Bob Stoops says Ronnell Lewis not playing due in part to missed time

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops weighed in on why linebacker Ronnell Lewis hasn’t played more this season.

“Ronnell is a very good talent. I think it’s just continuing to gain the trust. What isn’t talked about a lot is that Ronnell has missed a lot, due to academic reasons in the spring and the summer and two-a-days and due to an ankle injury,” Stoops said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “Some of that is gaining time on the field in practice and discipline in practice and to continue to trust him.”

Lewis expressed frustration Monday at not playing a defensive snap against Air Force on Saturday. Stoops said Lewis just needs more time.

“That’s our job to bring him along, and I believe we will,” Stoops said. “Ronnell works hard. Got a great attitude. Again, it’s finding what works best for him and where we can have the most trust in him as well. Sometimes, when you haven’t been on the field a lot or you have missed an extended period of time, middle backer is hard to handle.”

Stoops also said the fact Lewis has been working at three different positions — strongside linebacker, middle linebacker and defensive end — shouldn’t be a big hindrance.

“He played SAM linebacker all last year when there was a tight end in the game,” Stoops said. “When you’re playing on the edge of the defense, playing a block is playing a block. When you’re at SAM linebacker, you’re doing the same thing. Sometimes we bring our linebackers. Or sometimes we drop our defensive ends in coverage.