Oklahoma Sooners: Quentin Hayes
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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NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma has struck gold in the Golden State before.
In 2010, the Sooners plucked safety Tony Jefferson out of San Diego and away from the West Coast powers. Jefferson became an instant starter in the secondary, leading Oklahoma with 119 tackles last season.
In 2010, the Sooners plucked safety Tony Jefferson out of San Diego and away from the West Coast powers. Jefferson became an instant starter in the secondary, leading Oklahoma with 119 tackles last season.
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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. 10 Quentin Hayes
Safety, 6-foot-0, 181 pounds, junior
No. 10 Quentin Hayes
Safety, 6-foot-0, 181 pounds, junior
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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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NORMAN, Okla. -- No position on the Oklahoma roster is more up in the air heading into spring than safety. The Sooners lost their top three back safeties off last year’s team, including starters Tony Jefferson and Javon Harris, who have been fixtures in the OU secondary. How Mike Stoops retools the safety position will go a long way in determining whether the Sooners win the Big 12 championship in 2013.
It will be interesting to see what Stoops does with Gabe Lynn and Julian Wilson. The nickel and dime backs last year seem more suited playing close to the line of scrimmage and covering man-to-man than operating as the last line of defense.
It will be interesting to see what Stoops does with Gabe Lynn and Julian Wilson. The nickel and dime backs last year seem more suited playing close to the line of scrimmage and covering man-to-man than operating as the last line of defense.
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Roundtable: No. 1 defensive concern 
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
4:30
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: What is OU's biggest offensive concern going into the offseason?
Today's question: What is OU's biggest offensive concern going into the offseason?
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After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s safeties in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the safeties 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: Gabe Lynn. This season proved that Lynn may be a better fit at safety than cornerback. He has the size and physicality to excel at safety and is listed as Javon Harris’ backup at strong safety. With Julian Wilson’s strong play this season, safety might end up being the perfect fit for Lynn, while Wilson steps in at nickelback.
Keep an eye on: Quentin Hayes. Hayes was emerging at safety before his suspension last summer. If Tony Jefferson leaves, safety becomes a major need position. And if Hayes can redeem himself and return to the level he was at last spring, he could become a factor on OU’s defense next season.
Next in line: Gabe Lynn. This season proved that Lynn may be a better fit at safety than cornerback. He has the size and physicality to excel at safety and is listed as Javon Harris’ backup at strong safety. With Julian Wilson’s strong play this season, safety might end up being the perfect fit for Lynn, while Wilson steps in at nickelback.
Keep an eye on: Quentin Hayes. Hayes was emerging at safety before his suspension last summer. If Tony Jefferson leaves, safety becomes a major need position. And if Hayes can redeem himself and return to the level he was at last spring, he could become a factor on OU’s defense next season.
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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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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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Triple Option: Bell favored to start in '13
August, 22, 2012
8/22/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. Blake Bell was named Oklahoma's backup quarterback on Tuesday night. It's not surprising that he has surpassed Drew Allen, but it is surprising that head coach Bob Stoops would announce the move to the media before the season had even started. Still, Bell is now the favorite to start in 2013, when he'll be a redshirt junior.
2. Senior safety Javon Harris called the 2012 Sooners "a more mature team" on Tuesday night. If that's the case with four contributors being suspended -- Stacy McGee, Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds and Quentin Hayes -- how immature was the 2011 team?
1. Blake Bell was named Oklahoma's backup quarterback on Tuesday night. It's not surprising that he has surpassed Drew Allen, but it is surprising that head coach Bob Stoops would announce the move to the media before the season had even started. Still, Bell is now the favorite to start in 2013, when he'll be a redshirt junior.
2. Senior safety Javon Harris called the 2012 Sooners "a more mature team" on Tuesday night. If that's the case with four contributors being suspended -- Stacy McGee, Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds and Quentin Hayes -- how immature was the 2011 team?
