Oklahoma Sooners: Cortez Johnson
OKLAHOMA SOONERS
2012 record: 10-3
2012 conference record: 8-1 (tied for first, Big 12)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
RB Damien Williams, FB Trey Millard, WR Jalen Saunders, WR Sterling Shepard, C Gabe Ikard, DE/DT Chuka Ndulue, LB Corey Nelson, CB Aaron Colvin
Key losses
QB Landry Jones, WR Justin Brown, WR Kenny Stills, OT Lane Johnson, DE David King, CB Demontre Hurst, FS Tony Jefferson, SS Javon Harris
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Damien Williams* (946 yards)
Passing: Landry Jones (4,267yards)
Receiving: Kenny Stills (959 yards)
Tackles: Tony Jefferson (119)
Sacks: Chuka Ndulue* (5)
Interceptions: Javon Harris (6)
Spring answers
1. Playmakers abound: The Sooners might have lost leading receivers Kenny Stills and Justin Brown, but there’s plenty of firepower back to support whoever wins the starting quarterback job. Jalen Saunders was actually Oklahoma’s most efficient receiver the second half of last season and seems primed to take over as the go-to target. The Sooners also have several talented up-and-coming receivers who had good springs, led by slot extraordinaire Sterling Shepard. The backfield is even deeper, with leading rushers Damien Williams and Brennan Clay back, to go along with Trey Millard, one of the top all-around fullbacks in the country.
2. Cortez will flank Colvin: The secondary was decimated by graduation and Tony Jefferson’s early entry into the NFL draft. One of those voids was cornerback, where Demontre Hurst had started the previous years. That void at least, however, appears to have been filled. Arizona transfer Cortez Johnson seized the job from the first day of spring drills, and has given the Sooners every indication to believe they’ll have a big, physical corner to pair with All-American candidate Aaron Colvin in the fall.
3. The linebackers will play: In a desperate move to slow down the high-powered passing attacks of the Big 12, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops pulled his linebackers off the field. The plan backfired, as opposing offenses ran at will over the linebacker-less Sooners. This spring, Stoops has renewed his commitment to the linebacker, which, ironically, could be the strength of the defense. Corey Nelson, Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin are all athletic and capable of generating negative plays, something Oklahoma’s defense sorely lacked last season.
Fall questions
1. Who the QB will be in October: Bob Stoops said he would wait until the fall before naming a starter, and so far, he’s made good on his word. Junior Blake Bell took a lead in the competition during the spring, as expected. But sophomore Kendal Thompson and redshirt freshman Trevor Knight, who both got equal reps as Bell, played well at times, too. It’s hard to see Bell not starting the first game. But if he struggles against a tough September schedule, it’s not unthinkable one of the younger QBs would be given a shot.
2. How the new offense will fare: Looking to utilize the skill sets of their mobile quarterbacks, the Sooners will be running a very different offense from the one Sam Bradford and Landry Jones both operated. Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel kept most of these new plays - including loads of read option -- in his hip pocket during the spring game. But it will be interesting to see how the Sooners -- and just as important, opposing defenses -- adjust to this new era of offense in Norman.
3. Defensive line play: The Sooners went into spring ball with just three defensive tackles on the roster, and little experience at defensive end. The unit showed strides during the spring, with Chuka Ndulue making a smooth transition from end to tackle, and tackle Jordan Phillips coming up big in the spring game. But that was the spring. The defensive line will have to continue to grow rapidly in the fall for the Sooners to have any hope of improving from last year defensively.
