Norvell: Jones, Stills among Sooners who must be better leaders
Published: 6/26/2012 8:09 AM
Last Modified: 6/26/2012 8:09 AM
More than any other Oklahoma coach, Jay Norvell pressed the leadership issue after the Sooners' humbling loss at Oklahoma State last December. He revisited the topic some during the spring, then again Monday afternoon when I caught up with him at his football camp.
It remains extremely revealing stuff.
"I think part of our problem last year over the last four games was we weren't mentally tough enough. And we weren't nearly accountable enough to each other," Norvell said. "I think that's why we got beat by Texas Tech. I think that's why we got beat by Baylor. And I think that's why we got beat by Oklahoma State. That's what we've really been demanding from our kids and from each other.
"It really comes down to 'It's not what you say, it's what you do.'"
Last year's Sooners had some big talkers but not necessarily big performers. Not consistently big performers anyhow. That must change
So must the demeanor of two of OU's most important players.
"Kenny Stills has got to be a different guy. He can't be the same," Norvell said. "He's got to be more mature. He's got to look towards his teammates more and help his teammates. He's got to be a better example. I've had a lot of long talks to him about that.
"Landry (Jones) has got to be better. I think that's a natural maturation. Landry should be more of a leader. He should be stronger with our guys. He's going to have to bridge the gap for our young players. That's part of the role he's in.
"All of our players have to be better that way for us to be better as a team. In that regard, the summer is really where you pour the foundation for the type of season you're going to have."
So how's it going so far?
"Guys have to be accountable to each other and do what's right for each other. We're seeing a lot of that this summer," Norvell said. "We saw a lot of leadership from our players last spring, guys looking out for each other a little bit better than they have in the past.
"But that's got to show up on the field. That's what we're looking for."
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
