Spring Practice Presser Notes

Here are a few notes from the press conference held today by Head Coach Bob Stoops prior to the Sooners’ first spring practice of the year:

• Stoops praised the team for doing a “great job” during winter workouts. He singled out several players for their offseason work, including WR Trey Metoyer, DE R.J. Washington, K Michael Hunnicutt, OL Derek Farniok and DE Chuka Ndulue. The praise of R.J. Washington was particularly noteworthy because Stoops mentioned how much his leadership had improved.
• Several key contributors will miss spring practice due to various injuries, per the Tulsa World: “Center Ben Habern (neck), defensive tackle Casey Walker (shoulder), strong safety Aaron Colvin (shoulder), linebacker Tom Wort and running back Dominique Whaley (ankle) will sit out the spring. Wort, Stoops said, might be able to return after spring break.” It was later reported by OU via Twitter that Wort was actually cleared to practice starting today. DB Bennett Okotcha is also expected to miss spring practices due to injury.
• The Tulsa World also notes that Stoops said “two players who were expected to miss spring — wide receiver Jaz Reynolds (kidney) and fullback Aaron Ripkowski (back) will be allowed to practice.” Stoops did note that Reynolds will likely “have a procedure at the end of spring that will sideline him just for probably three weeks.”
• Joe Powell, who had been switched from DB to WR at the end of last season due to some depth issues, will be back on defense for spring practices. Powell began his OU career as a WR.
• Stoops says Lane Johnson will be moved to LT. Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson are expected to compete for the RT position.