Oklahoma Sooners: Jaydan Bird
Oklahoma Sooners Class of 2009 review 
January, 24, 2013
Jan 24
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s 2009 recruiting class had some hidden gems, including cornerback Demontre Hurst and center Gabe Ikard, but it had some disappointments as well, such as safety Kevin Brent and linebacker Gus Jones.
Ultimately the class should be considered sub-par. About half of the 24 signees became contributors, with Hurst, Ikard, defensive end Ronnell Lewis and tackle Lane Johnson highlighting the list as the only all-conference performers. OU’s class featured six ESPN 150 members but only Lewis learned All-Big 12 honors.
Ultimately the class should be considered sub-par. About half of the 24 signees became contributors, with Hurst, Ikard, defensive end Ronnell Lewis and tackle Lane Johnson highlighting the list as the only all-conference performers. OU’s class featured six ESPN 150 members but only Lewis learned All-Big 12 honors.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Top 5 moments: Damien Williams goes yard
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
John Rhodes/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCTDamien Williams seized the momentum of the Red River Rivalry with a 95-yard touchdown run against Texas.Play No. 4
Despite being outplayed through the first quarter, Texas only trailed the Sooners only 6-2 and had them pinned at their own 5. The Longhorns were a big play away from the brink of taking the lead.
Instead, OU’s junior-college tailback delivered the big play.
Out of the three-back pistol formation, Damien Williams took the handoff up the middle. Thanks to devastating blocks by fullbacks Jaydan Bird and Trey Millard, Williams broke through into the open field. He cut off another block by wide receiver Justin Brown, juked another Texas defender to the ground and was off the races down. Kenny Stills took care of the last Longhorn with a devastating blindside block that Quandre Diggs flying into the OU sideline, and Williams capped off the 95-yard touchdown dash by racing into the end zone.
The momentum-swinging score sapped the life out of the Longhorns, as OU cruised to a 36-2 halftime lead.
"We couldn't stop the run," Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor said afterward. “When you can't stop the run, things get ugly real quick.”
Things got even uglier for Texas in the second half. Spearheaded by Williams’ 167 rushing yards, OU outgained Texas by 388 yards, the biggest yardage disparity in the rivalry in 62 years. Williams’ 95-yard TD was the longest run in the history of the series, too. And it was the play that got the party started early in Dallas as OU rolled 63-21.
"It was exciting to have the score the way it turned out, to have guys clicking together and making their assignments, having people doing what they are supposed to do,” Williams said after the game. “It is a great feeling when you come out on top."
Film review: Oklahoma 52, Kansas 7
October, 21, 2012
10/21/12
3:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
It would have been easy for Oklahoma to suffer a letdown against Kansas. Instead, Jayhawks fans wish the Sooners would would have let up in OU’s 52-7 win at Owen Field on Saturday. Quarterback Landry Jones was superb, the OU defense was dominant and the special teams did something that had never been done in program history.
Receiver Kenny Stills' 44-yard touchdown catch
The Sooners' first touchdown pretty much sums up the game. After a play-action fake to running back Damien Williams, Jones threw a beautiful pass to Stills right over the shoulder of KU cornerback JaCorey Shepherd. Three of Stills' six catches came on that scoring drive.
A closer look at the play shows why this game turned into a blowout:
Receiver Kenny Stills' 44-yard touchdown catch
The Sooners' first touchdown pretty much sums up the game. After a play-action fake to running back Damien Williams, Jones threw a beautiful pass to Stills right over the shoulder of KU cornerback JaCorey Shepherd. Three of Stills' six catches came on that scoring drive.
A closer look at the play shows why this game turned into a blowout:
- Shepherd gave Stills a 10-yard cushion and still got beaten deep.
