Oklahoma Sooners: Alex Ross
The last several days, ESPN Insider Phil Steele has been rolling out the rankings of his top individual position units in the country. In that vein, SoonerNation has ranked OU’s position units for the upcoming season, from best to worst:
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During the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall and his long-term impact. Starting with No. 1 Kendal Thompson, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 99 Chaz Nelson.
No. 28 Alex Ross
Running back, 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, redshirt freshman
No. 28 Alex Ross
Running back, 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, redshirt freshman
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All safety Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) has known is playing football and basketball. Before he was a four-star safety prospect, he was all about hoops.
When the football offers started to trickle in around this time last year, it didn’t change anything for Parker. He didn’t spend the summer on the camp circuit or making unofficial visits. Instead he was playing in AAU basketball tournaments across the country.
When the football offers started to trickle in around this time last year, it didn’t change anything for Parker. He didn’t spend the summer on the camp circuit or making unofficial visits. Instead he was playing in AAU basketball tournaments across the country.
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During the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall and his long-term impact. Starting with No. 1 Kendal Thompson, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 99 Chaz Nelson.
No. 24 Brennan Clay
Running back, 5-foot-11, 197 pounds, senior
No. 24 Brennan Clay
Running back, 5-foot-11, 197 pounds, senior
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In Mike Stoops' first year back as defensive backs coach, OU got exactly who it wanted at safety for the Class of 2013.
The same can be said so far for the Class of 2014, as OU secured the commitment of three-star safety Vontre McQuinnie (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) three months ago at the Sooners' first junior day.
Since then, there has been no question about the level of McQuinnie’s commitment. The question now is who is going to join him in Norman?
Stoops has made sure OU has options. He hasn’t offered any safeties so far during the spring evaluation period. Instead he and the Sooners have focused on maintaining a tight bond with these top targets:
The same can be said so far for the Class of 2014, as OU secured the commitment of three-star safety Vontre McQuinnie (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) three months ago at the Sooners' first junior day.
Since then, there has been no question about the level of McQuinnie’s commitment. The question now is who is going to join him in Norman?
Stoops has made sure OU has options. He hasn’t offered any safeties so far during the spring evaluation period. Instead he and the Sooners have focused on maintaining a tight bond with these top targets:
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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. -- 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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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
March, 29, 2013
Mar 29
9:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Friday, SoonerNation releases the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting with news and notes on the latest happenings around the program. Talk about it on our forum. A few things discussed in this week's update:
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
- Could the Sooners add a top receiver at their spring game?
- A Texas wideout is hoping to visit Oklahoma soon.
- Texas athlete is focused on a handful of schools.
- Will an in-state linebacker make another visit to OU?
- A Sooners signee is "like a big brother" to a 2014 target.
- What's next for ESPN Watch List safety Steven Parker?
- A Florida wideout has a connection to a new OU assistant coach.
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Roundtable: Redshirt freshman to watch
March, 28, 2013
Mar 28
3:00
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 redshirt freshman will make the biggest impact for the Sooners in 2013?
• Taylor McNamara, Alex Ross and maybe even Trevor Knight could definitely spark the offense, but nowhere do the Sooners need a redshirt freshman to step up more than Jordan Wade at defensive tackle. Wade started to come on strong during bowl practices, which was a great sign for the 2013 season. The Sooners don't have a lot of other options at DT; at the moment, they only have three true DTs on the roster. One of those is Wade, who will have every opportunity to make an impact this season.
Today's question: Which redshirt freshman will make the biggest impact for the Sooners in 2013?
• Taylor McNamara, Alex Ross and maybe even Trevor Knight could definitely spark the offense, but nowhere do the Sooners need a redshirt freshman to step up more than Jordan Wade at defensive tackle. Wade started to come on strong during bowl practices, which was a great sign for the 2013 season. The Sooners don't have a lot of other options at DT; at the moment, they only have three true DTs on the roster. One of those is Wade, who will have every opportunity to make an impact this season.
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RB Ross still turning heads for Sooners
March, 27, 2013
Mar 27
8:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Even though they were set at running back last fall with Damien Williams and others, the Sooners nearly still played Alex Ross as a true freshman. He was that impressive through summer workouts and two-a-days, drawing comparisons from position coach Cale Gundy to former OU standout Mike Gaddis, who glided past defenders until he tore his ACL in 1989.
This spring, after an offseason in which he’s gotten stronger and faster, Ross has continued to impress.
“He’s really good,” said fellow running back Brennan Clay. “He’s big, and he’s going to be physical. He’s a one-cut, type of guy and he’s just fast. Once he hits that vertical, he’s going to be good. We like backs like that at Oklahoma, and he’s going to do a great job.”
The 6-foot-1, 218-pound Ross tore up OU’s winter testing, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, third-best among the Sooners’ offensive players. The only two to beat him in the 40 -- Roy Finch and Sterling Shepard -- weigh just 167 and 188 pounds, respectively.
That combination of speed and power has allowed Ross to reel off several big plays in OU’s team sessions so far this spring.
“He’s done some positive things, made some explosive plays with the ball in his hands in some of our run game, which is what you expect,” said offensive coordinator Josh Heupel. “He has great speed, a physical runner. And he’s got a much better grasp of what we’re doing offensively, too, which has given him a better chance to perform at a high level.”
