OU football notebook

Stoops released a statement concerning the death of OU recruit Herman Mitchell, who was shot to death in the Houston area Friday afternoon.

After Monday's practice, Stoops addressed Mitchell's death again.

"It's just tragic. All of us are saddened,” Stoops said. "He was a great young guy — was just up here a few weeks ago when we were in our summer two-a-day work.

"Prayers go out to his family, his teammates, his coaches and friends.”

•Kelly's early exit? OU junior receiver Malcolm Kelly has heard the talk that he could be a high draft choice if he decides to skip his senior year and go to the NFL.

And while he admits he thinks about his future from time to time, he knows it's too early for all that hype.

"I'm not gonna say I don't think about it,” Kelly said. "That's all you dream about your whole life. That's why you play this game — to be able to make a living out of it. People have been saying that, but it don't really mean anything. I haven't done anything this year.

"I have a lot of stuff I need to get done (before I'm ready to play in the NFL.)”

•Dueling punters: Stoops said he expects to use his punters in the same format he did last year, with Michael Cohen being used for long punts and Mike Knall handling short, placement kicks.

"Right now, it will be like last year, but we may give Mike Knall — I'm gonna give him some opportunities maybe,” Stoops said. "Hopefully, they'll both hit it well.”

The two-punter system worked well for Stoops a year ago. Cohen averaged 41 yards on 51 kicks and Knall nine of his 11 punts inside the 20-yard line with only one touchback.

By Scott Wright