- Jones made an terrific throw right onto the hands of Stills with Shepherd in position to make a play if the throw had been underthrown.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Video: Jaydan Bird on playing two ways
September, 5, 2012
9/05/12
12:00
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Jaydan Bird playing both ways for Sooners
September, 4, 2012
9/04/12
11:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
The Sooners used middle linebacker Jaydan Bird as a fullback in the Belldozer in their final two games last season after Aaron Ripkowski suffered a back injury. They apparently liked what they saw from Bird’s blocking because on Saturday, OU used Bird as a fullback in the “Diamond” formation along with fullback Trey Millard and a running back.
“Jaydan’s excellent in that,” Bob Stoops said. “Everyone forgets he’s a high school running back, and a good one. He does a good job in there. He did it last year for us, too. That’s why we had to change his number from 55 to 44, so we can throw the ball to him once in a while.”
Bird remains Tom Wort’s backup at middle linebacker, and has been getting his work at fullback on the side.
“Jaydan’s a bright guy. He handles it well,” Stoops said. “The times they get him in meetings or if he comes up during the day, they school him up on what they want him to do, what they’re looking to do that day. He goes over there during practice when they’re working on it.”
“Jaydan’s excellent in that,” Bob Stoops said. “Everyone forgets he’s a high school running back, and a good one. He does a good job in there. He did it last year for us, too. That’s why we had to change his number from 55 to 44, so we can throw the ball to him once in a while.”
Bird remains Tom Wort’s backup at middle linebacker, and has been getting his work at fullback on the side.
“Jaydan’s a bright guy. He handles it well,” Stoops said. “The times they get him in meetings or if he comes up during the day, they school him up on what they want him to do, what they’re looking to do that day. He goes over there during practice when they’re working on it.”
Practice report: Linebackers grade out well
September, 3, 2012
9/03/12
7:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
In his first game back as coordinator of the Oklahoma defense, Mike Stoops was pleased with the overall performance. Despite giving up 177 yards on the ground to tailback Nathan Jeffery, the Sooners kept UTEP out of the end zone.
“We had consistent pressure all night,” Stoops said. “Thought we made it very uncomfortable for them.”
Stoops said the “front played awfully well,” despite not having starting tackles Casey Walker (who again wasn’t at practice Monday because of a personal issue) and Stacy McGee, who remains suspended. But Stoops saved most of his praise for the back seven, which didn’t give up a pass for longer than 13 yards.
“We had consistent pressure all night,” Stoops said. “Thought we made it very uncomfortable for them.”
Stoops said the “front played awfully well,” despite not having starting tackles Casey Walker (who again wasn’t at practice Monday because of a personal issue) and Stacy McGee, who remains suspended. But Stoops saved most of his praise for the back seven, which didn’t give up a pass for longer than 13 yards.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Tim Kish high on OU's backup linebackers
August, 28, 2012
8/28/12
11:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
At the advent of two-a-days, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops lauded Oklahoma’s depth at linebacker. Nothing in the last three weeks has changed his mind. After starters Tom Wort and Corey Nelson, the Sooners have been using seniors Jaydan Bird and Joseph Ibiloye. But the development of sophomores Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin and true freshman Eric Striker has the staff feeling comfortable going three- and four-deep at the position.
“They're getting a lot of reps right now,” linebackers coach Tim Kish said. “They're making good progress. Neither (Shannon nor Franklin) really has a snap on defense when the lights are on. But they're working really hard as a group.
“We expect them to be game-ready.”
Shannon has been rotating in at middle linebacker, while Franklin and Striker have been working at weak-side.
Kish has been especially bullish on Striker, who will not redshirt this season. At worst, Striker is expected to be a big part of OU’s special teams units.
“He's just a football player,” Kish said. “He's got great instincts out there. He practices a hundred miles an hour. He's got a great attitude towards the game. He's energetic. He has that outwardly passion for the game. Where I've got maybe some quiet guys in the group, that maybe are a little more reserved that way, he's kind of loud. I think that makes him stand out with the rest of the guys.
