Big 12: Dejuan Miller
SoonerNation links: OU 26, ISU 6
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
7:53
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
SoonerNation covers Oklahoma's 26-6 victory over Iowa State:
Injury-riddled Sooners must rely on Landry Jones in Bedlam: Heading into Bedlam last year, some wondered whether Oklahoma could win in Stillwater with Landry Jones as its quarterback. Only because of Jones does OU have a shot to knock off Oklahoma State this time around.
Oklahoma seniors play final home game: Receiver Dejuan Miller, OU seniors go out in style in their final home game. But there’s still one more regular-season game left.
Injury-riddled Sooners must rely on Landry Jones in Bedlam: Heading into Bedlam last year, some wondered whether Oklahoma could win in Stillwater with Landry Jones as its quarterback. Only because of Jones does OU have a shot to knock off Oklahoma State this time around.
Oklahoma seniors play final home game: Receiver Dejuan Miller, OU seniors go out in style in their final home game. But there’s still one more regular-season game left.
OU wins, but issues persist before Bedlam
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
3:23
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Oklahoma won. That's done with.
The 26-6 final score over the Cyclones is convincing enough not to raise eyebrows. It should, though.
The Sooners suffocated Iowa State's offense, perhaps aided a bit by wind ,and quarterback Jared Barnett never consistently found receivers. The defensive miscues and poor safety play that plagued the Sooners against Baylor last week was gone, but Iowa State has nothing close to what Baylor has at its skill positions. Still, the defense was impressive.
But the offense?
It's clear this offense misses Ryan Broyles, and today, missed receiver Jaz Reynolds, too. Reynolds was suspended for a violation of team rules, and had a banged up shoulder from last week's loss to the Bears. Landry Jones' most reliable and most-often open target is gone, and against the Cyclones, it showed.
Jones finished 22-of-43 for 253 yards and no touchdown passes for the second consecutive game. His first interception? A ball thrown well enough to have been caught, but tipped up on a drop by Kameel Jackson and intercepted by ISU safety Ter'Ran Benton.
Why was Jackson playing? Because he had to. No Broyles and no Reynolds means the Sooners must dig deeper into the depth chart.
His second interception came on a pass intended for Trent Ratterree but CB Jeremy Reeves didn't clear out on an in route by Dejuan Miller and snatched an easy interception.
Who would have thought that missing the all-time FBS leader in receptions could leave a gaping hole in a passing offense. Oh, everyone? OK.
Backup quarterback Blake Bell's played well in short yardage situations and punched in eight touchdowns in three games for the Sooners.
It's clear Jones misses Broyles and against Oklahoma State next week, the Sooners will have to put up points. Iowa State's defense is improving, but Oklahoma State's defense is better. Make the same kinds of mistakes against Oklahoma State next week with a Big 12 title in the balance and the eight-year run of in-state dominance is over for the Sooners.
Reynolds will likely be back. That'll help.
But Oklahoma State has the offensive weapons to stretch the defense and force the offense to make plays. Turn the ball over three times in the second half next week like the Sooners did today and that's a near certainty. The defense forced four turnovers but the offense turned them into just nine points.
It was an ugly day. The defense might be capable of carrying the Sooners next week, but life would be easier if the Sooners offense made sure we all didn't find out.
If that's going to happen, there's plenty of work to do before next Saturday in Stillwater.
The 26-6 final score over the Cyclones is convincing enough not to raise eyebrows. It should, though.
The Sooners suffocated Iowa State's offense, perhaps aided a bit by wind ,and quarterback Jared Barnett never consistently found receivers. The defensive miscues and poor safety play that plagued the Sooners against Baylor last week was gone, but Iowa State has nothing close to what Baylor has at its skill positions. Still, the defense was impressive.
But the offense?
It's clear this offense misses Ryan Broyles, and today, missed receiver Jaz Reynolds, too. Reynolds was suspended for a violation of team rules, and had a banged up shoulder from last week's loss to the Bears. Landry Jones' most reliable and most-often open target is gone, and against the Cyclones, it showed.
