Oklahoma football: What about Dominique Whaley?

Whaley, a former walk-on, suffered a season-ending ankle injury midway through last season after earning the starting job. He resumed starting duties at the beginning of this season, but Williams' emergence led to his elevation on the depth chart.

Whaley, though, has barely seen the field at all since the Oct. 13 Texas game. In home contests against Kansas and Notre Dame, Whaley didn't play at all.

Then Saturday, with Williams suited up but clearly hobbled, junior Brennan Clay started in the backfield instead of Whaley, who carried the ball just one time in Ames.

“Coach (Cale) Gundy just felt Brennan was more ready,” Stoops said Monday.

Stoops said Monday that Whaley is “back and doing the best he can. ... He's doing great.”

Senior tackle Lane Johnson, who hurt his ankle against Notre Dame, only played on special teams Saturday. Junior guard Bronson Irwin also has dealt with some ankle issues; he was helped off the field at one point Saturday, but returned and finished the game.

“(Ankle injuries are) hard,” Stoops said. “The ankles, with all the pieces and when they break. They are tough to overcome.

“Probably fair to say they're even more serious than knee injuries, just because I think they're harder to repair with all the small pieces and ligaments in there.”

TRUTH IS KEY TO RECRUITING, ACCORDING TO KENNY STILLS

Kenny Stills came to Oklahoma to play for those who came before him.

Like Ryan Broyles. Mainly, Ryan Broyles.