“He just lacks experience right now. He's kind of swimming, which is to be expected of any freshman playing his position. It'll come around for him. He'll have a special teams role in the beginning, and we'll keep developing him as a linebacker. You never know how fast things can change. There will be a time during the fall where the light will really come on and he'll start seeing the pieces fit together.”
[+] Enlarge
J.P. Wilson/Icon SMI First-year assistants Mike Stoops (left) and Tim Kish like their depth at linebacker.
J.P. Wilson/Icon SMI First-year assistants Mike Stoops (left) and Tim Kish like their depth at linebacker.“We expect them to be game-ready.”
Shannon has been rotating in at middle linebacker, while Franklin and Striker have been working at weak-side.
Kish has been especially bullish on Striker, who will not redshirt this season. At worst, Striker is expected to be a big part of OU’s special teams units.
“He's just a football player,” Kish said. “He's got great instincts out there. He practices a hundred miles an hour. He's got a great attitude towards the game. He's energetic. He has that outwardly passion for the game. Where I've got maybe some quiet guys in the group, that maybe are a little more reserved that way, he's kind of loud. I think that makes him stand out with the rest of the guys.
“He just lacks experience right now. He's kind of swimming, which is to be expected of any freshman playing his position. It'll come around for him. He'll have a special teams role in the beginning, and we'll keep developing him as a linebacker. You never know how fast things can change. There will be a time during the fall where the light will really come on and he'll start seeing the pieces fit together.”
Sooners LB Tom Wort battling injuries
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
3:00
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
When middle linebacker Tom Wort has been healthy, he’s usually been a standout. Early last season against Florida State, Wort came up huge in a 23-13 win. He finished with eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a critical interception that killed a Seminoles drive.
Wort, however, soon encountered a number of injuries, including to his back, ankle and shoulder. Those ailments have carried into this preseason.
“He’s not 100 percent healthy, but we can’t use that as an excuse for him,” said linebackers coach Tim Kish. “It’s not anything surgery wise, it’s just stuff that’s got to heal. And it’s tough to heal when you’re going through camp.”
Kish has been alternating in Jaydan Bird and Frank Shannon at middle linebacker, while trying to get Wort ready for the season. But only a few days into camp, Kish wants to keep Wort as healthy as possible.
“We’re trying to give everybody equal reps to keep him fresh,” Kish said. “At the same time, he needs those reps, so it’s a fine line to how much you involve him in the camp.
“He’s got all kinds of nicks and that’s typical for what you have as a football player. We’re trying to balance that and manage that for him. It’s like the pitcher for the (Washington) Nationals (Stephen Strasburg) – you’re only going to give him so many innings.”
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiTom Wort had 71 tackles for the Sooners in 2011.
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiTom Wort had 71 tackles for the Sooners in 2011.“He’s not 100 percent healthy, but we can’t use that as an excuse for him,” said linebackers coach Tim Kish. “It’s not anything surgery wise, it’s just stuff that’s got to heal. And it’s tough to heal when you’re going through camp.”
Kish has been alternating in Jaydan Bird and Frank Shannon at middle linebacker, while trying to get Wort ready for the season. But only a few days into camp, Kish wants to keep Wort as healthy as possible.
“We’re trying to give everybody equal reps to keep him fresh,” Kish said. “At the same time, he needs those reps, so it’s a fine line to how much you involve him in the camp.
“He’s got all kinds of nicks and that’s typical for what you have as a football player. We’re trying to balance that and manage that for him. It’s like the pitcher for the (Washington) Nationals (Stephen Strasburg) – you’re only going to give him so many innings.”
Wide receiver Justin Brown spoke with the media for the first time since transferring from Penn State. Brown flew in to Norman on Monday night, and was on the practice field Tuesday. Even though he wasn’t in pads with the rest of the team, Bob Stoops praised Brown effusively.
“He looked very impressive,” Stoops said. “I said to (wide receivers coach Jay) Norvell, ‘Wow, he going to be special here.’ ”
Stoops also said that Brown “absolutely” would return punts this season, and called him one of the top 10 punt returners in the country in 2011.
