Oklahoma football: Michael Hunnicutt did not kick back during the summer

“I worked on a lot of inside of 40 yards, trying to get consistent,” Hunnicutt said. “I don't really like talking about the personal bests and stuff.

“But I have definitely gotten stronger. My ball has a little more pop than last year. Hopefully it will show the first game.”

Hunnicutt's offseason, at least when it comes to his clear hold on the Sooners' field-goal job, ranks among the most stress-free for Bob Stoops' kickers at Oklahoma.

Especially since Garrett Hartley's successful run, which ended when his eligibility ran out after the 2008 season.

Gone is Jimmy Stevens, the Heritage Hall product who navigated a rocky, up-and-down OU career that was often the target for intense criticism in the post-Hartley era.

Hunnicutt firmly took hold of the OU field-goal-kicking job after OU's second game of the season, when Stevens couldn't play after straining his right quadriceps. But Stevens was already on the hot seat; he badly missed an extra point in the season opener, and then barely cleared the crossbar on a 31-yard attempt at Florida State.

“It gives me confidence that I'm working toward a game instead of competing with someone every day,” Hunnicutt said of his offseason. “I'm ready for the season to get around here.”