Redshirt possibilities

A likely scenario will be for Keith Nichol to redshirt if he doesn’t win the starting job or is named the backup. It would make sense because he’s the only true freshman of the three.

Nichol said he hasn’t given it much thought.

“I trust the coaches and if they say I need to redshirt to develop a little more than that’s fine, and if they say we’re not going to redshirt you that is fine,” he said.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Nichol’s youth is a major hurdle.

“We’ve always played the best guy. We’ve played a bunch of freshmen,” WiIson said. “I do think the position of quarterback is probably one of the most difficult, though, with all the mental aspects. I always parlay it to my computer, how fast my Internet comes up. As a young guy, with inexperience, can he process it quick enough to make the right decision.”

Waiting to hear it

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables is extremely vocal during practices and games. He said the one thing his defense might be missing is someone as animated as he is.

“You would like a Ray Lewis type that’s out there getting everybody juiced up and ready to go. It kinda makes your job a little easier,” Venables said.

He said defensive backs Marcus Walker, Reggie Smith and D.J. Wolfe all possess those qualities. But having a yeller and screamer on the field wasn’t a necessity.

“When you’re the only guy hootin’ and hollerin’ and screamin’ and trying to motivate guys, at some point it falls on deaf ears,” he said. “So you want players to police themselves and to be inspired without you, too.”

Early practice report

All of OU’s practices are closed to the public. Stoops said Thursday’s practice, the team’s first, went well.

“The execution was just amazing for the first day,” he said. “The way they tested and the way they ran really has us coaches really excited. They really look good physically.

“We are excited about our opportunity. The quarterbacks all looked good, they all threw the ball well. So we are just excited to get out there and work again today.”