Josh Heupel pleased with all backs, says whoever has ‘hot hand’ will get carries

Dominique Whaley injured his ankle severely in OU's 2011 midseason win at Kansas State. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Everyone — Whaley included — has said the starter looks like his old self in practices, but Saturday’s season opener at UTEP will be the first real test.

If, as expected, the Sooners take a big, early lead on the Miners, coaches could rest Whaley to stay on the safe side. OU co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel said coaches feel like all of their backs are all capable of making plays and blocking in pass protection.

Juniors Brennan Clay and Damien Williams, the junior-college transfer from Western Arizona, appear to be the top options to relieve Whaley, and true freshman Alex Ross is another possibility.

“We really feel like all those guys are capable of being explosive with the ball and taking care of it,” Heupel said. “They are patient and do a good job of setting up the blocks. They’ve all been good in pass protection.