OSU football notebook

Published: April 3, 2008

Safety Lucien Antoine, best known by his nickname "the Punisher,” has made a strong impression the first three weeks of spring practice. Three big hits were one of the highlights in last week's scrimmage.

Antoine, one of seven junior college transfers who signed early to participate in spring workouts, lined up a handful of plays with the first-team defense late in last week's scrimmage.

"He's still with the 2's (second team), but I wanted him to have a chance to play with the first-team linebackers, first-team DBs,” said safety coach Joe DeForest. "Plus we run a little bit different defenses with the (starters).

"He's done a good job up to this point. We don't want to put too much on him. He has a lot to learn mentally. Once he does that, everyone can see he has the physical talent.”

•Near the end: The Cowboys have completed 11 of their 15 spring practices. Wednesday's session was held inside Boone Pickens Stadium on a cool, drizzly afternoon. The Wednesday practice was closed, but Friday's second major scrimmage, scheduled for 3:30 p.m., will be open to fans and the media.

•Fullback situation: Fullbacks John Johnson and Jeremiah Burton quit the team during the off-season. As a result, Bryant Ward, a walk-on sophomore from Stillwater, is OSU's starting fullback. Ward dropped several passes in last week's scrimmage but also caught a touchdown pass to cap a 65-yard drive.

•Pettigrew sits: Senior right end Brandon Pettigrew, wearing a splint on his right ring finger, has been held out of most every drill this spring.

"He could play,” said coach Mike Gundy. "(If it were a regular season game) you'd just tape it up and play. But why do that?

"(Wilson) Youman needs the work. He needs to get tired and go through all that. He has good potential, but he's a young kid.”

•Extra coach?: Tailback Keith Toston isn't participate in spring practice after undergoing major knee surgery late last season. Toston, though, has been involved in practices, helping three new running backs line up for plays.

"He's out there coaching,” Gundy said. "He understands the system. He's a bright guy. He'll stand there and coach those guys.”

As for Toston's fumble issues last season, Gundy said: "I think he corrected that. You saw that later in the year. If you don't get to play you fix the issue.”

•Lane drill: Before Friday's scrimmage, special teams coach Joe DeForest lined up orange cones 10 yards apart across the width of the field for a special teams drill that simulates players "covering their lanes” on kickoff and punt returns.

"That's a drill we do every year to evaluate talent in all four phases of the kicking game, whether it's kickoff coverage or kick return,” DeForest said. "That way we can teach and evaluate guys who can block or attack in space.”

By Mike Baldwin

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