Jones finished 22-of-43 for 253 yards and no touchdown passes for the second consecutive game. His first interception? A ball thrown well enough to have been caught, but tipped up on a drop by Kameel Jackson and intercepted by ISU safety Ter'Ran Benton.
Why was Jackson playing? Because he had to. No Broyles and no Reynolds means the Sooners must dig deeper into the depth chart.
His second interception came on a pass intended for Trent Ratterree but CB Jeremy Reeves didn't clear out on an in route by Dejuan Miller and snatched an easy interception.
Who would have thought that missing the all-time FBS leader in receptions could leave a gaping hole in a passing offense. Oh, everyone? OK.
Backup quarterback Blake Bell's played well in short yardage situations and punched in eight touchdowns in three games for the Sooners.
It's clear Jones misses Broyles and against Oklahoma State next week, the Sooners will have to put up points. Iowa State's defense is improving, but Oklahoma State's defense is better. Make the same kinds of mistakes against Oklahoma State next week with a Big 12 title in the balance and the eight-year run of in-state dominance is over for the Sooners.
Reynolds will likely be back. That'll help.
But Oklahoma State has the offensive weapons to stretch the defense and force the offense to make plays. Turn the ball over three times in the second half next week like the Sooners did today and that's a near certainty. The defense forced four turnovers but the offense turned them into just nine points.
It was an ugly day. The defense might be capable of carrying the Sooners next week, but life would be easier if the Sooners offense made sure we all didn't find out.
If that's going to happen, there's plenty of work to do before next Saturday in Stillwater.
Sooners dealing with loss of Ryan Broyles
November, 10, 2011
11/10/11
1:00
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Ryan Broyles sat on a training table with a quickly swelling, torn up knee and a college career that had been over for a little more than an hour.
His talented protégé, Kenny Stills, walked inside, but there was nothing left to be said.
Stills shook his head.
"He knew. I knew. He teared up and my eyes got watery for him," Stills said.
They shook hands. Stills promised he'd pray for him and he'd be missed. A relationship that began when Stills, a California native, visited Oklahoma for the first time was deepened on an offseason mission trip to Haiti.
Now, it's left to run its course off the field.
"You’re not able to change everything that you’re doing with three games left in the year," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. "Other guys just have to step up and make plays and try and make the plays that he’s used to making."
Broyles' career ended fittingly -- on a huge reception. The 30-yard grab was the 349th of his career, more than any other receiver to ever play the game.
Stills was blocking ahead of Broyles and saw him go down, but Broyles had complained of pain in his opposite knee during the week. He caught the ball and landed awkwardly.
"I figured when he went down, it was just the same knee and it wasn’t a big deal," Stills said, "and he'd be back."
Stills, too, had gone down in a heap clutching his knee earlier in the season in a win over Kansas. Fans feared the worst. He was back shortly.
Four plays after Broyles went down, Oklahoma reached the end zone to take a 34-10 lead in the win over Texas A&M.
Receivers went to the sideline, and it was only a few minutes before trainers told Broyles and his teammates on the sideline that Broyles' injury was serious.
Three of the worst letters in football: a torn ACL.
Broyles was in tears before being helped into the locker room.
"As soon as he went in the locker room, you pretty much knew," Stills said.
The team followed later, beating a good Texas A&M team by 16 with a dominant second half.
"The whole team felt (the loss). I could tell in the locker room, everybody was just more quiet than usual, because it was on all our minds," Stoops said. "It definitely took a lot away from it."
The task now is clear: Oklahoma's final four games will be played without Broyles, and Stills must develop into quarterback Landry Jones' new favorite target.
"Ryan’s always been the guy I’ve always looked up to. I came here to study underneath him and one day maybe follow in his footsteps," Stills said, "and that time came a little earlier than I expected."
