Oklahoma Sooners: Gary Simon
Oklahoma’s best recruiting job of the offseason was convincing Aaron Colvin to return for his senior year. Colvin gives the Sooners a premier lockdown coverman who will make opposing QBs think twice about throwing his way.
Good thing, too, because OU’s other cornerback spot is a major question mark on this defense going into the spring.
Good thing, too, because OU’s other cornerback spot is a major question mark on this defense going into the spring.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes 
February, 22, 2013
Feb 22
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.
- An OU commit is visiting another Big 12 school this weekend
- A Watch List wide receiver has several ties to the Sooners
- A San Antonio tailback knows about OU's tradition in the backfield
- The Sooners have ground to make up with an in-state defender
- LSU leads for a talented OU offer
- One in-state athlete says he's a running back all the way
- A 2015 tight end wants to hear more from the Sooners
- An OU basketball commit talks about his move to a new school
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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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.
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
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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
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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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He’s raw, he’s young and inexperienced. Yet, he could have one of the highest long-term upsides of the freshmen on Oklahoma's roster.
Cornerback Gary Simon is just starting to tap into his potential. A high school standout on the basketball court, Simon has spent his first season on campus learning the cornerback position and preparing himself to become a bigger part of OU’s defense in 2013.
Simon has seen very limited playing time during his freshman season, recording just two tackles, but one of the Sooners' best players has seen enough to predict Simon’s future in crimson and cream.
Cornerback Gary Simon is just starting to tap into his potential. A high school standout on the basketball court, Simon has spent his first season on campus learning the cornerback position and preparing himself to become a bigger part of OU’s defense in 2013.
Simon has seen very limited playing time during his freshman season, recording just two tackles, but one of the Sooners' best players has seen enough to predict Simon’s future in crimson and cream.
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Five Sooners to watch in bowl practices
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Bowl practices can be a critical time for any football program. It’s an opportunity for young players to show how they’ve improved during the season and set themselves up in integral roles on the offense or defense heading into the spring while the veterans recover from a physical schedule.
Here’s a look at five young players at Oklahoma who could use bowl practices as a springboard to a bigger role for the Sooners in 2013.
Receiver Trey Metoyer
Here’s a look at five young players at Oklahoma who could use bowl practices as a springboard to a bigger role for the Sooners in 2013.
Receiver Trey Metoyer
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As Oklahoma stares at the final four games of the regular season, the Sooners still have several goals, including a possible BCS berth, within reach.
Nonetheless, Oklahoma football is about championships. And a BCS title berth is out of the question and an outright Big 12 championship would require a Kansas State collapse down the stretch.
Therefore, now is a good time for the Sooners to starting thinking of 2013 as well as finishing off 2012 without another loss. Both goals can be accomplished if OU makes it a point to play some of the young players on its roster that it will be counting on in 2013. Here’s a look at five offensive players who should see more time in OU’s final four regular season and bowl game appearance:
Nonetheless, Oklahoma football is about championships. And a BCS title berth is out of the question and an outright Big 12 championship would require a Kansas State collapse down the stretch.
Therefore, now is a good time for the Sooners to starting thinking of 2013 as well as finishing off 2012 without another loss. Both goals can be accomplished if OU makes it a point to play some of the young players on its roster that it will be counting on in 2013. Here’s a look at five offensive players who should see more time in OU’s final four regular season and bowl game appearance:
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Recruiting Faceoff: Out-of-state power?
November, 2, 2012
11/02/12
11:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each Week SoonerNation recruiting writers Bob Przybylo and Brandon Chatmon will faceoff on one issue regarding Oklahoma recruiting.
This week’s question: In which state should OU consider most important in its recruiting efforts: Florida or California?
Bob Przybylo: OU shouldn’t stray away from Florida, but it’s clear the money is in California right now for the Sooners. Or at least perception is, anyway.
This week’s question: In which state should OU consider most important in its recruiting efforts: Florida or California?
Bob Przybylo: OU shouldn’t stray away from Florida, but it’s clear the money is in California right now for the Sooners. Or at least perception is, anyway.
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Roundtable: Can season be a success?