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During Big 12 media days, cornerback Demontre Hurst reportedly said that the suspension of teammates Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Quentin Hayes had been a distraction. But the three have since been put back on scholarship and rejoined the team on the practice field. And the team has welcomed them back with open arms, said defensive end R.J. Washington.
Washington concedes the three are fortunate to have another opportunity, even though they will be suspended multiple games. But he’s just glad they got that chance.
“I hoped for the best,” Washington said. “I was hoping their one mistake wouldn’t mess up their whole lives.”
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Oklahoma prepares for its 2012 season.
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Washington concedes the three are fortunate to have another opportunity, even though they will be suspended multiple games. But he’s just glad they got that chance.
“I hoped for the best,” Washington said. “I was hoping their one mistake wouldn’t mess up their whole lives.”
Triple Option: Ben Habern's career over
August, 2, 2012
8/02/12
8:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. It’s sad to see the career of Ben Habern come to a close but here’s to Habern living a happy, healthy life. Football is not that important. He was a excellent player during his four years in Norman including three seasons as a starter. He will be missed in the field, off the field and in the interview room. He’s a good guy who seems to excel at everything he tries so forget the disappointment of losing an all-conference center and wish him the best.
2. Wednesday also brought news of the return of Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Quentin Hayes. All three players face multiple suspensions but here’s hoping they have gotten their act together and begun to realize how blessed they are to be football players at Oklahoma. It shouldn’t matter if they make a impact on the team as long as they get their personal lives in order.
1. It’s sad to see the career of Ben Habern come to a close but here’s to Habern living a happy, healthy life. Football is not that important. He was a excellent player during his four years in Norman including three seasons as a starter. He will be missed in the field, off the field and in the interview room. He’s a good guy who seems to excel at everything he tries so forget the disappointment of losing an all-conference center and wish him the best.
2. Wednesday also brought news of the return of Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Quentin Hayes. All three players face multiple suspensions but here’s hoping they have gotten their act together and begun to realize how blessed they are to be football players at Oklahoma. It shouldn’t matter if they make a impact on the team as long as they get their personal lives in order.
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Really sad, surprising news out of Oklahoma today. Here's our news story:
Oklahoma senior Ben Habern's career is over.
The Sooner center won't return to the team after offseason neck surgery that fused together two vertebrae, despite expectations that he would return at full strength this fall.
...
"Our coaching staff knows this was a difficult decision for Ben," [coach Bob] Stoops said in a statement. "Ben has been a consummate leader for our team, both on and off the field. We appreciate the toughness that Ben has displayed, and we wish him the very best as he completes his education at OU."
First things first: Absolutely hate to see this for Habern. I covered the Sooners for The Oklahoman during Habern's freshman year, and he's consistently been a great guy to cover from that point through just last week, when he was chosen as a representative for Oklahoma at Big 12 Media Days.
Here's the video he took time to shoot for us. (Stick around until the end).
It's truly shocking news. Habern must have been thinking about quitting, but didn't know until just recently. If Oklahoma knew Habern's status was in doubt, it's highly unlikely he would have represented the Sooners at media days.
Habern's dealt with neck and back issues throughout his career, which also featured a broken ankle in 2009 and a broken right arm last season that forced him out of five games.
His experience and leadership simply can't be replaced this season. Oklahoma's fantastic offensive line takes a huge hit with his loss.
As for his spot on the depth chart? Look for guard Gabe Ikard (one of the league's best overall linemen) to slide over to play center, and junior Adam Shead to move up and replace Ikard at guard. The Sooners can handle that. Don't be surprised if freshman Ty Darlington gets some time at center, too.
Still, Habern has been around for everything coming into this year, and been a stalwart at center for the past three seasons. He saw the 2009 collapse up close. He was integral in the rebound for a Big 12 title in 2010. He learned from the pressure of 2011.
He talked about his neck surgery at Big 12 media days last week, but gave zero indication he was even thinking about quitting.