Broyles' on-field void is obvious, but Stills isn't the only player who'll be affected off the field.
"He’s such a spark in everything that he does, so in both places, but again, our team will respond, I believe," Stoops said. "We have to."
It's only the latest loss for an Oklahoma team now missing its top rusher. Broyles, a much higher-profile player than first-year starter and walk-on Dominique Whaley, makes it easy to forget just how big of a hit the Sooners have taken in recent weeks. This loss, though, Oklahoma is better prepared to handle.
Stills is the biggest reason why. Fellow receivers Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller will have to help, too.
"Everybody just has to step their game up, from the offensive line to the running back to the quarterback and receivers. Just keep rolling and step our game up and pay attention to little details and we’ll be fine," Stills said. "We have a lot of playmakers. Ryan’s no scrub. We know we’re going to miss him, but other people have to step up and make plays for us now."
His talented protégé, Kenny Stills, walked inside, but there was nothing left to be said.
Stills shook his head.
"He knew. I knew. He teared up and my eyes got watery for him," Stills said.
They shook hands. Stills promised he'd pray for him and he'd be missed. A relationship that began when Stills, a California native, visited Oklahoma for the first time was deepened on an offseason mission trip to Haiti.
[+] Enlarge
Mark D. Smith/US PresswireThe Sooners will look to sophomore Kenny Stills to become their No. 1 receiver in the wake of Ryan Broyles' injury.
Mark D. Smith/US PresswireThe Sooners will look to sophomore Kenny Stills to become their No. 1 receiver in the wake of Ryan Broyles' injury."You’re not able to change everything that you’re doing with three games left in the year," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. "Other guys just have to step up and make plays and try and make the plays that he’s used to making."
Broyles' career ended fittingly -- on a huge reception. The 30-yard grab was the 349th of his career, more than any other receiver to ever play the game.
Stills was blocking ahead of Broyles and saw him go down, but Broyles had complained of pain in his opposite knee during the week. He caught the ball and landed awkwardly.
"I figured when he went down, it was just the same knee and it wasn’t a big deal," Stills said, "and he'd be back."
Stills, too, had gone down in a heap clutching his knee earlier in the season in a win over Kansas. Fans feared the worst. He was back shortly.
Four plays after Broyles went down, Oklahoma reached the end zone to take a 34-10 lead in the win over Texas A&M.
Receivers went to the sideline, and it was only a few minutes before trainers told Broyles and his teammates on the sideline that Broyles' injury was serious.
Three of the worst letters in football: a torn ACL.
Broyles was in tears before being helped into the locker room.
"As soon as he went in the locker room, you pretty much knew," Stills said.
The team followed later, beating a good Texas A&M team by 16 with a dominant second half.
"The whole team felt (the loss). I could tell in the locker room, everybody was just more quiet than usual, because it was on all our minds," Stoops said. "It definitely took a lot away from it."
The task now is clear: Oklahoma's final four games will be played without Broyles, and Stills must develop into quarterback Landry Jones' new favorite target.
"Ryan’s always been the guy I’ve always looked up to. I came here to study underneath him and one day maybe follow in his footsteps," Stills said, "and that time came a little earlier than I expected."
Broyles' on-field void is obvious, but Stills isn't the only player who'll be affected off the field.
"He’s such a spark in everything that he does, so in both places, but again, our team will respond, I believe," Stoops said. "We have to."
It's only the latest loss for an Oklahoma team now missing its top rusher. Broyles, a much higher-profile player than first-year starter and walk-on Dominique Whaley, makes it easy to forget just how big of a hit the Sooners have taken in recent weeks. This loss, though, Oklahoma is better prepared to handle.
Stills is the biggest reason why. Fellow receivers Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller will have to help, too.
"Everybody just has to step their game up, from the offensive line to the running back to the quarterback and receivers. Just keep rolling and step our game up and pay attention to little details and we’ll be fine," Stills said. "We have a lot of playmakers. Ryan’s no scrub. We know we’re going to miss him, but other people have to step up and make plays for us now."
