Senior running back Jacob Gutierrez was reduced to spot duty last season while trying to recuperate from knee surgery. Tuesday, he said he’s as healthy as he’s ever been heading into the 2007 season.
“I definitely think I am 100 percent recovered,” Gutierrez said. “I thought I was last season, but when I go back and look at games last season I definitely wasn’t comfortable making some of the cuts I made. I feel a lot more comfortable now and I feel like I can make those cuts with no problem.”
Gutierrez is OU’s special teams captain, but he could see a lot of time at running back against North Texas. Chris Brown has been suspended for the game and Allen Patrick is still battling an ankle injury.
Patrick wasn’t in pads for Tuesday’s practice. If he can’t go, that leaves DeMarco Murray, Gutierrez and former NHS standout Mossis Madu in the backfield for the opener.
“We’ve seen what DeMarco Murray can do against a pretty decent defense out there (in scrimmages), so we’re excited to see him play,” Stoops said. “And Mossis Madu has been awfully good as well. We’re excited about what Mossis has done.”
Broyles will play
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he expects former Norman High standout Ryan Broyles to see action in Saturday’s season opener against North Texas.
Broyles, who scored 12 touchdowns for the Tigers last season, has worked his way up to No. 2 on the depth chart at slot receiver.
“He’s one of those guys, I don’t know how to say it, he’s like a gamer,” Stoops said. “When he’s in practices and scrimmages he just shows up. He knows how to find the open space, catches the ball well. He just has a knack for getting himself in the right positions, finding the right hole to get the ball. He just has a good feel on the field.”
Stoops said true freshman linebacker Austin Box and quarterback Keith Nichol are also in a position to play Saturday.
Back deep
OU will use Reggie Smith and Juaquin Iglesias as the kick returners Saturday. Both handled the job last season.
Stoops said Murray might also be used, depending on how many carries he gets from his running back spot. Redshirt freshman safety Dominique Franks and senior defensive back Lendy Holmes could also be used.
Punter competition still going
Punter Michael Cohen and Mike Knall will both see action against North Texas Saturday. Stoops said the competition between the two is close enough that they’ve both earned the right to get shots during the game.
“They will both punt for us,” Stoops said. “We will see how they compete this week. Right now, it would be like last year with Michael Cohen doing most of it, but we might give Mike Knall some opportunities maybe. We will just see. Hopefully they will both hit it well.”
Last season, Cohen handled most of the duties. Knall was brought in for short kicks when the Sooners were trying to down the ball inside the 20.
Hartley named
to Groza list
Kicker Garrett Hartley was named to the watch list for the Lou Groza Award Tuesday.
Hartley, a senior, was a finalist for the award last season after making 19 of 20 field goal attempts and 49 of 50 PATs.
The award is presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The top three finalists will be honored during the Lou Groza Award Banquet Dec. 4. The award will be presented Dec. 6 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Award Show broadcast live from Orlando, Fla.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
Gutierrez healthy as ever
OU Football Notebook
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