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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

DE prospect picks OSU over OU, Florida: Chase Rome a junior defensive lineman [3-star prospect] at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Mo., had been offered a scholarship not only by the Gators, but by Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State. He says his high school is "within walking distance" of Mizzou's Faurot Field. But on Monday, when the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Rome announced his commitment, he pledged to sign with Oklahoma State. Rome plans to graduate in December and enroll at OSU for the 2010 spring semester. (Tulsa World)

OU offers scholarship to D.C. area prospect: Old Mill (Millersville, MD) junior RB/LB Josh Furman [4-star prospect] received a scholarship offer from Oklahoma today. The Sooners join a list that's sure to keep expanding, but currently includes Duke, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. (Washington Post)

Related: OU Recruiting Page

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Travis Wilson tries to makes Cowboys roster as Corey recovers: This is Travis Wilsons' life as he prepares for the Cowboys’ off-season conditioning program, minicamps, OTAs and training camp as he tries to earn a roster spot. Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd will make the team unless something weird happens. Travis will compete with Isaiah Stanback, whomever the Cowboys draft and a collection of free-agent receivers for the final spot. None will be more determined than Travis. "I've always played for my family, but this situation is different because I'm playing for my brother," said Travis, who has spent the last three weeks traveling back and forth between Dallas and Norman. "It’s like it was meant to be. Everything happens for a reason." (The Oklahoman)

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Wilson May Soon Be Released From Rehabilitation Center
Wilson's Condition Improving
C. Wilson Critically Injured in Accident

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Justin Chaisson arrested; faces multiple charges: A standout football player from Bishop Gorman High School made his first court appearance Thursday after his arrest on several felonies that stem from an attack on his ex-girlfriend. Justin Chaisson, an 18-year-old senior who has received a full scholarship to football powerhouse Oklahoma, is scheduled to return to Las Vegas Justice Court on April 29 for a preliminary hearing. "Certainly this is a difficult period of time for him and his family, and we intend to defend the charges and work toward a resolution," said his lawyer, Michael Cristalli. Cristalli said Chaisson, whose grandfather once owned Chaisson Motor Cars in Las Vegas, was arrested in his vehicle Tuesday afternoon "without incident" and was released on bail that evening. Chaisson faces three felonies: assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and coercion. He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment and a misdemeanor charge of battery constituting domestic violence. The charges stem from a March 17 incident that began at Bishop Gorman. According to a Las Vegas police report, witnesses reported that Chaisson and his ex-girlfriend exchanged words in the parking lot before Chaisson followed the 17-year-old girl to a coffee shop at 6105 S. Fort Apache Road. After the incident, according to the report, the girl's stepfather met with Chaisson and his father, Jim. "Mr. Chaisson mentioned that he has his son in anger management classes tomorrow, March 18, 2009," the report states. "Mr. Chaisson also mentioned that his son has 53 days left in town before going to Oklahoma University for a football scholarship."(More at Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Related:
OU football recruit Justin Chaisson arrested on multiple charges: The Oklahoman
Gorman football player faces legal trouble: Las Vegas Sun

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Clayton and McCoy suffer minor injuries: Strongside linebacker Keenan Clayton is currently out of action with a high ankle sprain. He said the plan was to be able to return by the April 11 Red/White Game, but acknowledged there was caution in hurrying back too soon and suffering a setback. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is practicing with a bandage covering six stitches over his right eye, the result of an after-dark jaunt from his house to his truck -- having just stepped out of the shower, with feet wet and a towel around his waist. "Foolish me, I wasn't thinking, 'Your feet are still wet,' " he said. (Tulsa World) ALSO: Jameel Owens returned to practice Wednesday after missing the first two weeks of the spring with a sprained ankle.

Sooners likely back indoors: Before the break, the Sooners had to move their first scheduled scrimmage indoors and scale back the contact, due to weather. Saturday, the same thing may happen to OU's second scheduled scrimmage, as inclement weather is expected to hit the state this weekend. "If it's too bad to be outside, we may have to go indoors and simulate a scrimmage again," said Stoops, whose team practiced Wednesday for the first time since returning from spring break. (The Oklahoman)

Jarvis Jones makes most of second chance: Tulsa World

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Corey Wilson "making good progress": Oklahoma wide receiver Corey Wilson, who a month ago was critically injured in a car crash, is improving and may be released from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center as early as the first week of April, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "He's making good progress and continues to get stronger," Stoops said. "I saw him this morning. The rehab and the way he is working and continues to make good progress, they're hopeful he'll be able to be released from the Thorpe rehab center April 3. He's had a positive attitude with all his work every day." Travis Wilson, Corey's older brother, told the Dallas Morning News this week that Corey has moved one of his toes and has gained sensation in his hips. "He knows he's going to walk. We respect the doctors and their profession," Travis told the newspaper, "but the only one who knows is the man upstairs. "Corey is going to walk again. It might take two weeks. Or three weeks. Or six months. Or 10 years. But it's going to happen." (The Oklahoman)