It will be interesting to see how many carries Ross gets this season. In Williams and Clay, the Sooners return their top two backs from last season. Fullback Trey Millard also is back. Notwithstanding all that, OU is likely to run its quarterback a good amount in 2013. Carries will be scarce.
But with Williams, Clay, Millard and Roy Finch all being seniors, Ross could be the heir-apparent in the OU backfield for 2014. Which alone could warrant him time in the rotation this season.
[+] Enlarge
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesRunning back Alex Ross was No. 70 in the 2012 ESPN 150.
“He’s really good,” said fellow running back Brennan Clay. “He’s big, and he’s going to be physical. He’s a one-cut, type of guy and he’s just fast. Once he hits that vertical, he’s going to be good. We like backs like that at Oklahoma, and he’s going to do a great job.”
The 6-foot-1, 218-pound Ross tore up OU’s winter testing, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, third-best among the Sooners’ offensive players. The only two to beat him in the 40 -- Roy Finch and Sterling Shepard -- weigh just 167 and 188 pounds, respectively.
That combination of speed and power has allowed Ross to reel off several big plays in OU’s team sessions so far this spring.
“He’s done some positive things, made some explosive plays with the ball in his hands in some of our run game, which is what you expect,” said offensive coordinator Josh Heupel. “He has great speed, a physical runner. And he’s got a much better grasp of what we’re doing offensively, too, which has given him a better chance to perform at a high level.”
It will be interesting to see how many carries Ross gets this season. In Williams and Clay, the Sooners return their top two backs from last season. Fullback Trey Millard also is back. Notwithstanding all that, OU is likely to run its quarterback a good amount in 2013. Carries will be scarce.
But with Williams, Clay, Millard and Roy Finch all being seniors, Ross could be the heir-apparent in the OU backfield for 2014. Which alone could warrant him time in the rotation this season.
Sooners working hard within state for 2014
March, 25, 2013
Mar 25
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma essentially got every in-state product it had its eyes on for the Class of 2013. And the Sooners swept up the state's two ESPN 300 prospects early.
There was never a question about defensive end D.J. Ward coming to OU, and he committed at the spring game. The same was true for cornerback Stanvon Taylor. Once the Sooners were content with his health, the offer came and he committed in May.
The 2014 class of Oklahoma high school products offers a challenge and an opportunity. The state has six ESPN Watch List prospects, and OU has offered five recruits from the Sooner State.
The early offers from prospects in their backyard are normally unheard of, but the Sooners realized they weren’t going to be the only name in town for these prospects. Get in early or get left out later.
Here is a look at how OU is faring with its five in-state offers as the Sooners prepare to kick off the second portion of spring practices:
There was never a question about defensive end D.J. Ward coming to OU, and he committed at the spring game. The same was true for cornerback Stanvon Taylor. Once the Sooners were content with his health, the offer came and he committed in May.
The 2014 class of Oklahoma high school products offers a challenge and an opportunity. The state has six ESPN Watch List prospects, and OU has offered five recruits from the Sooner State.
The early offers from prospects in their backyard are normally unheard of, but the Sooners realized they weren’t going to be the only name in town for these prospects. Get in early or get left out later.
Here is a look at how OU is faring with its five in-state offers as the Sooners prepare to kick off the second portion of spring practices:
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Perine first piece of OU RB puzzle for 2014
March, 13, 2013
Mar 13
5:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma running backs coach Cale Gundy has done it again. While OU coach Bob Stoops felt a change in his coaching staff was necessary for the 2013 season, Gundy was never on the chopping block.
Wednesday afternoon is evidence of why that is, as ESPN Watch List running back Samaje Perine (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) became the first running back commit for OU’s 2014 class.
Wednesday afternoon is evidence of why that is, as ESPN Watch List running back Samaje Perine (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) became the first running back commit for OU’s 2014 class.
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Watch List S ready to see state of Texas
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
This is what Oklahoma fans were afraid might happen. This is why OU fans wanted ESPN Watch List safety Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) to commit to the Sooners by this point.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
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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 offensive players to keep an eye on throughout spring:
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NORMAN, Okla. -- One area where the Sooners will suffer little attrition from 2012 is running back. Yes, Dominique Whaley has graduated, but Whaley didn’t contribute to the backfield after the first three games as he struggled to regain his agility from a broken ankle he suffered in 2011.
The rest of the backfield returns intact, and that includes Damien Williams. The former juco transfer had a breakout first season in Norman, leading the Sooners with 946 rushing yards while scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Williams would have easily surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier had an ankle sprain not slowed him in November.
Williams gives the Sooners one of the top returning backs in the league. OU also returns Brennan Clay, who proved to be a solid No. 2 back during his junior season. Filling in for Williams at Iowa State, Clay rushed for 157 yards while averaging 6.5 yards a carry. Clay also scored the game-winning overtime touchdown against Oklahoma State.
The rest of the backfield returns intact, and that includes Damien Williams. The former juco transfer had a breakout first season in Norman, leading the Sooners with 946 rushing yards while scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Williams would have easily surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier had an ankle sprain not slowed him in November.
Williams gives the Sooners one of the top returning backs in the league. OU also returns Brennan Clay, who proved to be a solid No. 2 back during his junior season. Filling in for Williams at Iowa State, Clay rushed for 157 yards while averaging 6.5 yards a carry. Clay also scored the game-winning overtime touchdown against Oklahoma State.
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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.