Senior running back Jacob Gutierrez was reduced to spot duty last season while trying to recuperate from knee surgery. Tuesday, he said he’s as healthy as he’s ever been heading into the 2007 season.

“I definitely think I am 100 percent recovered,” Gutierrez said. “I thought I was last season, but when I go back and look at games last season I definitely wasn’t comfortable making some of the cuts I made. I feel a lot more comfortable now and I feel like I can make those cuts with no problem.”

Gutierrez is OU’s special teams captain, but he could see a lot of time at running back against North Texas. Chris Brown has been suspended for the game and Allen Patrick is still battling an ankle injury.

Patrick wasn’t in pads for Tuesday’s practice. If he can’t go, that leaves DeMarco Murray, Gutierrez and former NHS standout Mossis Madu in the backfield for the opener.

“We’ve seen what DeMarco Murray can do against a pretty decent defense out there (in scrimmages), so we’re excited to see him play,” Stoops said. “And Mossis Madu has been awfully good as well. We’re excited about what Mossis has done.”

Broyles will play

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he expects former Norman High standout Ryan Broyles to see action in Saturday’s season opener against North Texas.

Broyles, who scored 12 touchdowns for the Tigers last season, has worked his way up to No. 2 on the depth chart at slot receiver.

“He’s one of those guys, I don’t know how to say it, he’s like a gamer,” Stoops said. “When he’s in practices and scrimmages he just shows up. He knows how to find the open space, catches the ball well. He just has a knack for getting himself in the right positions, finding the right hole to get the ball. He just has a good feel on the field.”

Stoops said true freshman linebacker Austin Box and quarterback Keith Nichol are also in a position to play Saturday.

Back deep

OU will use Reggie Smith and Juaquin Iglesias as the kick returners Saturday. Both handled the job last season.

Stoops said Murray might also be used, depending on how many carries he gets from his running back spot. Redshirt freshman safety Dominique Franks and senior defensive back Lendy Holmes could also be used.