Power Lunch Chat with Jason Kersey transcript, Dec. 19, 2012

The Oklahoman's Jason Kersey took questions from readers in today's OU Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports. Here's a recap of today's chat.

By Jason Kersey | Published: December 19, 2012 Comment on this article

The Oklahoman's Jason Kersey took questions from readers in today's OU Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports. Here's an unedited transcript of today's chat.

NewsOK 10:29 a.m. Thanks for joining us today for another Power Lunch Chat. Jason will be logging in at 11 a.m., but you can start submitting your questions now.

Jason Kersey 10:59 a.m. OK, it's 11 a.m. and time to get started. Keep the questions coming

billy 10:59 a.m. What's the future of the DL look like?

Jason Kersey 11:01 a.m. Chuka Ndulue will be the veteran on the line next year, and Geneo Grissom looks like he'll probably be competing to start. Jordan Phillips improved this year some at DT and should compete for playing time next season. They just landed Quincy Russell, a junior college DT that could come in and immediately start.

Larry 11:01 a.m. Any word on Saunders yet?

Jason Kersey 11:01 a.m. No, Bob Stoops said Saunders' Cotton Bowl status hadn't been determined yet. He's issued one-game suspensions in the past for arrests, but said he'll decide what to do about Saunders soon and let everyone know.

tony 11:02 a.m. Is Blake Bell a lock to be the starter next year?

Jason Kersey 11:02 a.m. * He's definitely the favorite, but look out for Trevor Knight. The true freshman has been impressive on scout team and sounds like he could push Bell.

Tyler 11:03 a.m. Should we be worried about OU basketball after last night loss to Stephen F.Austin?

Jason Kersey 11:06 a.m. Certainly there's some concern there after a promising start. I still think this is an improved team but they're a work in progress and things are going to get tough here in the next few weeks with Ohio and then jumping into the Big 12 schedule early in January.

cowboy 11:08 a.m. I'm convinced that Blake Bell will not be nearly as good as Landry Jones. Don't you think people will find out that the grass isn't greener???

Jason Kersey 11:10 a.m. I think there's an element of truth there. There is rarely a more popular player than the backup quarterback when things aren't going 100 percent right and that's even more true of Bell because he does get in and bring a different element to the game. But Bell comes in for situations where his chances of success are better. Certainly it's a different story when he's got to come in, down a touchdown and needing to drive 90 yards. There will be some growing pains with whatever quarterback replaces Landry next year and I think fans will appreciate a bit more what LJ brings to the table with some added perspective.

Tim 11:11 a.m. What are the chances Laquon Treadwell winds up at OU and what would that go for this recruiting class?

Jason Kersey 11:13 a.m. OU has to feel pretty good about their chances right now. He's narrowed his list to OU, OSU and Ole Miss and made a comment about wearing No. 1 next year (It's available at OU, it's not at OSU). He seemed to love his visit to Norman and has some family ties to the area (though he also has some family ties to OSU from my understanding). He'd be a nice add to the class, of course, as the top wide receiver in the country, but he's not a must-have for a team with a solid group of WRs coming in on the heels of last year's class.

Guest 11:13 a.m. Whats the scoup on recruiting are we as the Sooner Nation losing kids because it's hard work or losing them because they don't want to play for Bob Stoops and staff I just don't get it can you shed some light on this subject? Thank You!

Jason Kersey 11:16 a.m. It's hard to tell. They've recruited well in spots (WR and DB especially) but struggled elsewhere. There was some concern last year and that class wound up being a pretty good one. So we've got to wait until signing day. They certainly need to get some help on the offensive line after losing Beyer and Rodriguez. Recruiting can change quickly, though. Just look at where they stand with DTs. Had none a few days ago and then flipped a kid from A&M and now will apparently sign Quincy Russell there today.

John 11:18 a.m. Are there any other in-state players the Sooners might go after in this class?

Jason Kersey 11:21 a.m. They've done pretty well in-state, with the exception of losing out on Dalton Rodriguez from Tulsa Union. The one I'd keep an eye on is Jackson Dillon of Ringling. He'd be a bit of a project, but he's a more polished player at this stage than Michael Onuoha was last year. He could play OLB or DE depending on what they wanted to do with him and he's an OU legacy, as his dad played for the Sooners. Depending on what happens today with Juco signings, he could get a chance to follow in his father's footsteps if he wants to switch his commitment from Memphis.

Eddie 11:23 a.m. What's been the best surprise of the last few games of the season?

Jason Kersey 11:25 a.m. I think you've got to start with Geneo Grissom. He was a defensive player, he was a tight end, then he was shipped back to defense. That usually signals a guy who can't play anywhere. But in the end, he was solidly in the rotation and playing well on the defensive line and shoring up an area that's been a concern for the Sooners.

Guest 11:25 a.m. Please I'm begging OU to do away with basketball, it's going to get much worse. Our best case scenario for the next 10 years or so is we finish in the middle of the Big 12. I'm afraid It's really going to get embarrassing. Two star recruits with an occasional 3 star at best.

Jason Kersey 11:26 a.m. Basketball fortunes can change so quick based on one or two signing classes. Certainly, they'll get a boost next year when Ryan Spangler is eligible. He's the kind of player who could make a big difference for this year's team.

Jason Kersey 11:27 a.m. Time for one more question

Mike 11:27 a.m. What kind of player is Russell? I guess I mean, is he a disruptor or just another solid DT?

Jason Kersey 11:31 a.m. He's got a chance to be a disruptor. He showed well at Trinity. Obviously there's an adjustment to be made there but he certainly has a chance to be a big part of that DL.

Jason Kersey 11:31 a.m. I'll wrap it up with another quick one

Dan from CT 11:31 a.m. I'm glad the whole mess with Justin manning is over, but why did OU take so long to offer him? If he was so highly touted, why wait? Maybe OU thought he was not good enough?

Jason Kersey 11:32 a.m. OU definitely wanted the kid. They'd been recruiting him for awhile. That was a tough break for the Sooners losing him to TAMU. OU has a reputation for slow-playing guys a bit but that seems to be turning around over the last year or so.

Jason Kersey 11:33 a.m. Thanks for taking the time today. Look forward to doing it again soon.