“He looked very impressive,” Stoops said. “I said to (wide receivers coach Jay) Norvell, ‘Wow, he going to be special here.’ ”
Stoops also said that Brown “absolutely” would return punts this season, and called him one of the top 10 punt returners in the country in 2011.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
What we learned from Crimson Countdown
August, 1, 2012
8/01/12
1:15
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
SoonerNation’s Crimson Countdown came to a close today with the final evaluation of defensive end Chuka Ndulue. The player-by-player look at OU’s roster, from No. 1 Tony Jefferson to No. 98 Ndulue, reveals some interesting realities within the program.
Here are three things we learned from the Crimson Countdown:
Evaluation is critical
Here are three things we learned from the Crimson Countdown:
Evaluation is critical
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
During the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. We'll analyze each player’s impact on the program since he arrived on campus, his potential impact this fall and his long-term impact. Starting with No. 1 Tony Jefferson, the daily series will go in numerical order until our final analysis of No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 55 Jaydan Bird
Linebacker, 6-foot-2, 236 pounds
No. 55 Jaydan Bird
Linebacker, 6-foot-2, 236 pounds
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Trotter's Mailbag: RB Whaley's recovery
March, 9, 2012
3/09/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Jake Trotter: Whaley (who fractured his ankle last season) isn’t fully recovered, but he has been doing some light jogging in practice, which is an excellent sign he’ll be ready to go for next season. Initially, I was skeptical about how big of an impact Whaley would be able to make next season coming back from such a horrific injury. That skepticism is washing away.
A.J. in Long Beach, Calif., writes: I saw that Torrea Peterson is on the spring roster. Does that mean he is officially reinstated to the team?
Jake Trotter: I’ve been led to believe that this is the case. Peterson has some work to do before his status is completely solidified. But for now, he remains a member of the team.
Chad in Edmond, Okla., writes: Prediction on starting TE first game? Will Latu at LT? If so, does he start? If not, where does he play and does he start?
Jake Trotter: I think there’s little question that Brannon Green will be OU’s opening day tight end. Tony Jefferson remarked this week that Green has been most impressive of all the newcomers. Lane Johnson is going to be the starting left tackle. Latu could play right tackle if he proves to be better than Daryl Williams or Tyrus Thompson, but my guess is that he’ll start out backing up Johnson on the left side.
Carter in Oklahoma City writes: With the decision of Kellen Jones to transfer, what does this do to OU's depth chart not only this spring but going into the fall at LB?
Jake Trotter: It does very little to the immediate depth chart. Senior Jaydan Bird was going to back up Tom Wort at middle linebacker either way. Kellen Jones could have emerged as No. 2 at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, but he would have played very little. Where Jones’ transfer hurts is 2014. Wort and Nelson will be gone, and Jones seemed like the most promising of all the young linebackers.
Spring coverage from SoonerNation
Oklahoma prepares for its 2012 season.
Spring practice blog » Sooners forum 
Jake Trotter: Whaley (who fractured his ankle last season) isn’t fully recovered, but he has been doing some light jogging in practice, which is an excellent sign he’ll be ready to go for next season. Initially, I was skeptical about how big of an impact Whaley would be able to make next season coming back from such a horrific injury. That skepticism is washing away.
A.J. in Long Beach, Calif., writes: I saw that Torrea Peterson is on the spring roster. Does that mean he is officially reinstated to the team?
Jake Trotter: I’ve been led to believe that this is the case. Peterson has some work to do before his status is completely solidified. But for now, he remains a member of the team.
Chad in Edmond, Okla., writes: Prediction on starting TE first game? Will Latu at LT? If so, does he start? If not, where does he play and does he start?
