Sooners prefer best bowl, best matchup

Summer pride

Here's a look at the five Sooners with the most to gain this offseason:

1. LB Demarrio Pleasant, Jr./Curtis Lofton, So.: Injury to Ryan Reynolds opened up a starting job. Pleasant could seize the job if spring academic issues are behind him. If not, Lofton could move over for a look.

2. OL Brandon Walker, Jr.: One guard spot is his for the taking if Walker can speed through the junior college adjustment period.

3. QB Rhett Bomar, So.: Can go a long way in making a statement that this is his team.

4. DT Gerald McCoy, Fr.: Wants desperately to join the mix up front as a true freshman.

5. WR Paul Thompson, Sr.: Last chance to make an impact; adding skills at new position.

Sizing up the schedule

Sept. 2 UAB...WR Reggie Lindsay had 53 catches, 11 for TDs, a year ago.

Sept. 9 Washington...Huskies coming off first back-to-back losing seasons since early '70s.

Sept. 16 @ Oregon...since his arrival, coach Mike Bellotti's 90-42 record is Pac 10's best.

Sept. 23 Middle Tennessee...senior QB Clint Marks set single-season school record with 2,749 yards in '05.

Oct. 7 Texas...UT's three scholarship QBs are all freshmen.

Oct. 14 Iowa State... schedule shift now includes South's big three: OU, Texas and Tech.

Oct. 21 Colorado...kicker Mason Crosby made 13 FGs from 40 yards and beyond.

Oct. 28 @ Missouri...Tigers are 3-24 against the Sooners since 1973.

Nov. 4 @ Texas A&M...RBs Courtney Lewis and Javorskie Lane combined for 16 rushing TDs last year.

Nov. 11 Texas Tech...can Red Raiders replace RB Taurean Henderson's 1,400 total offense and 22 TDs?

Nov. 18 @ Baylor...Edmond Santa Fe alum Brandon Whitaker, with 30 receptions at RB a year ago, could thrive in new spread attack.

Nov. 25 @ Oklahoma State...outgained by league-worst 148.7 yards per game in '05 league contests.

Considering OU’s deliberate approach to recruiting this summer, what’s the biggest news so far?
The commitment from Enid’s Austin Box, the nation’s No. 1 safety prospect according to Scout.com, is significant.

But Texas prospect Desmond Jackson, ranked No. 18 at safety but expected to switch to cornerback, broke the hearts of several defensive coordinators in the region who believe he’ll be ready to step in and make an impact from Day 1.

Is Courtney Paris the greatest recruit in the history of OU women’s hoops?
The case is mounting, on a number of levels. Paris was obviously a fantastic on-court addition, carrying the Sooners to a superb season as a true freshman last year. But it’s apparent her gifts will keep on giving.

Other top players want to take the court alongside her, because she’s a great player and seemingly a great teammate.

Courtney and her sister, Ashley, played key roles in attracting OU’s latest commitment, Ohio standout Carlee Roethlisberger. The Paris twins were a factor in the Sooners getting national recruits Amanda Thompson and Abi Olajuwon last year, the keys in a No. 11 class ranking by Scout.com. And more potential future stars are watching what’s going on in Norman.

Stefanie Gilbreath, a guard from Katy, Texas, and Vicki Baugh, a 6-foot-4 forward from Sacramento, Calif., are two top-10 recruits in the country considering OU.

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