Tulsa World: Practice Report Oklahoma

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Practice Report Oklahoma

By GUERIN EMIG AND JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writers
Published: 8/15/2008 2:06 AM
Last Modified: 8/15/2008 3:17 AM

Position update

Tight end

One of tight ends coach/offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson's favorite formations is the "Bunch," a cluster of three tight ends flanked just off one side of the line. OU runs the ball effectively out of it, and Wilson has opened up more and more plays from the formation the past two seasons.

With the graduation of Joe Jon Finley, who is the third tight end that plays with Jermaine Gresham (6-6, 261) and Brody Eldridge (6-5, 265)? It could be Eric Mensik, who played in six games on special teams last year.

Mensik built his 6-foot-6 frame to 260 pounds going into training camp and had a productive spring, but he is nursing a sore hamstring. Wilson, therefore, is exploring other options that could include walk-on redshirt freshman Trent Ratterree (6-4, 232), true freshman James Hanna (6-4, 215) or even fullback Matt Clapp (6-3, 234).

"The more productive the guy is, the bigger that role is," Wilson said. "With Joe Jon, Jermaine and Brody, it was significant because all three were quality. But that could also be a (wide) receiver. Quentin (Chaney) and Juaquin (Iglesias) could. There's different styles. You might lose a little in the blocking game and gain some as a passing threat. You could skin that several different ways. It always comes down to player performance, who can make plays."

News and notes

Balogun brings it: The torn cartilage in Austin Box's knee has opened the door for junior college transfer Mike Balogun to start the season as OU's weakside linebacker. Listening to players after Thursday morning's practice, it appears Balogun can make the most of that opportunity.

"He's extremely impressive," safety Nic Harris said. "Coming in, it's a difficult defense we put in, and he's taking it in stride. Everybody's going to take their lumps, but he's got a positive attitude and is making plays. He has a lot of pop to him."

"He can hit. He flies to the ball," said cornerback Dominique Franks. "That's what sticks out the most, the way he attacks the football, the way he flies around."

Stevens makes a move: While one former Union Redskin, Franks, has made a move up the depth chart, another, Tress Way, appears to have slipped.

Addressing his kicking game after practice Thursday, OU coach Bob Stoops said, "Jimmy might be a little bit ahead of them. He's got the lead."

That's Jimmy Stevens, the Oklahoma City Heritage Hall redshirt freshman fighting Way to take over for Garrett Hartley as kicker. Stoops reported Stevens hit a field goal to close out an end-of-game two-minute drill at practice on Thursday.

Way remains in the running both at kicker and as a backup punter to Mike Knall.

In other special teams news, Stoops said Sand Springs product Derek Shaw had returned to practice from his Achilles' injury, but was battling three others to win the deep snapper job he held last year.

"These other guys are doing such a good job it's going to be tough for him," Stoops said.

Pay-per-view details: The OU-Chattanooga season opener Aug. 30 will be televised on a pay-per-view basis for $29.95, according to details released Thursday. The 6 p.m. game will be carried by Big 12 Special Order Sports, FSN Southwest's pay-per-view division.

Telecast providers will be announced at a later date. Most providers will begin accepting orders the week of the game.

FSN Southwest will replay the game in a one-hour format Sept. 2 at 11 a.m.

Get to know...

Nic Harris

The most experienced member of the Sooners' defense, Harris has been a factor since starting against Texas and Kansas State his freshman season of 2005. He was a second-team All-Big 12 Conference player in '06, when he played both nickel and free safety, and a first-team safety last year. He is also one of the team's most valuable ambassadors, and has been recognized by the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America for his off-the-field endeavors.

What's one thing you would like to do before you die?

See my kids graduate from college.

How about one thing you never want to do?

Work a fast-food drive-thru window. Nor do I ever want to clean septic tanks.

Is there an Olympic sport you'd like to try?

Gymnastics. Balance beam. Nah (laughs), I'm just playin'. I think I'd better stay with my bread-and-butter, just stick to football. If I was smaller and a little more nimble, maybe I'd try it.

Should football be an Olympic sport?

Negative. I don't think it should because of the time frame in which it's held. It's right before football's regular season. If that were the case, we'd have to change when we play.

You say you'll stick with football. Surely there's another sport you'd be a success at.

Success is primarily determined by how much determination you have. So yes, I think so.

What all did you play when you were younger?

Football, basketball, baseball and track. I threw the javelin and ran the 200 meters.

Opponent watch

Cincinnati

Ben Mauk, the Bearcats QB who lost his appeal for a sixth year of eligibility last week, filed a lawsuit against the NCAA Wednesday.

In the meantime, a Hardin County (Ohio) judge has granted a temporary restraining order that allows Mauk to practice, and has set an Aug. 22 hearing on Mauk's request for a permanent injunction against the NCAA.

Mauk, who transferred to Cincinnati from Wake Forest, threw for 3,121 yards and 31 TDs last season. If he is denied a sixth year — he redshirted a year and missed every game of the '06 season but the opener due to injuries — Dustin Grutza is expected to be Cincinnati's starting QB at OU.

Key dates

Aug. 16: Second scheduled preseason scrimmage, closed to the public and media

Aug. 25: First day of classes

2008 schedule

Aug. 30: vs. Chattanooga, 6 p.m.

Sept. 6: vs. Cincinnati, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 13: at Washington, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 27: vs. TCU, TBA

Oct. 4: at Baylor, TBA

Oct. 11: vs. Texas, Dallas, 11 a.m.

Oct. 18: vs. Kansas, TBA

Oct. 25: at Kansas State, TBA

Nov. 1: vs. Nebraska, TBA

Nov. 8: at Texas A&M, TBA

Nov. 22: vs. Texas Tech, TBA

Nov. 29: at Oklahoma State, TBA By GUERIN EMIG AND JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writers

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LDG, Bixby (8/16/2008 9:09:09 AM)

Aug 30th can not get here quick enough. Boomer Sooner

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