Now, he has.
It's a sad story, no doubt, but Oklahoma has no choice but to move on.
As Habern moves on, here's hoping for the best for him. I'm confident he'll excel in his future endeavors.
Suspended players reinstated
In Wednesday's statement, Stoops also said that receiver Trey Franks, defensive back Quentin Hayes and receiver Jaz Reynolds were each reinstated from offseason suspensions, but only for preseason practice. Their availability for Oklahoma's season opener at UTEP on Sept. 1 was still undecided. Receiver Kameel Jackson was not reinstated, and his suspension will be re-evaluated "at the conclusion the current academic session."
Stoops also confirmed previous reports that wide receiver Courtney Gardner and offensive lineman Will Latu would not be available this season.
Triple Option: Thomas gets Elite 11 invite
June, 22, 2012
6/22/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. OU quarterback commit Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage) received an invitation to the Elite 11 finals on Thursday night and will compete against 24 other signal-callers from July 18 to 22 in Redondo Beach, Calif. The finals will be shown in two parts on ESPN with "Elite 11 QB Camp: The Finals" airing Tuesday, Aug. 7, and Tuesday, Aug. 14.
2. You might have missed it earlier this week, but the Sooners are after another running back from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, the school that OU recruited DeMarco Murray out of. Rising junior Nathan Starks, who is 6-foot and 210 pounds, has already been offered by OU, along with several other schools across the country. Starks has a lot of early interest in the Sooners and will visit campus this summer.
1. OU quarterback commit Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage) received an invitation to the Elite 11 finals on Thursday night and will compete against 24 other signal-callers from July 18 to 22 in Redondo Beach, Calif. The finals will be shown in two parts on ESPN with "Elite 11 QB Camp: The Finals" airing Tuesday, Aug. 7, and Tuesday, Aug. 14.
2. You might have missed it earlier this week, but the Sooners are after another running back from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, the school that OU recruited DeMarco Murray out of. Rising junior Nathan Starks, who is 6-foot and 210 pounds, has already been offered by OU, along with several other schools across the country. Starks has a lot of early interest in the Sooners and will visit campus this summer.
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Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. We unveiled our Oklahoma football scholarship breakdown chart Monday, and noted that the Sooners are using 84 of their allotted 85 scholarships (assuming all of the signees make it in, which is no sure thing). We didn't include Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds or Quentin Hayes because coach Bob Stoops said they were stripped of their scholarships after their spring suspensions. Is there a possibility one or more of them make it back to school this fall without a scholarship? I think it's possible, especially now that OU has almost reached its limit. But it's also possible none of them makes it back to OU.
2. Bob Przybylo pointed something out to me Monday that I hadn't realized. Did you know that all of USC's nine commitments for the class of 2013 have Oklahoma offers? That says something about the Sooners' recruiting tactics, since most of the prospects are from the West Coast. OU is trying to get a foothold in that region, but USC is still king. The Trojans' class, which is ranked No. 8 overall, has seven recruits in the ESPN 150.
1. We unveiled our Oklahoma football scholarship breakdown chart Monday, and noted that the Sooners are using 84 of their allotted 85 scholarships (assuming all of the signees make it in, which is no sure thing). We didn't include Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds or Quentin Hayes because coach Bob Stoops said they were stripped of their scholarships after their spring suspensions. Is there a possibility one or more of them make it back to school this fall without a scholarship? I think it's possible, especially now that OU has almost reached its limit. But it's also possible none of them makes it back to OU.
2. Bob Przybylo pointed something out to me Monday that I hadn't realized. Did you know that all of USC's nine commitments for the class of 2013 have Oklahoma offers? That says something about the Sooners' recruiting tactics, since most of the prospects are from the West Coast. OU is trying to get a foothold in that region, but USC is still king. The Trojans' class, which is ranked No. 8 overall, has seven recruits in the ESPN 150.
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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.