Sooners Hold First Preseason Practice

The 2011 season officially began for OU today as the team held its first preseason practice. Head Coach Bob Stoops moved practice to 6:45 a.m. to combat the brutal heat we’ve been facing this summer.

The Oklahoman has a nice recap from day one. John Hoover also has some good notes for the Tulsa World.

Some interesting tidbits from both write-ups:

• Two incoming freshman defensive tackles (Jordan Phillips and Jordan Wade) are still finishing up classes. Stoops said he anticipated “that happening here pretty soon.” In addition, freshman wide receiver Trey Metoyer is still enrolled in two classes at Tyler Junior College and “needs an A grade in one and a B in the other,” according to the Oklahoman. All three would still need to be cleared by the NCAA before being eligible to play.
• Coaches are trying out Tony Jefferson at deep safety. He played the linebacker/nickel position last season. This move would allow Corey Nelson, who was touted by Stoops during spring practices, to take over the hybrid linebacker spot.
• More kickers! Two walk-ons, Michael Hill and Eric Hosek, took part in practice today. OU is still searching for a consistent kicking threat for longer field goals. Stoops said Jimmy Stevens was “solid” today, but his distance limitations have been well-documented. Michael Hunnicutt was brought in last year and didn’t make much of an impact, but Stoops said he was “night and day compared to a year ago.”
• Freshman Nila Kasitati, who got the team fired up before practice started today, practiced exclusively at offensive guard. He saw time as a tight end in high school.
• Although Jamell Fleming is back with the team after academic issues, Gabe Lynn started ahead of him with the first team at the corner position.
• Reports of a good offseason were confirmed today. OU didn’t hold the usual first-day conditioning tests because strength coach Jerry Schmidt “didn't deem them necessary because of how the players handled their summer,” per the Oklahoman. Academic issues were also minimal.

Some video highlights from today’s practice can be viewed here.