2012 record: 10-3
2012 conference record: 8-1 (tied for first, Big 12)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
RB Damien Williams, FB Trey Millard, WR Jalen Saunders, WR Sterling Shepard, C Gabe Ikard, DE/DT Chuka Ndulue, LB Corey Nelson, CB Aaron Colvin
Key losses
QB Landry Jones, WR Justin Brown, WR Kenny Stills, OT Lane Johnson, DE David King, CB Demontre Hurst, FS Tony Jefferson, SS Javon Harris
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Damien Williams* (946 yards)
Passing: Landry Jones (4,267yards)
Receiving: Kenny Stills (959 yards)
Tackles: Tony Jefferson (119)
Sacks: Chuka Ndulue* (5)
Interceptions: Javon Harris (6)
Spring answers
1. Playmakers abound: The Sooners might have lost leading receivers Kenny Stills and Justin Brown, but there’s plenty of firepower back to support whoever wins the starting quarterback job. Jalen Saunders was actually Oklahoma’s most efficient receiver the second half of last season and seems primed to take over as the go-to target. The Sooners also have several talented up-and-coming receivers who had good springs, led by slot extraordinaire Sterling Shepard. The backfield is even deeper, with leading rushers Damien Williams and Brennan Clay back, to go along with Trey Millard, one of the top all-around fullbacks in the country.
2. Cortez will flank Colvin: The secondary was decimated by graduation and Tony Jefferson’s early entry into the NFL draft. One of those voids was cornerback, where Demontre Hurst had started the previous years. That void at least, however, appears to have been filled. Arizona transfer Cortez Johnson seized the job from the first day of spring drills, and has given the Sooners every indication to believe they’ll have a big, physical corner to pair with All-American candidate Aaron Colvin in the fall.
3. The linebackers will play: In a desperate move to slow down the high-powered passing attacks of the Big 12, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops pulled his linebackers off the field. The plan backfired, as opposing offenses ran at will over the linebacker-less Sooners. This spring, Stoops has renewed his commitment to the linebacker, which, ironically, could be the strength of the defense. Corey Nelson, Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin are all athletic and capable of generating negative plays, something Oklahoma’s defense sorely lacked last season.
Fall questions
1. Who the QB will be in October: Bob Stoops said he would wait until the fall before naming a starter, and so far, he’s made good on his word. Junior Blake Bell took a lead in the competition during the spring, as expected. But sophomore Kendal Thompson and redshirt freshman Trevor Knight, who both got equal reps as Bell, played well at times, too. It’s hard to see Bell not starting the first game. But if he struggles against a tough September schedule, it’s not unthinkable one of the younger QBs would be given a shot.
2. How the new offense will fare: Looking to utilize the skill sets of their mobile quarterbacks, the Sooners will be running a very different offense from the one Sam Bradford and Landry Jones both operated. Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel kept most of these new plays - including loads of read option -- in his hip pocket during the spring game. But it will be interesting to see how the Sooners -- and just as important, opposing defenses -- adjust to this new era of offense in Norman.
3. Defensive line play: The Sooners went into spring ball with just three defensive tackles on the roster, and little experience at defensive end. The unit showed strides during the spring, with Chuka Ndulue making a smooth transition from end to tackle, and tackle Jordan Phillips coming up big in the spring game. But that was the spring. The defensive line will have to continue to grow rapidly in the fall for the Sooners to have any hope of improving from last year defensively.
OU spring takeaways: Winners and losers 
April, 22, 2013
Apr 22
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Spring is the time when young players can serve notice that they are ready to take on a bigger role on the team at the University of Oklahoma. It’s also a time when players lack of progression leaves an opening for them to be passed on the depth chart.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers of spring for the Sooners:
Winners
Here’s a look at the winners and losers of spring for the Sooners:
Winners
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NORMAN, Okla. -- Following Saturday's spring game, SoonerNation has updated the "Oklahoma 10" -- a composite ranking of the 10 best players on the team. The list:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 1): Millard was held out of the spring game as a precaution, something Bob Stoops usually does with his stars. Despite manning an unheralded position, Millard certainly fits the bill of a star. You wouldn’t know it by the number of touches he gets, but Josh Heupel’s new option-oriented offense -- which, like Millard, was kept on the shelf Saturday -- could get the ball in Millard’s hands more often. That’s always good for the Sooners – and bad for opposing defenses.
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 1): Millard was held out of the spring game as a precaution, something Bob Stoops usually does with his stars. Despite manning an unheralded position, Millard certainly fits the bill of a star. You wouldn’t know it by the number of touches he gets, but Josh Heupel’s new option-oriented offense -- which, like Millard, was kept on the shelf Saturday -- could get the ball in Millard’s hands more often. That’s always good for the Sooners – and bad for opposing defenses.
