Oklahoma’s offensive line will continue to be questioned until it plays an actual game. Besides only having two returning starters, one key injury has ignited more debate in outside circles.
Projected starting center Ben Habern has been limited during the first week of practice due to a back injury. Over the last week, the Sooners have used guard Stephen Good, tackle Trent Williams and tight end Brody Eldridge at the position.
“You have to have more than one guy,” offensive line coach James Patton said Friday. “You think about NFL teams, they only keep seven linemen now. Everyone has to be able to play center. That’s kind of the deal we were working on. We’re getting different guys reps at it. As long as you’re strong in the middle it puts you in a good position.”
The good news for the offensive line is Habern is expected to be cleared to do more practice work starting Monday.
“He’s feeling good and they’ll progress him on Monday to quite a bit more work and hopefully he handles it well,” Sooner coach Bob Stoops said.
Caleb looks good
The Sooners young wide receivers have received much of the buzz throughout the first week of practice, but receivers coach Jay Norvell said a veteran has done a lot to impress him since practice began — junior Brandon Caleb.
“Brandon’s had a helluva camp,” Norvell said Friday. “He’s one of those guys like ‘Old Man River.’ He just keeps rolling along. He’s done a great job during camp. His fundamentals and his technique are better than ever and he’s done a great job making plays.”
A lot of the focus at the position has been on Mossis Madu making the switch from running back to receiver and sophomores Dejuan Miller and Jameel Owens. Caleb, however, caught four passes last season and played and extensive role on special teams.
Secondary depth
OU has been without sophomore defensive backs Jamell Fleming and Desmond Jackson since practice began. Fleming has been sidelined due to a back injury. Jackson has been held out of practice due to an academic issue.
Four on list
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, running backs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray and tight end Jermaine Gresham are on the preseason watch list for the 73rd Maxwell Award. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top player in college football.
The Maxwell Award has been presented to the “outstanding collegiate football player in America” since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell. The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is based in Philadelphia and is the oldest football club in the United States.
Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced Nov. 4 and three finalists for each award will be announced Nov. 23.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
