Spring practice continues

With earlier than expected exits from the NCAA tournament for the men's and women's basketball teams, March madness around the OU campus is taking on a whole new meaning.

While the hoops teams are reminiscing on what might have been, the football team is looking ahead to what promises to be a bounce-back season for a squad that lost more games last season than in the previous two combined.

Monday marked the third day in pads for the team, but head coach Bob Stoops already likes what he sees.

"It was cleaner today, and you hope as you keep going you get better each time," he said. "I like what they're doing. We had a really good practice today. Guys are working hard, and they've got a really good attitude about it. It was good to see today that we were cleaner and sharper and had fewer mistakes than we did Saturday. That's what you hope will happen."

Adrian Peterson, who donned a "no contact" blue jersey for Saturday's scrimmage, is going through his first round of spring practices as a Sooner, because he was injured last spring. Peterson and junior running back Allen Patrick combined to carry the ball 16 times for 48 yards on Saturday. Both received their fair share of touches Monday as well.

"Between Allen and AD, they're getting all they can handle and that's a good thing because they're talented guys, and they can play better, and this is going to help them," Stoops said.

Quarterback Joey Halzle is also standing out. The sophomore from California, though not expected to compete for the starting job, is performing at a high level, which should keep Rhett Bomar at the top of his game.

"Joey looks really good. He came out here today and was really sharp again," Stoops said. "What he's been able to comprehend and the way he's executed, he's done a really nice job."

The offensive line, which was shaky to say the least last season, is receiving a good deal of attention this spring.

"The few that are in there are really good players and by the end of it, it will be like they've had two springs," Stoops said. "In the end, that could be a positive, just with the amount of work they're getting."

Another area of focus heading into next season will be the defensive line. The loss of Dusty Dvoracek definitely hurts, but Stoops said he is happy with the play of senior defensive ends C.J. Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux, as well as sophomores Auston English and Alan Davis.

"We're gonna have a good, strong group of guys that can stay fresh and hopefully get after people," he said.

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