Jake Trotter: I think there’s little question that Brannon Green will be OU’s opening day tight end. Tony Jefferson remarked this week that Green has been most impressive of all the newcomers. Lane Johnson is going to be the starting left tackle. Latu could play right tackle if he proves to be better than Daryl Williams or Tyrus Thompson, but my guess is that he’ll start out backing up Johnson on the left side.
Carter in Oklahoma City writes: With the decision of Kellen Jones to transfer, what does this do to OU's depth chart not only this spring but going into the fall at LB?
Jake Trotter: It does very little to the immediate depth chart. Senior Jaydan Bird was going to back up Tom Wort at middle linebacker either way. Kellen Jones could have emerged as No. 2 at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, but he would have played very little. Where Jones’ transfer hurts is 2014. Wort and Nelson will be gone, and Jones seemed like the most promising of all the young linebackers.
Linebacker depth will be tested after transfer
March, 8, 2012
3/08/12
11:45
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
The Sooners are set at linebacker for the next two years. But first-year position coach Tim Kish’s reputed recruiting prowess will soon be put to the test.
Kellen Jones, OU’s most promising young linebacker, has elected to transfer and already has been granted his release. Sources say Jones enjoyed his time in Norman, but the coaches he was closest to -- Brent Venables, Willie Martinez and Ryan Reynolds -- left the staff after the Insight Bowl, prompting the rising sophomore from Houston to consider the transfer.
With OU’s top four linebackers all being upperclassmen, it will be crucial that Kish restocks the position with quality in the upcoming recruiting class. Middle linebacker Tom Wort and weak-side linebacker Corey Nelson are both juniors. Joe Ibiloye, who is the favorite to start at nickelback, and OU’s most experienced reserve, Jaydan Bird, are seniors.
Kellen Jones, OU’s most promising young linebacker, has elected to transfer and already has been granted his release. Sources say Jones enjoyed his time in Norman, but the coaches he was closest to -- Brent Venables, Willie Martinez and Ryan Reynolds -- left the staff after the Insight Bowl, prompting the rising sophomore from Houston to consider the transfer.
With OU’s top four linebackers all being upperclassmen, it will be crucial that Kish restocks the position with quality in the upcoming recruiting class. Middle linebacker Tom Wort and weak-side linebacker Corey Nelson are both juniors. Joe Ibiloye, who is the favorite to start at nickelback, and OU’s most experienced reserve, Jaydan Bird, are seniors.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Chat leftovers: Linebacker depth chart
February, 29, 2012
2/29/12
3:40
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers Monday. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag to be published on Friday.
Here are a few highlights from the chat:
Donnie (Oklahoma): Shouldn't we go to the traditional 4-3 instead of the 4-2-5? I always felt the D was better in that formation.
Jake Trotter: 4-2-5 more effectively combats the spread, which is rampant in the Big 12. Why go to a defense that is better suited to stopping an offense (pro set) that nobody runs anymore?
Pete (Tulsa): What is the LB depth chart?
Jake Trotter: Tom Wort and Corey Nelson at MLB and WLB, with Jaydan Bird backing up Wort. Kellen Jones can back up either. Then you have a bunch of other guys like Frank Shannon, Rashod Favors, PL Lindley, Aaron Franklin fighting for time.
camjeezy (okc): Why do so many guys sign with Texas to never be heard of again? Do you think defensive recruits will more likely to sign if the defense has a great year? Does it really mean anything if a recruit verbally commits this year...before their senior season..?
Jake Trotter: Texas' talent problem stems largely from this very thing. The Horns fill out their entire class without even seeing how these kids develop as seniors. The margin for error widens. That's why it's risky to take in so many early verbals.
Adam (Kentucky): Do you think Landry Jones is a first round pick in 2013?
Jake Trotter: Yes. He probably would have been this year, despite a poor end to the season.
Derrin (Plano, TX): Agree or Disgree? Ronnell Lewis could unstoppable in the NFL as a 3-4 OLB, but struggle as 4-3 defensive end.
Jake Trotter: He's definitely a better fit as a 3-4 OLB.
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.