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Roundtable: Spring game standouts
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
4:00
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: Which new Sooner will open fans' eyes in the spring game on Saturday and be talked about all summer?
Today's question: Which new Sooner will open fans' eyes in the spring game on Saturday and be talked about all summer?
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NORMAN, Okla. -- Saturday, the Sooners will put the finishing touches on spring ball with the Red-White spring game.
With a quarterback derby, three first-year assistants and several new starters on defense, this has been one of the most storyline-rich springs of the Bob Stoops era. Of them all, here the seven most compelling storylines to watch for Saturday:
With a quarterback derby, three first-year assistants and several new starters on defense, this has been one of the most storyline-rich springs of the Bob Stoops era. Of them all, here the seven most compelling storylines to watch for Saturday:
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NORMAN, Okla. -- Many faces are gone from final 2012, SoonerNation “Oklahoma 10” -- a composite ranking of the 10 best players on the squad.
Through the first half of spring ball, we’ve updated the “Oklahoma 10,” which – you guessed it – features many new faces:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 2): Perhaps no one stands to benefit more from the ongoing tweaks offensively this spring than Millard -- and that’s a good thing for the overall team, too. Millard averaged 6 yards per carry and more than 11 per reception in 2012, despite touching the ball just 63 the entire season. With a renewed emphasis on the running game featuring a heavy dose of read, midline and triple option, Millard figures to be a bigger part of the attack next season.
Through the first half of spring ball, we’ve updated the “Oklahoma 10,” which – you guessed it – features many new faces:
1. FB Trey Millard (Last ranking: 2): Perhaps no one stands to benefit more from the ongoing tweaks offensively this spring than Millard -- and that’s a good thing for the overall team, too. Millard averaged 6 yards per carry and more than 11 per reception in 2012, despite touching the ball just 63 the entire season. With a renewed emphasis on the running game featuring a heavy dose of read, midline and triple option, Millard figures to be a bigger part of the attack next season.
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Spring football is always one of the best times of the year. While uncertainty and unknowns surround the program, excitement and positivity tend to override most concerns. Oklahoma opens its spring drills on Saturday, so here are some defensive players to keep an eye on this spring.
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, sophomore
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, sophomore
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Simon, Anderson no longer on OU team
February, 17, 2013
Feb 17
11:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
UPDATE: An OU spokesperson confirms junior defensive tackle Damon Williams is no longer on the team, as well.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma will be transitioning to three new assistant coaches this spring. The Sooners will also have to make do with just four scholarship cornerbacks and possibly as few as three scholarship defensive tackles during the spring, as well.
An OU spokesperson confirmed Sunday night that cornerback Gary Simon and defensive tackle Marquis Anderson are no longer with the squad.
That leaves the Sooners with only returning starter Aaron Colvin, Cortez Johnson and Zack Sanchez and Kass Everett at cornerback; and just Jordan Phillips, Jordan Wade and Torrea Peterson at defensive tackle.
OU was hoping to add junior-college tackle Quincy Russell in January. Russell, however, still has academic work to complete before he can enroll. Of OU’s three returning defensive tackles, only Phillips saw even spot duty last season.
The Sooners signed three high school defensive tackles earlier this month, as well. But one of those, Kerrick Huggins, has yet to qualify and doubled-signed with Trinity Valley Community College in case he doesn’t make it Norman.
Coach Bob Stoops showed he hasn’t been happy lately with OU’s production or recruiting at defensive tackle, and fired his longtime defensive tackles coach, Jackie Shipp, last week. Last season, the Sooners ranked 94th in run defense and 108th in tackles for loss.
OU also lost its top three defensive tackles -- Casey Walker, Jamarkus McFarland and Stacy McGee -- to graduation.
