By John Shinn
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday that Auston English’s injured left knee won’t require surgery but the Sooner defensive end is still expected to miss the next three weeks of practice, this Saturday’s game at Texas A&M; and the Nov. 22 contest against No. 2 Texas Tech.
With that being the case, all eyes turned to Frank Alexander Monday. He will get his first start Saturday at Kyle Field.
“I have to step up and fill Auston’s shoes,” Alexander said. “I have to go in there and make plays.”
If this all seems familiar, it should. OU went through almost the same scenario almost exactly a year ago. English suffered a leg injury in the ninth game of the season against Texas A&M.;
Jeremy Beal, who was pushed into starting duty because of an English injury last year, relayed that same message to Alexander Monday.
“I told him he had to step up,” Beal said following Monday’s practice. “I know he’s going to be kind of nervous, but he has to play hard and play well. That’s what guys were telling me last year.”
The difference is Beal was making the transition from linebacker to defensive end last season. He played well, in fact very well, when he stepped in for English last season.
The only difference is big things have been expected from Alexander all season.
The biggest hurdle he’s faced was an arm injury he suffered as a result of being stabbed at a Norman night spot following OU’s season opener. The injury caused the redshirt freshman from Baton Rouge, La., to miss five weeks and he didn’t get back on the field until OU’s Oct. 18 game against Kansas.
“It was a hard situation to deal with. It’s hard to sit out when you’re injured. It’s harder when you’re hurt because of something that had nothing to do with football. It was petty stuff,” Alexander said. “I got through it and now I have an opportunity.”
Alexander has done a lot with the limited opportunities he’s received. He’s played about 15 plays in the last three games. He’s had two sacks and a forced fumble in just the last two games.
Defensive ends coach Chris Wilson said Alexander’s confidence has grown every week since he’s been back. He still expects big things from the defensive end this season.
“The one thing that’s really helped Frank is that he likes to compete. He doesn’t have any hesitation,” Wilson said. “He’s playing at a very high level. The thing we need him to do is do it for 25 to 30 more snaps a game. It’s one thing to do it coming off the bench. It’s another when you actually have to be the guy.”
Alexander will be the guy along with Beal and senior defensive end Alan Davis. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the three will rotate at the two spots this week.
OU believes English will be able to return for its Nov. 29 regular season finale at No. 8 Oklahoma State. Yet even then it will be after being off the field for an extended period. Alexander will be assuming a much bigger role immediately.
“Frank’s had a great three games here. He’s consistently made plays and come up with pressure,” Stoops said. “He’ll just have to be able to maintain it and improve.”
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