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C. Wilson Critically Injured in Accident
Wilson's Condition Improving

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford and Horton named Sullivan Award semi-finalist: Former Oklahoma gymnast Jonathan Horton and current Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford are among the semi-finalists for this year's Sullivan Award, which is presented annually by the Amateur Athletic Union to the nation's top amateur athlete. Bradford was the winner of the 2008 Heisman Trophy after leading Oklahoma to a third straight Big 12 Championship and an appearance in the BCS Championship Game. The '08 Sooner offense was perhaps the most prolific in college football history with more than 716 points and five consecutive game of more than 60 points. (SoonerSports PR) Fans can vote in the process at aausullivan.org.

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Red/White game set for 1:15 p.m. kickoff: OU also announced a kickoff time of 1:15 p.m. for the 2009 Spring Game on Saturday, April 11. (PR)

Carter making his mark at safety: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Is it Tennell's time?: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Calhoun impresses teammates: Jermie Calhoun might make it hard for coaches not to get him on the field with the plays he's made so far this spring. "J.C. has played really well for us," said quarterback Sam Bradford. "To me, his speed is deceptive because you look at him and you’re like, ah, he's not that fast. But then he makes a run and he makes a burst and there's no one catching him. "To see that from a running back and to see him get out and make some runs like that, it's really nice to see." Said guard Brian Simmons, "I'm not shocked because he was impressive when I watched him going as a scout running back last year." (The Oklahoman)

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Find University of Oklahoma Pro Day results here.

Manny Johnson held out of Pro Day: Wide receiver Manny Johnson did not participate at Pro Day after recently re-injuring his hamstring. Johnson also injured the hamstring at the Combine during receiving drills, which prevented him from testing there, either. (The Oklahoman)

Former Sooners at Pro Day: A handful of ex-Sooners now in the NFL -- C.J. Ah You of St. Louis, Larry Birdine of Tennessee and Reggie Smith of San Francisco among them -- watched the workouts and remembered what a stressful time it was. "The real stress was the combine, because you're up from morning to night, then you've got to get up and perform and you're tired, you're on your feet," Ah You said. (Tulsa World)

Habern receives NCAA medical redshirt: As expected, Oklahoma center Ben Habern learned late last week that he has received a medical redshirt for last season, and will still have four years of eligibility remaining. Habern, who at the moment is working with the first-team offensive line, suffered a broken toe at Baylor and missed the rest of last season. (The Oklahoman)

Owens to return after spring break: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said wide receiver Jameel Owens did some running during Tuesday's practice, but won’t be full go in practice until after spring break. Owens, who injured his ankle prior to the start of spring practice, is expected to compete for playing time this spring and next season.(The Oklahoman)

Former Sooners going pro: Norman Transcript

OU Pro Day Notebook -- Holmes improves 40 time: The Oklahoman

Ex-Sooner Iglesias prefers Dallas Cowboys: The Oklahoman

Harris' 40 is slow, but his wit is quick: Tulsa World

Robinson impresses scouts: Tulsa World

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Robert Marve's father says OU is still an option: The Miami Herald is reporting; Robert Marve's father, Eugene Marve, said Oklahoma State told Eugene it stopped recruiting Marve because of negative feedback from UM. (UM denies criticizing Marve.) ''Robert was very hurt,'' Eugene said, adding that his son will choose among Michigan, UCLA, Oklahoma, Purdue, Texas Tech and USF. (Miami Herald) Note: Earlier this month the Tulsa World reported Bob Stoops and Oklahoma wasn't interested in Robert Marve.

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Former UM QB Robert Marve still considering OU?

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pressure is on Oklahoma offense line to step up: Before their first practice, Trent Williams got the linemen together and told them, "We can only go up from here." And according to several accounts, the Sooner line had a strong, intense opening week to the spring. "These younger guys are learning," said offensive line coach James Patton. "It's moving from the off-season to winter conditioning to spring ball and then the summer part of it. "Now they know what the expectation is and they'll continue to get better."(The Oklahoman)

Recruiting: Future Big 12 quarterbacks: College Fantasy Football Examiner

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops looks toward less experienced Calhoun and Johnson: Oklahoma fans can expect to see a glimpse of the future in spring drills and scrimmages with both freshmen running backs Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson.

