One of the big story lines to keep an eye on is the defensive backfield, where OU is replacing three starters, not including Nic Harris, who is sitting out the spring with a shoulder injury.
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But so far secondary coach Bobby JackWright is pleased, especially with cornerback Brian Jackson.
"We're pretty happy with where they're at,” Wright said. "Brian Jackson has had his hands on a ton of balls in four days. Brian knows this is his big opportunity and he's making the most of it.
"Same thing with Dominique Franks and Jonathan Nelson. Those three have had four great practices. We don't feel we're missing a beat.”
•OU off for spring break: With four practices in the books, OU will take next week off for spring break. The Sooners will resume practice March 24 and have two other practices that week before their first open scrimmage on March 29.
•Buffs LB arrested: Colorado signee Lynn Katoa was arrested Friday on complaints of second-degree assault. Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins said Katoa, who has enrolled at CU early to participate in spring drills, would be suspended but allowed to practice with the team.
Katoa, one of this year's top linebacker recruits, narrowed his choices to the Sooners and Buffaloes before signing with CU in February.
•Devine pleads no contest: The last time West Virginia running back Noel Devine made headlines, he was running wild through the OU defense in the Fiesta Bowl. Thursday, Devine and three other Mountaineer players pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery charges.
Police said the charges stemmed from a Feb. 16 altercation outside a Morgantown club.
West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said that "discipline with the situation has already been handled within the program.”
Last month, Stewart dismissed three other players charged with felony possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.
By Jake Trotter
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Robbin, Fort Collins and bob....i agree with you both. But it's venebles devense calling that has been so bad. He way over used the zone with so much talent to play one on one. He for sure needs to be fired.
Bob in Anadarko. Everyone knows about BJW's supposed connections to Texas high school coaches (back in the day, I suspect more and more). That's why I suggested he be given Merv's administrative job (speaking of Mr. Old School). Anything to get BJW out of coaching, a profession about which he has demonstrated he has no clue. Just ask Reggie Smith as he headed out the door.
Have to have BJW. He's in good with the Texas high school coaches. I'm with you on Venables, not so much on firing him, but how do you demote somebody. He should not be making the defensive personel and play calls. Mike Stoops used up to 6 DB's, and almost always 5, which is the way to go
Please, please fire Bobby Jack Wright or at least put him in another position that does not involve coaching (perhaps Merv's job). OU's defensive secondary has been a liability ever since he has been that unit's coach. Whether giving up 48 points to West Virginia or 43 to Boise State or losing to unranked Colorado and Texas Tech in 2007, the Sooners don't play D consistently when it counts. Stoops vowed after the W. Virginia embarrassment that he would re-evaluate his staff. What a lie. Stoops seems too tied to Venables to get rid of him (which he should), but firing BJW would be a good start.
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According to Oklahoma secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright, Dominique Franks has had four strong practices. BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
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