NORMAN — Brian Jackson patiently waited for the question’s completion, nodding even, despite having heard it before.
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"Would the Sooners secondary hold up amid the loss of Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker?” It was an oft-repeated concern of the preseason.
Now, no one’s pressing the issue.
Now, Bob Stoops puts Jackson and Dominique Franks on par with the best corners the Sooners have had since his arrival, well, other than Derrick Strait. Still, lofty company indeed.
"We came into the season knowing that everybody has something to say about the corners,” Jackson said, "just because we lost two people.
"Two new people stepped in. Why can’t we be just as good, if not better? Taking no credit away from Reggie and Marcus, but it’s Dominique and Brian now.”
The Sooners haven’t yet been truly tested. Not like they will in the Big 12, which boasts six of the nation’s top 18 passing offenses and six of the top nine scoring offenses.
Saturday’s game at Baylor offers a different challenge, with Bearsquarterback Robert Griffin dangerous running and passing, or passing on the run.
Still, through four games, there’s no complaints.
Cincinnati struck for some big plays in the first half against OU, with Bearcats wideout Mardy Gilyard grabbing seven passes for 119 yards.
Beginning with the second half of that game, the Sooners have gone into lockdown mode.
Washington completed just two passes longer than 10 yards until the score was 34-0.
Last week, TCU managed just one downfield completion in the first half.
Careful to maintain perspective, Stoops said this secondary, safeties included, looks better than last year’s model — so far.
"I don’t think there’s any question to this point,” Stoops said. "We’ve been much more consistent, broken up more balls, everything’s better than we were a year ago.
"It’s only four games. We haven’t even played a conference game yet. But they have been solid to this point.”
The Sooners lead the Big 12 and rank fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense.
Individually, Franks has five breakups and an interception to rank fourth in the league in passes defended.
Jackson has proven to be a ball hawk, producing an interception and two fumble recoveries while forcing another fumble.
Lately, the references to Smith and Walker are rare. And OU’s current corners are out to keep it that way.
"We just know we’ve got to prove ourselves each week,” Franks said. "That won’t leave until after the season. Not until we win a Big 12 championship or a national championship.
"Then people won’t have their doubts. But until then, they can have them. It’s just going to make us play better, knowing that we have to prove to everybody else how good we are.”
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Reggie played pretty solid in the latter part of his career. He will tell you himself he didn't really feel like he did anything at OU. My guess is probably since he was such a playmaker at Santa Fe and he didn't really have numbers like he did there. Marcus battled injuries pretty much his whole career but he did have bright spots for example that pick that could have sealed the deal for the Boise game. I think Brian and Dom are off to great starts they are going to hold their own.
These two corners, as well as the others that have come into the rotation, have been really good especially when one considers their lack of game experience. Their upside potential has them poised to be among the best OU has had since Stoops arrived. It will be interesting to see how they develop as teams begin to find the weaknesses in OUs defense and find creative ways to attack......gotta love college football it is so much more intriguing than the NFL!!
I agree with J. in Edmond. I was never impressed with Reggie. I can't say I was overly impressed with Marcus Walker either. I think Jackson and Franks are doing a pretty good job so far. Seems like Jackson hits hard and that our DB's are quicker to the ball than in years past. It will be fun to watch them become even better as the year goes on.
John Helsley needs to go take a grammar class. When you write for a living, you should know how to do so. "Still, through four games, there's no complaints." 'There's' is a contraction for There is. I would hope Helsley wouldn't actually write there is no complaints. And, as Howard pointed out below, get the names straight. Geez, who does the proof reading over there?
reggie was a bust in my opinion. sure he has talent but never quite shined like he was supposed to do. d.j. wolfe just plain stunk. how many countless memories do we have of the backside of his jersey getting burnt in the secondary? jackson and franks have been a nice addition to the defense, and look forward to seeing them together for a couple more years!
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OU AT BAYLOR
→When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday
→Where: Floyd Casey Stadium, Baylor, Texas
Two new people stepped in. Why can’t we be just as good, if not better? Brian Jackson Oklahoma Cornerback→TV: FSN (Cox 37)
→Radio: KOKC-AM 1520, KRXO-FM 107.7
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Jackson is a huge playmaker!
Walker? Do you mean Franks?