But the a lot of those returning starters won’t be on the field over the next five weeks.

Running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are both out after having knee surgeries following last season. The Sooners will only have two running backs — Mossis Madu and incoming freshman Justin Johnson — for the spring.

On the defensive side, ends Auston English, John Williams and safety Nic Harris will be held out of spring drills.

Stoops said defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger will go through spring drills. Granger was arrested for shoplifting Dec. 29, and Stoops sent him home prior to the Fiesta Bowl.

As far as getting back in good graces, Granger still has some work to do.

“He still has to be consistent through the spring and summer,” Stoops said. “But the things he’s done since have been positive.”

Those players have already proved they can help OU win games. This spring, the Sooners will be working on identifying more of them.