November, 1, 2012
11/01/12
4:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday during the season, 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: With two losses already, how can the Sooners make this a successful season?
• Depends on your definition of a successful season. In August, I think most people would say, including the players, that a season that didn't include a Big 12 championship and run at the national championship would not be successful. But the Sooners can still have a good season. A 10-2 record and a BCS bowl trip to, say, the Rose Bowl, would be a nice, solid season.
Today's question: With two losses already, how can the Sooners make this a successful season?
• Depends on your definition of a successful season. In August, I think most people would say, including the players, that a season that didn't include a Big 12 championship and run at the national championship would not be successful. But the Sooners can still have a good season. A 10-2 record and a BCS bowl trip to, say, the Rose Bowl, would be a nice, solid season.
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Oklahoma redshirt plan coming into focus
September, 11, 2012
9/11/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Through two games, the Sooners have played nine true freshmen: wide receivers Trey Metoyer, Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal, tight end Taylor McNamara, center Ty Darlington, defensive ends Mike Onuoha and Charles Tapper, linebacker Eric Striker and cornerback Gary Simon. With the cupcake portion of the schedule over and one with, it appears the rest of the true freshmen will redshirt this season.
SoonerNation breaks down the rest of the freshman class, from those most likely to least likely to make an impact in 2013:
1. Alex Ross, running back: The Sooners could have an opening in the backfield for Ross with Dominique Whaley due to graduate. Damien Williams figures to be projected starter, and then there’s Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. But Ross nearly avoided this redshirt this season with an even more crowded backfield. Ross’ future is bright.
SoonerNation breaks down the rest of the freshman class, from those most likely to least likely to make an impact in 2013:
1. Alex Ross, running back: The Sooners could have an opening in the backfield for Ross with Dominique Whaley due to graduate. Damien Williams figures to be projected starter, and then there’s Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. But Ross nearly avoided this redshirt this season with an even more crowded backfield. Ross’ future is bright.
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Storylines for the Sooners as they face Florida A&M on Saturday:
1. The Sooners struggled in their opener against UTEP. FCS opponent Florida A&M presents an opportunity for OU to get on track before Big 12 play begins on Sept. 22 against Kansas State.
2. Because of the closeness of the UTEP game, several of OU’s true freshmen did not get to play as expected. Should this game get out of hand as predicted, true freshmen cornerback Gary Simon, linebacker Eric Striker and defensive ends Charles Tapper and Michael Onuoha should get ample playing time.
1. The Sooners struggled in their opener against UTEP. FCS opponent Florida A&M presents an opportunity for OU to get on track before Big 12 play begins on Sept. 22 against Kansas State.
2. Because of the closeness of the UTEP game, several of OU’s true freshmen did not get to play as expected. Should this game get out of hand as predicted, true freshmen cornerback Gary Simon, linebacker Eric Striker and defensive ends Charles Tapper and Michael Onuoha should get ample playing time.
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Analyzing the finer points of Oklahoma’s 24-7 win Saturday at UTEP:
• I had high hopes for OU’s special teams. But this was the most disastrous special teams performance in a long time. The Sooners had a punt blocked for a touchdown, a field goal blocked and repeatedly turned Michael Edwards loose trying to cover punts. Had UTEP’s field-goal kicking not been even worse, the Sooners might have lost. It’s too soon to write off OU’s special teams. Michael Hunnicutt did nail a 38-yarder, and Tress Way otherwise had a strong night punting, pinning UTEP inside the 20 three times. But let’s not act like OU’s special teams issues have been solved either. Special teams didn’t get OU beat Saturday. But they almost certainly will down the line if they don’t improve.
• Had OU’s offense been much crisper, we’d probably be harping more on how improved Landry Jones’ footwork is. Jones’ work with QB tutor George Whitfield this offseason has really paid off. Jones would not have been able to deliver the 68-yard bomb he threw across his body to Kenny Stills along the opposite sideline last season. “After that TD, I told Landry, ‘You look great,’” Stills said. “He worked really hard in the offseason, and he looks great and has a lot of confidence.” Jones got outside the pocket more times in one game than he did all of last season. On one play in the second quarter, Jones sidestepped the blitz, then delivered an off-balance strike to Dominique Whaley. Had Whaley not dropped the pass, he might have scored.
