John Shinn
Oklahoma held the first of two open preseason practices Friday morning at the OU Rugby Fields. Fans filled the south berm at the complex. The Sooners also put on pads for the first time this season.
The workout began with the traditional Oklahoma Drill. Wide receivers matched up against defensive backs, offensive linemen took on defensive lineman, and fullbacks faced off against linebackers while running backs were forced to hit a hole and make contact with a defender.
“It was great. It’s always energetic and it’s always fun,” Stoops said. “We like doing it and we’ll probably do it again here soon.”
OU’s only other open practice is scheduled for Aug. 18.
Light day for Murray
Running back DeMarco Murray didn’t do much on the field during Friday morning’s practice. Stoops said Murray’s light day was due to a sprained ankle the sophomore suffered a few days ago.
“He’s fine,” the coach said. “It was minor one. We just decided to limit what he did today. It’s no bid deal.”
The Sooners have plenty of running backs going through preseason camp. Veterans Chris Brown and Mossis Madu shared carries with true freshmen Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson.
Cincy QB loses appeal
The NCAA upheld a ruling denying Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk a sixth year of eligibility Friday. The Bearcats will visit Owen Field Sept. 6.
Mauk threw for 31 touchdowns and 3,121 yards last season after transferring in from Wake Forest. Cincinnati went 10-3 was ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press Top 25.
Without him, senior Dustin Grutza is slated to be the Bearcats’ starting quarterback.
Gresham not
thinking about NFL
Tight end Jermaine Gresham could be a high pick if he opted to leave for the NFL after his junior season. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound junior is considered one of the best tight ends in college football.
Wednesday he said an early jump is unlikely.
“My first goal here is to get a degree,” Gresham said. “I really don’t see that (leaving early) happening. The other reason is I don’t think I’m good enough.
“If I had (Adrian Peterson’s) talent, it would be a no-brainer. But I don’t have that kind of talent.”
Many would debate Gresham’s assessment of his skills. He caught 11 touchdown passes last season and OU is working on ways to get him the ball more.
He’s been working some at slot receiver in the spring and since training camp began.
Beal practicing with broken hand
Defensive end Jeremy Beal has been wearing a cast on his right hand since practice began. The injury hasn’t kept him off the practice field, though. He went through every drill Friday morning.
Beal, who had two starts last season after shifting over from linebacker, is considered a favorite to start at one of the defensive end spots along with Auston English.
