But they will be without one key players this spring. Leading receiver Malcolm Kelly will miss spring practice after having knee surgery following the Fiesta Bowl.

Offensive lineman Brandon Walker will also miss spring practice due to injury and tight end Jermaine Gresham will be held out of the first five practices.

On the defensive side, Stoops said safety Darien Williams will be held out of spring drills while recovering from a knee injury. Defensive end Alonzo Dotson will miss the first five practices.

"We're all kind of looking forward to getting started (Wednesday), getting out there, getting a lot of good work," Stoops said. "There's a lot of experience and strength on our team that is back. I think its obvious that when you look at the players in positions we have coming back, that the quarterback will be the main center of attention for sure."

John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com