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OU Notebook: McCoy a semifinalist

Gerald McCoy
 
By JOHN E. HOOVER & GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writers
Published: 11/5/2009  2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/5/2009  7:49 AM

 OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was named Wednesday one of 16 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive player. McCoy was a semifinalist last year, too. Three finalists will be announced Nov. 23.

McCoy, also a candidate for the Lombardi, Outland, Nagurski and Lott awards, ranks 15th nationally with 12 tackles for loss and leads OU with eight quarterback hurries and 3.5 sacks.

Coach of the year: Among the finalists for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award are two former Bob Stoops assistants, Kevin Sumlin of Houston and Mike Stoops of Arizona.

Green QB: It seems likely that Cody Green, a freshman, will make his second start at quarterback for Nebraska this week. Zac Lee, the previous starter, didn't play a down last week at Baylor. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said Lee is "a confident young man with a lot of poise. ... It's not like he lacks confidence. I don't think he'll crawl into a shell. He's not that kind of kid."

OU fans shouldn't be too confident just because Green is a freshman. Remember Reggie McNeal in 2002, Colt McCoy in 2006 and Cody Hawkins in 2007?

All victorious over the Sooners, and all freshmen.

"They wouldn't put him in there to run their system (without believing he could)," said OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables. "Cody Green is a terrific player. Good athlete. He's got a great future ahead of him. ... He's a big ol' kid that can really run, and he's got a big arm. Very athletic. Very competitive."

Jackson
honored: Cornerback Brian Jackson wasn't among the 12 semifinalists for the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back, but he was among five others who received honorable mention. Jackson ranks 10th nationally with four interceptions.

Stoops sounds off: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops met reporters after practice Wednesday evening to take care of two items of business.

One was to pronounce wide receiver Brandon Caleb "probable" for Saturday's 7 p.m. game at Nebraska.

"It's more encouraging every day," Stoops said in reference to the ankle Caleb injured on the first series of OU's victory over Kansas State Saturday.

Caleb is the Sooners' second-leading receiver who, if healthy, would join Ryan Broyles, Dejuan Miller and Adron Tennell in the wideout rotation at Nebraska.

Stoops also took up for Jackson, the OU cornerback who was not among the 12 semifinalists for the Thorpe Award revealed Wednesday.

"It is kind of surprising," he said. "Brian, with four interceptions and (against) the key receivers he's been lined up on, he's had a great year. He's played as well as about anyone we've had."

Big 12 Conference players made up one-fourth of the Thorpe list — Oklahoma State's Perrish Cox, Kansas' Darrell Stuckey and Texas' Earl Thomas.



2009 SCHEDULE

Tickets: (800) 456-4668; tulsaworld.com/ousports

Sept. 5: BYU (at Arlington, Texas) L, 14-13

Sept. 12: Idaho State W, 64-0

Sept. 19: Tulsa W, 45-0

Oct. 3: at Miami L, 21-20

Oct. 10: Baylor W, 33-7

Oct. 17: Texas (at Dallas) L, 16-13

Oct. 24: at Kansas W, 35-13

Oct. 31: Kansas State W, 42-30

Nov. 7: at Nebraska KTUL-8 7 p.m.

Nov. 14: Texas A&M FSOK-27 6 p.m.

Nov. 21: at Texas Tech TBA

Nov. 28: Oklahoma State TBA

Dec. 5: Big 12 Championship KTUL-8 7 p.m.
By JOHN E. HOOVER & GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writers

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2 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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AtlantaSooner, Atlanta (11/6/2009 1:58:28 PM)
I am glad we do not overly publicize individual players. Stoops has been consistent about this, even with players such as Bradford, Peterson, White, and Heuple (Heuple would have won one, and White would not, if they could hold off the awards until all games are played. Regardless, it is good that we put team above individuals. I'd be ashamed if our coaches and school promoted players the way Florida and some other schools do.
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5055567475852000, Euless (11/5/2009 6:13:32 AM)
Trouble is, we don't prop up players to the media. Never have, save maybe something at the very end of the year. You reap what you sow, and we didn't sow anything for BJ this year. It's about style points, campaigns these days...
 

 
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