The Sooners face transition in the secondary, as well. Three of five starters are gone, and Simon was expected to challenge Johnson for the starting job at corner opposite Colvin.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma will be transitioning to three new assistant coaches this spring. The Sooners will also have to make do with just four scholarship cornerbacks and possibly as few as three scholarship defensive tackles during the spring, as well.
An OU spokesperson confirmed Sunday night that cornerback Gary Simon and defensive tackle Marquis Anderson are no longer with the squad.
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OU was hoping to add junior-college tackle Quincy Russell in January. Russell, however, still has academic work to complete before he can enroll. Of OU’s three returning defensive tackles, only Phillips saw even spot duty last season.
The Sooners signed three high school defensive tackles earlier this month, as well. But one of those, Kerrick Huggins, has yet to qualify and doubled-signed with Trinity Valley Community College in case he doesn’t make it Norman.
Coach Bob Stoops showed he hasn’t been happy lately with OU’s production or recruiting at defensive tackle, and fired his longtime defensive tackles coach, Jackie Shipp, last week. Last season, the Sooners ranked 94th in run defense and 108th in tackles for loss.
OU also lost its top three defensive tackles -- Casey Walker, Jamarkus McFarland and Stacy McGee -- to graduation.
The Sooners face transition in the secondary, as well. Three of five starters are gone, and Simon was expected to challenge Johnson for the starting job at corner opposite Colvin.
CB Colvin's return adds stability for OU
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
4:39
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s hopes of fielding a strong defense in 2013 just received a boost.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin announced he would return to OU on Monday afternoon. The All-Big 12 first-team selection was considering making himself available for the 2013 NFL draft but elected to return for his senior season.
It’s a huge boost for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ defense. If Colvin had declared, OU would have had to replace four of five starters in its defensive backfield. With Colvin’s return, the Sooners secondary now has a cornerstone to build around.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin announced he would return to OU on Monday afternoon. The All-Big 12 first-team selection was considering making himself available for the 2013 NFL draft but elected to return for his senior season.
It’s a huge boost for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ defense. If Colvin had declared, OU would have had to replace four of five starters in its defensive backfield. With Colvin’s return, the Sooners secondary now has a cornerstone to build around.
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After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s cornerbacks in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the cornerbacks on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the position for Oklahoma. Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future.
Next in line: Gary Simon. The Sooners spoke highly of Simon before the season and he’s spent the season preparing to step in to make a major contribution as a sophomore. With his long arms, athleticism and ball skills, Simon could become a key component of OU’s secondary in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Cortez Johnson. The Arizona transfer could step in and start after sitting out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size to the position and he has experience, having played in eight games, starting two, for the Wildcats as a freshman.
Next in line: Gary Simon. The Sooners spoke highly of Simon before the season and he’s spent the season preparing to step in to make a major contribution as a sophomore. With his long arms, athleticism and ball skills, Simon could become a key component of OU’s secondary in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Cortez Johnson. The Arizona transfer could step in and start after sitting out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size to the position and he has experience, having played in eight games, starting two, for the Wildcats as a freshman.
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Roundtable: Biggest hole on defense?
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
4:00
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: Which graduating Sooner leaves the biggest hole for Oklahoma to fill on defense in 2013?
• One of the reasons that Oklahoma was so good against the pass this season was its cornerback tandem. Aaron Colvin was the star of this duo, earning All-Big 12 honors. But Demontre Hurst also provided standout coverage. In the last three years, the Sooners have never had to worry about the steady, durable Hurst or his position. That changes in the spring. Gary Simon has potential and Cortez Johnson has experience from Arizona. But neither is the player yet that Hurst has proved to be.
Today's question: Which graduating Sooner leaves the biggest hole for Oklahoma to fill on defense in 2013?
• One of the reasons that Oklahoma was so good against the pass this season was its cornerback tandem. Aaron Colvin was the star of this duo, earning All-Big 12 honors. But Demontre Hurst also provided standout coverage. In the last three years, the Sooners have never had to worry about the steady, durable Hurst or his position. That changes in the spring. Gary Simon has potential and Cortez Johnson has experience from Arizona. But neither is the player yet that Hurst has proved to be.
