagoner, Okla., most focus immediately on senior defensive back Kevin Peterson, who has offers from Iowa State, Arizona and Tulsa and should see interest in him pick up after a tremendous season.
But if you’re looking for the future of Wagoner football, it starts with junior linebacker T.J. Ponds. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Ponds is cementing himself as one of the top in-state defensive prospects for 2013.
Ponds, Peterson and the rest of the Wagoner team won the Oklahoma 4A state championship with a 23-0 win against Clinton, Okla., last week. It is Wagoner’s first championship.
But if you’re looking for the future of Wagoner football, it starts with junior linebacker T.J. Ponds. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Ponds is cementing himself as one of the top in-state defensive prospects for 2013.
Ponds, Peterson and the rest of the Wagoner team won the Oklahoma 4A state championship with a 23-0 win against Clinton, Okla., last week. It is Wagoner’s first championship.
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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.