Sooners' focus not on Saturday's win
November, 5, 2011
11/05/11
7:25
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
A dominant third quarter turned a tight game into a laugher.
Oklahoma rolled to a 41-25 win over Texas A&M. They restored some pride on their home turf in their first game at Owen Field since a loss to Texas Tech.
For the Sooners, though, the focus from Saturday's game wasn't on the final score.
Ryan Broyles went down with what looked like a knee injury, and was visibly emotional on the sidelines before being taken into the locker room.
Earlier this season, Broyles grabbed the national record for receptions. The NCAA record for receiving yards still looked in reach. Now, Oklahoma must wait to learn about the status of one of their captains.
It looked serious, and Broyles is an obvious huge loss.
The Sooners have a deep, solid receiving corps with emerging stars Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds, as well as Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller. But no Sooner does it like Broyles, one of the team's unquestioned leaders.
Freshman mistakes turned to senior leadership for Broyles, and he helped shepherd the young receivers on and off the field, wowing coaches with both efforts.
Losing him would be a huge mental and physical blow for the team, and speaking for college football fans everywhere, a loss for us to not be able to see him.
Broyles was one of the best at his craft, and entered Saturday's game as the nation's leader in receiving yards per game. He caught two passes for 87 yards on Saturday, suffering the injury on a 30-yard catch.
Broyles' injury feels a lot like Robert Griffin III's knee injury back in 2009, if it ends up being serious. Both guys do it the right way and are so much fun to watch. They're everything right about college football.
The sad truth though, is it's a dangerous game.
Broyles and the Sooners have been forced to revisit that lesson.
Chat: K-State, Red River, best LBs, Snyder
October, 4, 2011
10/04/11
4:30
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Thanks for all the questions. Fun chat today. Here's the full transcript.
Didn't get to hear back from me? Try again with something funnier or more interesting.
Time for a few highlights.
Henry Josey (Columbia): Why do I get absolutely no respect despite the fact I have had good games against 2 top 20 teams with very senior defenses?
David Ubben: Good question, Mr. Josey. You've been solid, and as Bill Snyder said Monday, are averaging "a million yards a carry." I'm unsure if this is true or hyperbole, but you've been an excellent back and carried the load well, which has been much heavier without De'Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence there to help.
Tony S. (KY): Why is it OU keeps dropping in the polls?
David Ubben: People need to stop freaking out about this. I mean, come on. Anyone who thinks OU should be No. 1 hasn't been watching Alabama and LSU play. Sorry.
Bill Snyder (Manhattan, KS): Ubben, I read on this smartberry devise about my youngsters being underdogs to Missouri when they come to my family stadium. What chance do you give my family(fans) enjoying a win this weekend? If we win, chances going 7-0?
David Ubben: First off...awesome question. This game looks like a total toss-up to me. I don't think Missouri's going to be as good as I thought heading into the season. The defensive line has been a bit of a disappointment, and the receivers are still mostly looking like the T.J. Moe Show. K-State, meanwhile, is leaps and bounds better. I maintained this team had a lot of upside, but they've been even better than I thought. Easily the surprise of the Big 12 this year. If K-State wins Saturday, I'm betting on 7-0 heading into that game against OU in three weeks.
cuppycup (College Station, TX): Texas climbed the polls in a hurry playing no one of significance. Will they still look like a top 15 team after the RRS?
David Ubben: I think it'll be close. Texas didn't play anyone of significance, but it's hard to deny how good they've been since switching from Garrett Gilbert. Beat UCLA by 29 on the road and beat Iowa State by 23 on the road with a 34-point halftime lead.
SGT Steck (Edmond): Hey Ubbs, love the blog. Do you think the B12ship comes down to a brawl in Stillwater on Dec. 3? It pains me to sayit cuz I hate the Sooners but I would love to see both teams come into this game undefeated. And to A&M, thanx alot for making our comeback win not so special. It's hard to plays football with your hands around your throat.
