Tulsa World: Spring Outlook

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Spring Outlook

Oklahoma receiver Adron Tennell, trying to catch a pass against Kansas last season, will enter the 2009 season as a senior with only 16 career catches. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 3/1/2009 2:33 AM
Last Modified: 3/1/2009 3:02 AM

Three Sooners who need to have a good spring:

WR Adron Tennell: Tennell has the most to gain from a strong spring. So far Tennell's career — preceded by big-time recruiting hype after a stellar career at Irving (Texas) High School — has been a disappointment. He played in 12 games as a true freshman and caught just two passes. He flashed brilliance in 2007 with a late 61-yard TD against Miami, but ended the year with a torn ACL. Last year, coming off the knee injury was a waste. Tennell could have redshirted either '06 or '08, but now he's a senior with 16 catches, 208 yards and one TD. Time to make a move.

LB Mike Balogun: Balogun could go from emergency backup in 2008 to everyday starter in 2009 with a good spring at middle linebacker. Ryan Reynolds is still recovering from ACL surgery last season, and Austin Box is out this spring after elbow surgery. That means Balogun will be given every chance to succeed. He arrived last spring with little fanfare, then blossomed between spring and summer before falling off the depth chart last fall. He has struggled with picking up the subtle nuances of OU's scheme, but should improve now having played parts of three games late in '08.

P/K Tress Way: In reality, no one knows what a kicker will do until the seats are full and the lights are on. But Way has a real chance to impress coaches with his booming leg. Kicking was such a weakness last season — OU ranked last nationally in field goals per game (0.57) and punting (36.5-yard net) — that Way might handle both. Kickoffs were also dismal, so he could try that, too. Way, a redshirt freshman, is OU's biggest, strongest and most athletic kicker, so if Way improves his ball-striking consistency, he could become a star. By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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rangers fan, (3/2/2009 11:12:53 AM)

GO TRESS!!!!!!!!

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