By GUERIN EMIG Sports Writer on Jul 18, 2012, at 7:24 AM Updated on 7/18 at 7:24 AM
OU SPORTS
Cornerback Aaron Colvin returned for his senior year at Oklahoma to win some games, win some awards and put himself in prime ...
Keeping with the Big 12 vs. SEC theme of the week, I found something pretty cool from a year ago, when the two conferences ...
We're still more than a year and a half from the first College Football Playoff, and the first CFP selection committee, and ...
Here's a position to watch when Oklahoma begins practice in three weeks: defensive end. And a player to watch at that position: Charles Tapper.
It's likely David King, R.J. Washington and Chuka Ndulue will top the depth chart to open two-a-days. Two of the three should start at UTEP Sept. 2.
It seems unlikely that a true freshman who got a late start on summer conditioning could come in and challenge right away. Typically, Tapper could expect to redshirt after his arrival from Baltimore just over a week ago.
But it is an atypical situation at D-end. Last year's starters have moved on to the NFL. The Sooners have shown a willingness to tinker at the position – linebacker Rashod Favors has moved down to defensive end, while D-end Geneo Grissom is now a tight end.
The door might break open for Tapper, a four-star prospect who OU defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright raved about during a recent appearance on Norman's KREF.
“When I was recruiting him, I used to love to watch him play basketball. He'd dunk it four or five times a game,” Wright told Dusty Dvoracek and Dan Cody on The Rush. “It wasn't one of those little ol' layup deals. Whenever he got it, he was going to the hoop.
“He's athletic. He's got a lot of explosion to him. And he's strong. He's never really lifted weights, so you can imagine the development he'll get with Schmitty. He's 250 pounds right now and he's never picked up a weight in his life.”
Again, odds favor OU using the 2012 season to shape Tapper's body. But if upperclassmen lag a little, and Tapper shows an aptitude for weight and film rooms, his wait might not be a long one.
Only active print or digital subscribers of the Tulsa World are allowed to post comments on stories posted to Tulsaworld.com. After you fill out the form below and click submit, your comment will be published instantly online along with your screen name.
By clicking "Submit" you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