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Which Sooners might bolt early for NFL?
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- After the 2007 season, neither Malcolm Kelly, Curtis Lofton nor Reggie Smith were projected as first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft.
But all three were top-three round picks. And that was enough to convince them to leave Oklahoma a year early and enter the draft.
This year, the Sooners again don’t appear to have any underclassmen that project as first-round picks. But up to four different underclassmen Sooners could be taken in the first three rounds if they to decide to come out in January. SoonerNation breaks down the four players who might be mulling their futures over the next month:
But all three were top-three round picks. And that was enough to convince them to leave Oklahoma a year early and enter the draft.
This year, the Sooners again don’t appear to have any underclassmen that project as first-round picks. But up to four different underclassmen Sooners could be taken in the first three rounds if they to decide to come out in January. SoonerNation breaks down the four players who might be mulling their futures over the next month:
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Sooners WR Saunders, teammate arrested
December, 2, 2012
12/02/12
2:12
PM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Oklahoma Sooners receiver Jalen Saunders and cornerback Cortez Johnson were arrested Sunday morning on a complaint of possession of a controlled substance, according to the Cleveland County Sherriff's Office.
Saunders and Johnson were arrested at 2:34 a.m. CT on Sunday for possession of marijuana and released, a spokesman for the Cleveland County Jail confirmed.
For more on this story from SoonerNation, go here.
Saunders caught seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-17 win over TCU that clinched a share of the Big 12 title.
Saunders and Johnson were arrested at 2:34 a.m. CT on Sunday for possession of marijuana and released, a spokesman for the Cleveland County Jail confirmed.
For more on this story from SoonerNation, go here.
Saunders caught seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-17 win over TCU that clinched a share of the Big 12 title.
Practice Report: Guard Tyler Evans hurt
August, 6, 2012
8/06/12
3:00
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Updated at 8:10 p.m.: Oklahoma announced Monday night that Tyler Evans suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Another day, another Oklahoma offensive lineman goes down. Bob Stoops confirmed Monday after practice that guard Tyler Evans suffered a significant knee injury. Evans is getting an MRI today, and Stoops said could have torn a ligament.
Evans has been a solid performer since winning a starting job his freshman year, with 29 career starts. According to Stoops, Evans injured the knee on the first day of practice.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Another day, another Oklahoma offensive lineman goes down. Bob Stoops confirmed Monday after practice that guard Tyler Evans suffered a significant knee injury. Evans is getting an MRI today, and Stoops said could have torn a ligament.
Evans has been a solid performer since winning a starting job his freshman year, with 29 career starts. According to Stoops, Evans injured the knee on the first day of practice.
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Chat wrap: Breakout year for Washington?
June, 12, 2012
6/12/12
4:15
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers on Monday about Oklahoma football and recruiting. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag.
Here are a few highlights from the chat:
Kevin (Reno, NV): Which highly-regarded lineman will the light finally turn on for, resulting in a huge season for OU, Jamarkus McFarland or R.J. Washington?
Jake Trotter: I lean toward Washington. We kinda know what McFarland is about. He's played the last three seasons. RJ is little more of an unknown because he hasn't had as much playing time. Plus the light bulb really came on for him last year. He could make another jump this season.
Landry (Arkansas): With OU favored to win the Big 12 again, can, and will the Sooners handle the pressure and take care of business?
Jake Trotter: It will come down to those last three games, WV, OSU, TCU. If the Sooners win all three, they'll likely be conference champs. We'll see.
nick (glenpool): Let's say both Jalen Saunders and Cortez Johnson qualify to play this year. What's your take on the kind of impact they could have?
Jake Trotter: I'm not sure Johnson would play much of a role, but Saunders definitely would. Saunders has elite speed, and would give Landry the downfield threat he lacked at times last season.
Bufford (Tuttle): With a great QB and two awesome RB recruits will this help get some great O-line prospects that we are needing?
Jake Trotter: I think so. [Line coach James] Patton has done a solid job recruiting in recent years, notably with last year's interior haul. It's on Kittle now to land a couple of tackles.
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.