And so it begins with Landry Jones
Published: 7/22/2012 12:00 PM
Last Modified: 7/22/2012 12:00 PM
Early this summer, I wrote a column predicting Landry Jones' 2012 season would be the most fascinating and important of any Oklahoma quarterback since Bob Stoops became coach.
Now that the season is nearly here, I don't feel any differently.
Stoops has held to the notion a quarterback is more centerpiece than superstar. That his success is linked directly to his support system. It's entirely reasonable.
Consider the talent that surrounded Heisman winners Jason White and Sam Bradford. Likewise, Paul Thompson and Nate Hybl won Big 12 championships as Adrian Peterson, Malcolm Kelly, Quentin Griffin and Trent Smith did a lot of the heavy lifting.
Now consider Jones' situation. His most proven running back is trying to recover from a terible ankle injury. Nobody knows for sure how effective Dominique Whaley will be. Nobody knows for sure who Jones can rely on after handing off.
Ryan Broyles is in the NFL. Kameel Jackson, Jaz Reynolds and Trey Franks are in limbo. Kenny Stills and Trey Metoyer have a lot of promise to them, but can't possbily be as reliable as Broyles was. Also, there don't seem to be any tight ends to throw to.
That sort of leaves Jones, fortified as he should be by OU's experienced line, to carry the load. For once, Stoops' quarterback must make those around him better and not vice versa.
Jones is capable. All of those records mean something besides OU's affection for throwing the football. He sure seems dedicated, given his two stints with quarterback guru George Whitfield since last spring.
But there remains a gray area with the guy. It's been there, whether in the form of terrible-looking interceptions or come-what-may body language/postgame quotes, since he took over for Bradford three years ago.
There can be no gray this year. Co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell alluded to it when I paid him a midsummer visit and he charged both Jones and Stills with being both better players and leaders. He knew full well his team needed to win more games, and be more responsible people.
If the Sooners want to do both, if they want to live up to their preseason hype – something they haven't done two of the past three years – they must get Jones' absolute best in just about everything he does, everywhere he goes. That starts Monday, when he presents himself at Big 12 Media Days in Dallas.
Jones' first pass of the season might be six weeks away, but he can already have a major effect on his team.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