• I had high hopes for OU’s special teams. But this was the most disastrous special teams performance in a long time. The Sooners had a punt blocked for a touchdown, a field goal blocked and repeatedly turned Michael Edwards loose trying to cover punts. Had UTEP’s field-goal kicking not been even worse, the Sooners might have lost. It’s too soon to write off OU’s special teams. Michael Hunnicutt did nail a 38-yarder, and Tress Way otherwise had a strong night punting, pinning UTEP inside the 20 three times. But let’s not act like OU’s special teams issues have been solved either. Special teams didn’t get OU beat Saturday. But they almost certainly will down the line if they don’t improve.
• Had OU’s offense been much crisper, we’d probably be harping more on how improved Landry Jones’ footwork is. Jones’ work with QB tutor George Whitfield this offseason has really paid off. Jones would not have been able to deliver the 68-yard bomb he threw across his body to Kenny Stills along the opposite sideline last season. “After that TD, I told Landry, ‘You look great,’” Stills said. “He worked really hard in the offseason, and he looks great and has a lot of confidence.” Jones got outside the pocket more times in one game than he did all of last season. On one play in the second quarter, Jones sidestepped the blitz, then delivered an off-balance strike to Dominique Whaley. Had Whaley not dropped the pass, he might have scored.
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Gary Simon could make immediate impact
August, 31, 2012
8/31/12
2:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
In 2009, Demontre Hurst emerged as Oklahoma’s third cornerback as a true freshman. Aaron Colvin did the same in 2010.
Now, true freshman Gary Simon is poised to become OU’s third corner this season.
“Gary’s played awfully well,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “He’s very athletic, he’s very long and he’s very explosive.”
Simon missed OU’s summer program while finishing classwork in Florida. While he’s dazzled at times this preseason, Stoops admits Simon still has work to do before becoming a player the defense can trust.
“Understanding the urgency, for a young player, becomes a very important element that Gary needs to be able to process,” Stoops said. “This is not high school, and getting high school players out of that mode can be somewhat frustrating. High school kids can get away with a lot of stuff when you’re in high school and a tremendous athlete. When you come out here and compete against these guys, you’ve got to play with great technique, great speed and great urgency.
“We have got to get Gary to understand there is a speed this game has to be played at, and a sense of urgency. When he gets that, he can be a very effective player for us.”
Junior Tony Jefferson said Simon could become a key player for the Sooners this season if he commits to improving during his freshman campaign.
“Gary’s got the whole package,” Jefferson said. “He’s fast, long and can jump out of the roof. He’s the perfect fit for a cornerback, we just have to get him in the film room and get his technique down.”
Hurst has already been impressed by Simon’s ability to improve and adapt, considering the Florida native didn’t arrive on campus until right before preseason camp began.
“Gary came in at the start of fall camp and he’s matured a lot,” Hurst said. “For him just being here two weeks, he’s had a lot thrown at him. He has the athletic ability (to contribute).”
Now, true freshman Gary Simon is poised to become OU’s third corner this season.
“Gary’s played awfully well,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “He’s very athletic, he’s very long and he’s very explosive.”
Simon missed OU’s summer program while finishing classwork in Florida. While he’s dazzled at times this preseason, Stoops admits Simon still has work to do before becoming a player the defense can trust.
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“We have got to get Gary to understand there is a speed this game has to be played at, and a sense of urgency. When he gets that, he can be a very effective player for us.”
Junior Tony Jefferson said Simon could become a key player for the Sooners this season if he commits to improving during his freshman campaign.
“Gary’s got the whole package,” Jefferson said. “He’s fast, long and can jump out of the roof. He’s the perfect fit for a cornerback, we just have to get him in the film room and get his technique down.”
Hurst has already been impressed by Simon’s ability to improve and adapt, considering the Florida native didn’t arrive on campus until right before preseason camp began.
“Gary came in at the start of fall camp and he’s matured a lot,” Hurst said. “For him just being here two weeks, he’s had a lot thrown at him. He has the athletic ability (to contribute).”
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.