With starting running back DeMarco Murray injured (knee) and recent comments of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on second-string Chris Brown:

"They (Chris Brown and Jermaine Gresham) don't need to prove anything to me," Stoops said. "I know what they can do. I'm not interested in seeing Chris get banged around at all. "

BYU. Miami. Tulsa. Texas. They can all expect the dynamic duo of Murray and Brown (not adding Madu at slot). And another, only one can guess, in spring drills -- Calhoun or Johnson -- whoever takes initiative to break out will likely be third-string come September. Its anyone's guess looking at their past H.S. credentials.



Saturday practice features full pads: SoonerSports.com

It's now or never for Tennell: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Venables likes the look of his D: Norman Transcript

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Jameel Owens expected to return next week: Despite having a good winter, Jameel Owens missed the first week of spring practice with a sprained ankle. He was wearing a boot on his foot this week but is expected to be back on the field next week. Defensive tackle Cordero Moore had his knee scoped recently and is out for the spring. (The Oklahoman) Others out due to injury include: linebackers Austin Box (elbow) and Ryan Reynolds (knee), defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (back) and running back DeMarco Murray (leg).

No rest in Red River Rivalry: NBC Sports

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Red/White game tickets go on sale Friday: Tickets for the University of Oklahoma's Red/White Spring Football Game go on sale Friday, March 6, at 8 a.m. The game is set for Saturday, April 11, with a tentative kickoff time of 1 p.m. Tickets are available for $5 each through the end of the day on Tuesday, April 7. After April 7, tickets will be $10 each. Purchase online, in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, or by phone at (405) 325-2424 or (800) 456-GoOU. Children ages five and under are admitted free of charge, as are all OU students with a valid student ID. All Spring Game seating will be general admission. (SoonerSports PR)

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Dallas Cowboys release safety and former Sooner R. Williams: The Dallas Cowboys released safety Roy Williams, according to the Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys former 2002 first round draft pick was named to the Pro Bowl from 2003 to 2007 and considered among the league's hardest hitters. Williams gained his reputation during his tenure at Oklahoma (1999-2001), best known for "The Play" during 2001's Red River Shootout.

Link: Cowboys to Release Safety Williams: True Blue

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Joe Powell reportedly commits to Oklahoma: Joe Powell, a wide receiver from Skyline High School in Dallas, has given a verbal pledge to play at Oklahoma, according to the Rivals Network Web site SoonerScoop.com. Powell is the Sooners' fourth verbal commitment of the 2010 class. Verbal commitments are nonbinding. Prospects can't sign binding letters of intent until Feb. 3, 2010. Powell reportedly had offers from Kansas and Houston, but committed to Oklahoma soon after the offer came. "Me and Jay Norvell, we have a real good vibe and we've been real close and I just feel like that decision was the decision for me," he told the Web site. (Tulsa World)

Related: Oklahoma Football Recruiting Page

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Report: Wilson paralyzed from waist down: The University of Oklahoma student-run newspaper, The Oklahoma Daily is reporting receiver Corey Wilson is paralyzed from the waist down citing an anonymous team source.

Football players received an e-mail this weekend saying that Wilson is paralyzed from the waist down, according to a player who asked to remain anonymous because players aren't allowed to speak with the media.

Yesterday, teammate and receiver Dejuan Miller commented on Wilson.

"We feel like we have to play for him now," said wideout Dejuan Miller. "He's going through a life-changing situation. We're really pushing for him. I'm praying for him every day.

"I just hope one day he can defeat the odds and walk again."

Although, the report is not confirmed -- Corey Wilson and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Link: Sooners pulling for WR Corey Wilson

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Wilson's Condition Improving
C. Wilson Critically Injured in Accident

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Brian Bosworth among 76 players and six coaches on HoF ballot: Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard of Michigan are among 13 players eligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame for the first time. The National Football Foundation announced Tuesday the 76 players and six coaches on this year's ballot, which will be mailed out this week to 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers. After votes are tabulated, they are submitted to the NFF's Honors Court, which will select the major college football Hall of Fame class. (Tulsa World) Note: Bosworth is a first-time nominee on the ballot.