David Ubben: At this point, yes. In the Big 12 race, A&M's loss last week was meaningless, but who the heck is going to beat OSU until that OU game? If someone does, it'll only be one game anyway. The Big 12 title will be on the line in Stillwater, maybe between undefeateds.
John (Denver, CO): Teams typically try to cover Ryan Broyles with double coverage. That works, but it frees up another receiver. Do you like Trey Franks or Kenny Stills to step up big in this year's RRR?
David Ubben: Yeah, I think Stills has made that obvious. I'm not sure you can really count on all of OU's other receivers making plays consistently, but one of them will outside of Stills, who will do fine as OU's featured receiver next year. Franks, Dejuan Miller, Jaz Reynolds will make some plays on Saturday. One of them, at least.
Jeff Cook (Tulsa): How aggressive do you think the Big 12 will be, if Missouri stays, in going after other schools to join the Big 12. Thanks.
David Ubben: If Missouri stays, I think the Big 12 needs to go back to 12 with BYU, Louisville and someone else in the Big East like TCU or West Virginia. If Missouri goes, go after them both.
Drew (Manhattan): Where would you rank Arthur Brown among linebackers in the Big 12? In the Nation?
David Ubben: I'd have to really sort that out in an extended post sometime. He's in the mix for the best already. No question. Reminds me a whole lot of Lavonte David. He's got that kind of toughness and speed. Absolute stud.
Tom Holmoe (Provo, UT): Hey, tell Neinas that I sent that contract back via carrier pigeon. He should have it in, oh, about 6 or 7 days, depending on the current hawk and eagle forecast.
David Ubben: Will do.
Didn't get to hear back from me? Try again with something funnier or more interesting.
Time for a few highlights.
Henry Josey (Columbia): Why do I get absolutely no respect despite the fact I have had good games against 2 top 20 teams with very senior defenses?
David Ubben: Good question, Mr. Josey. You've been solid, and as Bill Snyder said Monday, are averaging "a million yards a carry." I'm unsure if this is true or hyperbole, but you've been an excellent back and carried the load well, which has been much heavier without De'Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence there to help.
Tony S. (KY): Why is it OU keeps dropping in the polls?
David Ubben: People need to stop freaking out about this. I mean, come on. Anyone who thinks OU should be No. 1 hasn't been watching Alabama and LSU play. Sorry.
Bill Snyder (Manhattan, KS): Ubben, I read on this smartberry devise about my youngsters being underdogs to Missouri when they come to my family stadium. What chance do you give my family(fans) enjoying a win this weekend? If we win, chances going 7-0?
David Ubben: First off...awesome question. This game looks like a total toss-up to me. I don't think Missouri's going to be as good as I thought heading into the season. The defensive line has been a bit of a disappointment, and the receivers are still mostly looking like the T.J. Moe Show. K-State, meanwhile, is leaps and bounds better. I maintained this team had a lot of upside, but they've been even better than I thought. Easily the surprise of the Big 12 this year. If K-State wins Saturday, I'm betting on 7-0 heading into that game against OU in three weeks.
cuppycup (College Station, TX): Texas climbed the polls in a hurry playing no one of significance. Will they still look like a top 15 team after the RRS?
David Ubben: I think it'll be close. Texas didn't play anyone of significance, but it's hard to deny how good they've been since switching from Garrett Gilbert. Beat UCLA by 29 on the road and beat Iowa State by 23 on the road with a 34-point halftime lead.
SGT Steck (Edmond): Hey Ubbs, love the blog. Do you think the B12ship comes down to a brawl in Stillwater on Dec. 3? It pains me to sayit cuz I hate the Sooners but I would love to see both teams come into this game undefeated. And to A&M, thanx alot for making our comeback win not so special. It's hard to plays football with your hands around your throat.
