Last chance for OU freshmen to impress

By Jake Trotter

Published: August 18, 2007

NORMAN — During last Saturday's scrimmage, receiver Tyler Stradford dashed past the defensive backfield like an antelope racing tortoises.

Plays later, receiver Ryan Broyles wrapped his arms around a defender to make a juggling grab near the sideline.

With their performances of late, Stradford and Broyles have joined quarterback Keith Nichol, linebacker Austin Box and offensive lineman Donald Stephenson among the freshmen with real aspirations for playing time.

In tonight's open scrimmage, all five freshmen will have another chance to make an impression.

"There's some guys doing well,” coach Bob Stoops said. "I really haven't been disappointed with any of them.”

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Stephenson likely will have difficulty finding his way on the field, unless the Sooners have injuries on the offensive line.

OU returns four starters on the line and added 6-foot-8, 350-pound tackle Phil Loadholt, who is expected to start at left tackle.

Stephenson has proved to coaches that he could be a serviceable reserve.

"Donald Stephenson has been awesome up front,” Stoops said.

Stradford and Broyles, meanwhile, have dazzled offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson with their ability to make plays.

"They're going to be good players,” Wilson said. "Tyler is fast, I mean he might be the fastest dude out there. And Broyles has got a little something about him, just kind of a feel and savvy that you like.”

Receivers coach Kevin Sumlin has said he hopes to play at least seven receivers.

At least five of those slots are taken, but Broyles and Stradford could work their way into the backend of the rotation.

"Broyles these past few days has made a whole bunch of big plays in scrimmage-type situations,” receiver Malcolm Kelly said. "And Stradford can play. He's the fastest player on the team. Those two guys show up every day.”

Box enrolled in school in January and has had the benefit of extra time learning defensive coordinator Brent Venable's system.

Box had the third-most tackles with seven in last Saturday's scrimmage and continues to position himself to be one of the top backups at linebacker.

"Austin Box has really come on since the spring,” Stoops said.

No freshman, however, could have more impact on the Sooners than Nichol, who's still battling redshirt freshman Sam Bradford and junior Joey Halzle for starting quarterback.

Nichol's strong arm, deceptive mobility and increased knowledge of the offense since he enrolled in January have boosted his chances of avoiding a redshirt.

In last Saturday's scrimmage, Nichol led the offense to its first score, completing eight of 16 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

"Mentally, that was the best day he had done communicating,” Wilson said. "That was nice for him to do that in a game setting, because in practice sometimes he's been a little bit overwhelmed.

"He made a few nice plays and got us going.”

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