Jewell headed to Tulsa

Jeff Johncox
The Norman Transcript

November 06, 2008 12:13 am

— Jack Jewell has been a force at defensive tackle for Norman High all year.
In fact, he’s even seen a little time on offense for the Tigers in certain formations. He’s lined up at wide receiver a couple times, his huge, 6-7, 250-pound frame casting a shadow over the cornerback assigned to defend him.
He’s also been in the backfield as one of two fullbacks in a trips backfield, blocking for running back Donovan Roberts in a few situations.
But Jewell’s bread and butter is on the defensive side of the ball. He’s regularly in the opponent’s backfield, even when the opponent has a line with more size.
By all accounts, from coaches and teammates, Jewell works hard on the field and in the weight room.
His 250 pounds aren’t helped by flab. He’s rock solid.
Jewell’s hard work has paid off.
Next year he’ll be taking his game to Tulsa.
His decision was announced during last Friday’s Senior Night ceremony.
“I think I made that decision on Monday or Tuesday,” Jewell, in his usual nachalant manner, said. “It was my only offer. I was thinking about waiting it out, but Tulsa’s a good school.”
The Golden Hurricane made it into the top 25 with the nation’s best offense before falling last week to Arkansas.
But it’s not just the football program Jewell’s looking at.
“They have a nice coach, a nice program and great academics,” he said. “That’s No. 1 for me.”
Though it’s only November, Jewell is already excited about his trip next year up I-44.
And who wouldn’t be after making one of the most important decisions of their lives?
“For a full ride, all I have to do is eat, sleep, learn and play football,” Jewell said.
Passing the torch
Norman High’s final game of the year is Friday at Lawton Eisenhower.
But the Tiger seniors were honored last week at Harve Collins Field at halftime.
It’s been a tough year for the NHS seniors. Former coach Butch Peters announced his retirement last offseason, and new coach Greg Nation got a late jump on things when he was hired right before school ended last spring.
“It’s been a different experience,” senior tight end Alec Wilkinson said. “We’ve been so used to having Coach Peters around. Coach Nation’s done a good job, and I think we’ve done well transitioning to the new offense and stuff, but we had such high hopes early on and when we won those two games in a row.”
Next year promises to be a bit better for the Tigers (2-7, 1-5 District 6A-2). They’ll have another year under Nation and they’ll be more used to the spread offense he employs.
Wilkinson thinks this year’s juniors and sophomores are ready to pick up where the seniors leave off.
“In think they’ll take over and do a good job next year,” he said. “I think they’ll step up.”
Jeff Johncox
366-3535
jjohncox@normantranscript.com