Currently, freshman Ryan Reynolds holds the starting spot. Reynolds tied for a team-high five tackles and had an interception in Saturday’s scrimmage.

“He’s playing great,” Stoops said of Reynolds. “He was really solid out there again today and had a solid scrimmage. He’s really doing well.”

Pleasant isn’t the only Sooner to miss practice time due to academic issues. Wide receiver Manuel Johnson missed Saturday’s scrimmage for the same reason.

Johnson returned to practice Monday.

A lot of work

OU may be deep at several positions, but offensive line isn’t one of them. The Sooners only have eight offensive linemen — Chris Messner, Duke Robinson, Branndon Braxton, Chad Roark, Sherrone Moore, Brian Simmons, Ben Barresi and Cameron Schacht — available to due to injuries.

The low numbers won’t even allow for first and second team units. But Stoops believes it could be a blessing is disguise.

“The few that are in there are really good players and by the end of it, it will be almost like two springs for them,” he said. “In the end, that could be a positive with the amount of work they get.”

Next up

OU will conduct its sixth practice at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Except in cases of inclement weather, all practices are open to the public.

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com