Reynolds making the grade
OU linebacker turns in a rare performance against Baylor

Published: October 6, 2008

NORMAN — Defensive coordinator Brent Venables can’t recall ever giving one of his linebackers a perfect grade.

Oklahoma’s Ryan Reynolds, left, brings down TCU’s Joseph Turner during the first half of the Sooners’ victory over TCU on Sept. 27. Photo By Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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But that’s what happened with middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds, who graded out at 100 percent against Baylor.

"I don’t know that I’ve ever had that before,” said Venables, who has coached two Butkus Award winners and four All-Americans at linebacker. "I tried to be very nitpicky, but he graded out at 100 percent.”

That grade underscores just how well Reynolds is playing. On the season, he is leading the Sooners with 41 tackles.

Saturday, Reynolds finished with a game-high 14 tackles, including two tackles for loss.

He had the hit of the day when he popped scrambling Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin.

Three weeks ago, Reynolds delivered an equally ferocious tackle on Washington quarterback Jake Locker, momentarily knocking him out of the game. In that victory, Reynolds graded out at 95 percent.

"He plays with great technique. He’s always square. He’s always got his hips under him,” Venables said. "And he’s always able to explode to the ball-carrier when he’s in good position.”

After undergoing two knee surgeries in his career, Reynolds is finally healthy. For the first time since his freshman year, he isn’t wearing knee braces.

Reynolds, who says he feels "night and day different” from last year, has benefited from a healthy off-season, where he was able to improve his speed, strength and conditioning, as opposed to only rehabbing his knees.

Reynolds’ veteran presence has also been a big help to first-year starters Keenan Clayton and Travis Lewis, who continue to play well.

"He gets everybody squared away out there, gets everybody lined up,” coach Bob Stoops said. "Overall, he’s playing really well.”

Last year against Texas, Reynolds was criticized for his coverage against tight end Jermichael Finley, who had 149 yards receiving, though Stoops pointed out several of those coverage miscues should have been attributed to former Sooner linebacker Curtis Lofton.

Still, this Saturday will be an opportunity for Reynolds to show on a big stage that he’s a much better player.

"Ryan is a guy we didn’t know could come back from (the knee injuries). Not many people have,” Venables said. "To see him come back and play at the level he has, it’s pretty remarkable.”

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