Reports: OU lineman Ikard suffers broken hand
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Sunday, March 10, 2013
NORMAN -- Gabe Ikard suffered a broken right hand during Oklahoma’s spring practice on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
Ikard, a two-time All-Big 12 first-team offensive lineman, was a team captain and starting center in 2012. ESPN.com was the first to report the injury.
If the injury is as significant as believed, sophomore Ty Darlington likely would work at center during the remainder of spring camp.
Darlington had his first career start as a true freshman against Baylor last season after Ikard suffered a concussion leading into the Nov. 10 contest. It was the only contest that Ikard has missed in three previous years.
The center position has been a spot of transition.
Before the 2012 season, Ikard moved to the position permanently when Ben Habern retired from football because of injury. Ikard played center in seven games during the 2011 campaign.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops praised Darlington after the Baylor game.
“He played extremely well and I think his maturity and Ty’s faith really helped him (prepare) this week and I guess pushed him in the right direction and put him in a place where he could succeed,” Stoops said at the time. He also named the 6-3, 282-pounder the Sooners’ player of the game against Baylor.
Darlington, who is from Apopka, Fla., saw playing time in eight contests last season.
OU has completed two of 15 spring practices with workouts on Saturday and Sunday. The Sooners return to the field on Tuesday.
