By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
Times have changed in college football. That’s been evident for Oklahoma during preseason practice. The old days of preparing for the season with two-a-day workouts are slowly coming to an end.
However, they haven’t stopped entirely.
The Sooners conducted their first two-a-day session Tuesday, practicing at 8:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. at the OU Rugby Fields.
OU coach Bob Stoops said it’s a matter of having more time to conduct practices than in past seasons. College teams are allowed 29 practices before the season begins.
This year, teams were allowed to begin practices three days earlier and the Sooners are scheduled to have only four two-a-day sessions.
The players enjoy having a little more time off and the coaches don’t have a problem with it either.
“I like it,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “I think it is healthier for the players if you avoid the opportunity for heat-related issues with dehydration and whatnot. It allows them more recovery time. I think it is better for them.”
Tuesday was OU’s most strenuous day since the preseason began. Besides having two practices, the Sooners were coming off Monday night’s scrimmage.
Stoops said his team still has plenty of energy.
“They came out today and I really liked how they worked,” he said. “I feel fortunate as a coach that they have good attitudes about it. Usually, once we get on the field, their energy level picks up and they start to compete. It was that way this morning.”
OU has only one practice scheduled today, scheduled for 5:30 p.m.. The next two-a-day practice is slated for Thursday.
Peterson, Walker return
Running back Adrian Peterson was held out of most drills during Saturday and Sunday’s practices as well as Monday’s scrimmage.
He was in full pads for the first time Tuesday morning. Peterson has been battling a tight hamstring and has been held back to prevent the injury from getting any worse.
Peterson wasn’t the only player in full pads for the first time Tuesday. Cornerback Marcus Walker suffered a shoulder injury Saturday, but went through both drills Tuesday.
Injury update
While Peterson and Walker appear to be on the mend from their setbacks, two other players were held back due to injuries Tuesday.
Running back Kejuan Jones suffered a sprained foot in Monday’s scrimmage and was held out Tuesday’s workouts.
Defensive end Larry Birdine dinged up his left arm in Tuesday morning’s practice and was held out the evening session.
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John Shinn's OU Notepad
Sooners have first two-a-day
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