By John Shinn

Transcript Sports Writer

Phil Loadholt hasn’t played one snap at Oklahoma, but his reputation continues to grow. Maybe that’s because he can block out the sun.

That might be an exaggeration. But if his reputation comes anywhere close to his size, it could be a big season for the offensive tackle.

Teammates already talk about the 6-foot-8, 350-pound junior college transfer like he’s Paul Bunyan, minus the ax and the blue ox.

Even guard Duke Robinson, who stands 6-5 and tips the scales at over 320 pounds was caught off guard on his first glimpse of Loadholt.

“I thought I was big,” Robinson said. “I don’t even sit in the front seat if I’m riding with him. I have to sit in the back with someone else. People tell me I’m big but…”

Defensive end Auston English said looking across at Loadholt was like standing in front of a wall.

“When you try to look around him to see in the backfield, you don’t see much,” English said. “His whole body and frame is massive.”

Loadholt is used to cracks about his size. After spending eight months on campus, the shock has started to wear off.

But his impact could be huge on an offensive line that experienced a breakout season in 2006. The group returned for this coming season intact. But the addition of a junior college All-American should offer a major boost.

He was dominant at Garden City (Kan.) Community College and was a highly-sought recruit for this season.

OU coach Bob Stoops said the reason why is simple.

“He can run and it is amazing to watch,” he said. “He has great feet and great athleticism.”

The only thing missing is polish.