Lane Johnson could join battle at RT
THE SOONERS HAD SUCCESS WITH ERIC MENSIK going from tight end to tackle. In light of Jarvis Jones’ torn patella ligament, they’re wondering if Lane Johnson can make a similar transition. Johnson played quarterback at his junior college, was recruited to OU as a tight end and last season flipped to defensive end. Now, the Sooners are considering auditioning Johnson at right tackle.
“Lane has a good idea about it, but he is doing really well at d-end and so we worry about even giving him a little peek,” Stoops said. “But he’s up to 275 and he has about eight percent body fat. He is about 6-10 — kidding, but Lane is huge.
“Lane actually has more years than Eric Mensik did, so that may be something that we stumble into. We are going to look at it and make sure that Lane has a good idea, and a good attitude and he seems to like it. He thought, ‘Hey it is worth it if it will get me a look.’”
Johnson’s chances of getting on the field might actually be better at tackle. The Sooners are stacked at defensive end with Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis and R.J. Washington, David King and Geneo Grissom. But at tackle, his competition is Josh Aladenoye and Daryl Williams. Neither player has started a game.
IF JOSH ALADENOYE WINS the starting right tackle job, it will be in large part because of the work he’s put in the weight room. Aladenoye came to campus overweight at almost 360 pounds. He now weighs 315 and is beginning to show some natural quickness.
“He’s got a chance,” line coach James Patton said. “We have to refine some technique with him. Jarvis was quick footed and a really good athlete. Josh is the same kind of way he just needs to play more. He needs to get more reps. He’s getting that right now.”
IN KENNY STILLS, OU had arguably the most productive freshman wideout in school history last season. Stills’ freshman outburst has overshadowed the other four receivers in the recruiting class of 2010. But with Stills banged up with a hamstring tweak, some of those wideouts like Sheldon McClain and Justin McCay have been getting a lot of work with the first-team offense.
“You know, they’re getting better,” Stoops said. “Sheldon is coming on and he is beginning to get a little more consistent. Justin is doing better and showing up with his big body and making plays. Joe (Powell) is too, but Joe is still a little too inconsistent here and there, but they are getting better, which is exciting to see”
The chances for any of those three to break the receiving rotation, however, are slim. In addition to Stills, the Sooners bring back All-American Ryan Broyles, Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller back at wideout, and also signed arguably the No. 1 wideout in the country in Trey Metoyer.
SPEAKING OF METOYER, position coach and co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said “hopefully” Metoyer will qualify academically and be with the team this fall. Norvell didn’t expound, but at this point, it’s too early to know if Metoyer will make it or not.
But if the Sooners can get Metoyer to campus, he should compete for a substantial role in the offense immediately. Metoyer is top 10 in the Texas high school football record books for career receptions, yards and touchdowns.
SPEAKING OF MILLER, the 6-foot-4 junior stepped back on the practice field this week. Miller is coming off a season-ending knee injury.
