By John Shinn
Brody Eldridge's shift to the offensive line became complete Monday. The senior is listed as Oklahoma's starting center on the depth chart for Saturday's game against BYU.
"No one told me, so I don't know for sure," Eldridge said following Monday's practice. "That's where I played today, so I assume that's where I'll be."
Eldridge, who was a starter the last three seasons at either fullback or tight end, has been practicing at center since preseason practice began.
An injury to projected starter Ben Habern before preseason drills started created a hole on OU's offensive line. Coaches said the initial thought was to move Eldridge there until the health of the unit improved. Habern is listed as the No. 2 center behind Eldridge.
"Brody, as I've said for the last three years, has been one of our best players," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "This allows him to be on the field even more. That's are thinking."
Eldridge will wear No. 50 against BYU, but his old No. 83 will also be handy. Stoops said the Sooners will keep a jersey and shoulder pads ready so Eldridge can change quickly if he's needed at his old position.
Stoops doesn't envision any problems with moving Eldridge between several positions during a game.
"I don't see a big deal with it. It would (be an issue) if he'd only played a year. He's been great for us for three years," the coach said. "We've seen him doing a great job against a darn good d-line this whole time."
Eldridge doesn't have any problems either. He has practiced at both positions during the preseason. More time has been spent at center over the last month, but it's hard to forget what he's gone through the previous three seasons.
"I've done it in practice. I know all the signals and all the plays at tight end," he said. "I don't think it'll be a problem."
Brotherly advice
Stoops said Monday he has consulted with his younger brother, Mike Stoops about facing the Cougars. Arizona beat BYU 31-21 in last season's Las Vegas Bowl.
"I'm close enough with my brother that we're going to talk about an opponent," the OU coach said. "When you're playing an opponent you don't play year in and year out, you talk to other people who do.
"I get their feelings and ideas about why they play them a certain way. We do our work that way, but we did confer with Arizona and both of my brothers [Mark Stoops is Arizona's defensive coordinator] that are there and some other guys on their staff."
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
