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Some quick notes before spring practice starts
1. Justin Chaisson is going to be moved to DT for spring. Chaisson who was already 260 will look to get to around 275 for spring, and has a frame that could easily carry 285 to 290. Chaisson ability to get on the field at DT is far quicker than at DE. Chaisson would bring the kind of explosive speed (consistently timed at 4.7 at around 270) to OU's 3-technique DT position that the OU defense needs. Stacey McGee is really the only other 3 technique DT right now, so Chaisson could get considerable reps this spring. Moving Chaisson to DT also provides more depth at the 3 technique this spring until Eric Humphrey arrives in August. To recap, here are the current OU DTs and their best positions (I'm mixing some terminology here so please bear with me) Adrian Taylor- 1 gap/3 technique (he's played both) Jamarkus McFarland - 1 gap/3 technique Casey Walker - 1 gap Justin Chaisson - 3 technique Damon Williams- 1 gap Daniel Noble - 1 gap Eric Humphrey- 3 technique Torrea Peterson - 1 gap/3 technique ( I keep calling him an Adrian Taylor clone)
2. Brent Venables on the radio recently was talking up the Chaisson move to DT and that redshirt Freshman DE Jarrett Brown was looking very good. As if OU didn't have enough depth at DE with Alexander/Beal/King/Washington. Brown was kind of a forgotten signee last year. OU got in on him late, up until his senior year Brown had been more focused on basketball. Brown's one of those multi sport athletes Bob is always talking about recruiting that often have a high ceiling since they haven't focused on football. Brown at 6-3, 255 should provide even more depth at the DE position this spring.
3. Lewis and Lewis at LB. One of the Lewis'es should really be named Martin because I cannot recall a famous duo named Lewis and Lewis. Brent again has been talking about playing Ronnell Lewis at various spots this spring and Travis Lewis at Mike instead of his usual WILL LB spot. I'll be stunned coming out of spring if WILL/MIKE LBs are not in some order Ronnell/Travis Lewis. And that duo might legitimately be the most athletic pair of LBs Bob has ever had at those two positions. Lehman and pre injury Lance Mitchell would be a close second. This Lewis and Lewis combo could really provide the kind of playmaking needed with the loss of some veteran Sooner defenders.
4. Javon Harris is back at safety. Harris had been moving to RB or Slot WR or some hybrid role. Rumor had it that Harris and BJW did not get along at all. However, one meeting with new DB coach Willie Martinez and Harris is now back at the safety position.
5. Eric Mensik despite what the most recent depth chart indicates is not going back to TE. A very good sign for the OL would be Stephenson and Mensik winning the OTs spot this spring. OU really needs some stability along the OL, finding starters to go along with Stephen Good and Ben Habern is vital. OU cannot again go into fall camp so unsettled along the whole OL. Early word is that the OL is having a very good winter offseason as opposed to last year when Bob called them out before Spring.
6. Kenny Stills/Tony Jefferson are already making noise. Both players are having very good winter workouts, and expectations are that Jefferson at safety and Stills at WR to be factors this spring. Stills in particular has garnered attention with allegedly the fastest 40 time among the WRs. I think one of the keys to creating a Cali Connection for the Sooners is early on the field success for the Cali 3.
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