Road notes: Jalen Saunders called ‘Hiccup’; David King praises ISU’s zone-read ability
The airport’s website, though, lists a St. Paul address for Terminal 1, so my conundrum over what this blog’s dateline should be was quickly resolved.
We — meaning myself, fellow OU beat writer Stephanie Kuzydym, columnist Berry Tramel and videographer Damon Fontenot — arrive in Des Moines in a few hours, and there won’t be much time between then and 11 a.m. Saturday, when the Sooners kick off inside Jack Trice Stadium against Iowa State.
Looking back through my notes and quotes from the week’s media availabilities and research, I found a few interesting items to share that didn’t make it into the newspaper.
******************************************************************************************************************************************
Sooners co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said it became apparently early in fall camp that junior receiver Jalen Saunders was special.
“He had experience, and I think that’s the biggest thing that you can’t measure,” Norvell said. “When a kid’s played a couple years of college ball and had a lot of success, you can really tell when he’s on the field by the way he carries himself.
“He understands concepts and coverages. He’s a very slippery guy. I call him ‘Hiccup,’ that’s my nickname for him. He’s just very slippery in traffic.”
Of course, it took a while before Saunders’ potential could be displayed on gameday. Saunders was initially denied a waiver for immediate eligibility after his transfer from Fresno State, and it was thought that he’d have to sit out a year. But just days before the Sooners’ fifth game of the season — the Red River Rivalry showdown against Texas — his appeal, and immediate eligibility, was granted.
(Side note: For more on the circumstances leading to Saunders’ successful appeal to the NCAA, check out this excellent story from Stephanie Kuzydym, my partner on the OU beat.)
Against Notre Dame, Saunders set an OU record with eight receptions in the first quarter. He went on to grab 15 passes for 181 yards.
“It was quite evident early on when we got him that he could make an impact for us,” Norvell said. “It was just more about getting him eligible at that point. He is what we thought he was, and we’re happy he’s here.”
Follow