Change in venue: Because of construction in the Switzer Center, coaches offices have been moved to the east side of Memorial Stadium, players are dressing in the visitors' locker room on the west side, and practices are being held at the OU rugby fields west of Lloyd Noble Center. (Tulsa World)

March 3rd Spring Practice Video: SoonerSports.com

OU football gets back to work: Norman Transcript

Stoops calls out offensive line: The Oklahoman

Stoops wants more from offensive linemen: Tulsa World

In a harsh economic climate, is Stoops worth the money?: Tulsa World

Sooners seeking dependable kicker: USA Today

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops met with the media to discuss spring drills:


A few quotes --- More at SoonerSports.com

Bob Stoops on Corey Wilson

"It's a disappointing and hurtful time; I know everyone's heard about the accident with Corey Wilson, or if you haven't, it's a tragic accident. We're all just praying for Corey and his family. It's a really difficult time. Medically, what was out from his family I'm not going to elaborate on anything else than what was said yesterday. We're all just continuing to pray for him and have him in our thoughts and his family."

Stoops on Oklahoma's offensive line

"Offensive line, of course losing four of the five starters from a year ago, that's where another major issue will be, and we'll see. Those guys are at this point, it's just everything, whether it's with their work ethic, their attitude, those things need to improve. They haven't had the winter everyone else has had. They right now are the weak link of the team and we'll see if they can respond and have any kind of spring and summer to help us be a team that can contend for a Big 12 Championship.

Stoops on Oklahoma's special teams

"Overall, I think special teams-wise, same thing. I expect us to improve. Tress Way will start off taking over for Mike Knall in punting. Through the year last year I thought he did a nice job and he's had a good winter too with kickoffs, field goals, all of that. We expect Jimmy [Stevens] to be better, but I also expect Matt Moreland and Tress Way to be better. Also we have a newcomer in Bryce Easley coming in from Norman North who is a guy that we're excited about as well. I do feel that overall those positions will be improved for us, and that'll be a big plus as well."

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Two Sooners on Lombardi Award watch list: Oklahoma linemen Gerald McCoy (DT) and Trent Williams (OT) were named to the Lombardi Award's preliminary 2009 watch list. The pair of Sooners are joined by six other Big 12 stars, including Brandon Carter (Texas Tech), Sergio Kindle (Texas), Russell Okung (Oklahoma State), Joe Pawelek (Baylor), Adam Ulatoski (Texas), and Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri).

Link: The Rotary Lombardi Club News

Know This: Three former Sooners have won the Lombardi Award -- Tommie Harris, Tony Casillas and Lee Roy Selmon. (OU Football Awards)

Articles of Interest:

Sooners honored at State Capitol: SoonerSports.com

Spring practice starts here: Tulsa World

Box cited by Norman police: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma looking to replace lost talent: Star-Telegram

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Corey Wilson's condition upgraded from critical to serious: Oklahoma wide receiver Corey Wilson's condition has improved from critical to serious at OU Medical Center after being thrown from his sports utility vehicle during a collision last Friday. According to a short statement released by Wilson's family, Wilson is awake and alert, and his condition is now serious, an OU Medical Center spokesman said. "Everyone associated with our program is deeply concerned for Corey and his family," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said in a statement. "Our prayers and thoughts are focused on them. "We are firmly committed to doing whatever we can to support and encourage the Wilsons."(The Oklahoman)

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C. Wilson Critically Injured in Accident

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma announces number changes: Oklahoma has announced a handful of players will change jersey numbers for 2009, including two returning starters. Dominique Franks, a junior cornerback from Tulsa, will wear No. 1 next season. He previously wore No. 15, partly in honor of his uncle, former Sooner defensive back Charles Franks. Ryan Reynolds, a senior linebacker from Las Vegas, is switching from No. 8 to No. 4. Deep snapper James Winchester changes from 46 to 86. Seven others who didn't play or were backups in 2008 also will wear new numbers. (Tulsa World)

Checkout: The Oklahoman they offer their projected 2009 depth chart.

OU back to basics in spring: Tulsa World

Three Questions: Tulsa World

Spring Outlook: Tulsa World

Golf was OU quarterback Bradford's special link: The Oklahoman

Chuck Long's future? What is he up to now?: The Oklahoman

Sooners lose four from last year's offensive line: The Oklahoman

Position battles to watch: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Corey Wilson injured in accident on I-35: Oklahoma wide receiver Corey Wilson has been critically injured in a rollover collision on Interstate 35. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the 20-year-old from Carrollton, Texas, was flown in critical condition with head and internal injuries to OU Medical Center after the crash about 1 p.m. Friday near Pauls Valley. A hospital spokesman says Wilson's family asked that his condition not be released.The patrol says Wilson was southbound on I-35 when his Chevrolet Trailblazer collided with a pickup, ran off the road and rolled twice, throwing him about 45 feet from the vehicle. (ESPN.com/AP)

OU receiver Corey Wilson injured in accident on I-35: The Oklahoman

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