The Norman Transcript

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August 4, 2007

Reynolds back on the field

Scott Moore

Ryan Reynolds has three total tackles in his career at Oklahoma. He’s a linebacker, but most of his snaps have been on the special teams.

Still, OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables praises the redshirt sophomore from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. For a guy that hasn’t seen significant action as a college linebacker, Venables couldn’t be happier about having Reynolds in the starting lineup.

“He gives us the strength we need at that position,” Venables said. “ We’re fine without him. But with him, we’re better.”

When he graduated as a four-year letterman from Bishop Gorman, he was rated as the No. 2 outside linebacker by Rivals.com. When he signed with OU, fans had visions of the next great OU player to roam behind the line of scrimmage.

But bad luck has shadowed him almost since he arrived on campus.

After seeing sporadic duty as a true freshman, he arrived in the spring of 2006 ready to be a main contributor to OU’s defense.

But he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the spring and missed the season. He rehabbed and was ready for a new start this past spring, then he tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and missed every scrimmage.

“It was definitely discouraging,” Reynolds said of his second injury. “Right when I hurt it, I had the same thoughts of having to go through rehab yet again.”

The good news is tearing the LCL is not as severe as tearing the ACL. The LCL needed to be reattached, which meant four months of rehab as compared to the six months he needed to get his left knee healed.

So Reynolds won’t miss this season. And Venables couldn’t be happier.

“The linebackers, we’re not real deep, but I like the group,” Venables said. “And when I say that, I’m talking about having Ryan Reynolds in there.”

Reynolds had 94 tackles his senior season at Gorman and 96 as a junior. He played in the 2005 U. S. Army All-Star Game.

And his knees are ready to go for fall practices. He’s penciled in as a starter at weakside linebacker. Curtis Lofton, who played strongside last season, will move to his more natural position in the middle. Lewis Baker and Demario Pleasant will man the strongside.

“I feel real good, actually,” Reynolds said. “The knee is holding up great. We have a long way to go with it, but I had a great practice (Thursday). I’m hoping that by the end of two-a-days everything will be feeling real good.”

Venables is glad to have him back, but he’s still holding his breath a little. Reynolds is not quite at 100 percent, so he will be brought back into the fold slowly.

“I’m not one to ever coach with caution, but I was a scared (Thursday) without him knowing it,” Venables said. “I’ll say this, the longevity, I don’t worry. I do plan, OK, what if something happens. But I’m not really worried about it.”

Reynolds isn’t worried either.

“The injury slowed me down a little, but I think I can gain that back in two-a-days,” He said. “I went to all the meetings and all the films. Mentally, I’m as good as anyone.”

Venables would see Reynolds on crutches and still picture him making stops on Owen Field. That’s why no one is more excited to have him back.

“I don’t dislike our (linebackers) without him, but Ryan gives us a lot of security at that position,” Venables said. “I trust him a great deal. Having a guy on the field that you have utmost trust in, it just gives you a real secure feeling knowing you can focus on other areas.”

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