OU notebook

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.

But so far secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright 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