David Ubben: At this point, yes. In the Big 12 race, A&M's loss last week was meaningless, but who the heck is going to beat OSU until that OU game? If someone does, it'll only be one game anyway. The Big 12 title will be on the line in Stillwater, maybe between undefeateds.
John (Denver, CO): Teams typically try to cover Ryan Broyles with double coverage. That works, but it frees up another receiver. Do you like Trey Franks or Kenny Stills to step up big in this year's RRR?
David Ubben: Yeah, I think Stills has made that obvious. I'm not sure you can really count on all of OU's other receivers making plays consistently, but one of them will outside of Stills, who will do fine as OU's featured receiver next year. Franks, Dejuan Miller, Jaz Reynolds will make some plays on Saturday. One of them, at least.
Jeff Cook (Tulsa): How aggressive do you think the Big 12 will be, if Missouri stays, in going after other schools to join the Big 12. Thanks.
David Ubben: If Missouri stays, I think the Big 12 needs to go back to 12 with BYU, Louisville and someone else in the Big East like TCU or West Virginia. If Missouri goes, go after them both.
Drew (Manhattan): Where would you rank Arthur Brown among linebackers in the Big 12? In the Nation?
David Ubben: I'd have to really sort that out in an extended post sometime. He's in the mix for the best already. No question. Reminds me a whole lot of Lavonte David. He's got that kind of toughness and speed. Absolute stud.
Tom Holmoe (Provo, UT): Hey, tell Neinas that I sent that contract back via carrier pigeon. He should have it in, oh, about 6 or 7 days, depending on the current hawk and eagle forecast.
David Ubben: Will do.
Oklahoma receiver Trey Franks will be back on the field against Texas on Saturday, the school announced on Monday.
The sophomore was suspended for two games after violating an unspecified team rule.
Oklahoma receivers Jaz Reynolds and Dejuan Miller have played well in wins over Missouri and Ball State since Franks' suspension, but the pickup is good news for the Sooners, who'll face one of the Big 12's best defenses on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl.
Texas leads the Big 12 in total defense and pass defense.
The sophomore was suspended for two games after violating an unspecified team rule.
Franks started the final four games of 2010 as a true freshman and the first two games this season. In the opener against Tulsa, he caught seven passes for 74 yards. Franks was also Oklahoma's primary kick returner before the suspension.
Oklahoma receivers Jaz Reynolds and Dejuan Miller have played well in wins over Missouri and Ball State since Franks' suspension, but the pickup is good news for the Sooners, who'll face one of the Big 12's best defenses on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl.
Texas leads the Big 12 in total defense and pass defense.
Ranking the Top 25 Big 12 players: No. 22
July, 29, 2011
7/29/11
10:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
The official list of the Big 12's top 25 players is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we're revealing the list day by day here on the blog. Here's a refresher on my exact criteria.
No. 22: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
2010 numbers: Had 61 catches for 786 yards and five touchdowns.
Most recent ranking: Stills was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Stills: Oklahoma had been in search of a true second receiver to complement Ryan Broyles for all the 2009 season and never really found one. It looked like it might be over in the spring of 2010, but Stills cemented his spot midway through 2010 and finished it as the program's record-holder for receiving yardage by a freshman.
Perhaps most shocking: He did it without ever recording a 100-yard receiving game. Stills caught three of his five touchdowns in the season's final five games, including one of the biggest catches of the year for the Sooners against Nebraska.
Stills is a solid, balanced receiver with good hands who can run past lots of defensive backs and go up and get the ball over others. The Big 12 will lack some of the solid secondaries it had in 2010, like Texas' and Nebraska's, and Stills should be one of the league's receivers that benefits. He's got a good chance to join Broyles as a 1,000-yard receiver, and considering his quarterback, Landry Jones, threw more passes than anyone in college football last year, it won't be for a lack of chances. Oklahoma has lots of young talent at the position, as well as senior Dejuan Miller, but I'd be very surprised if Stills didn't take another huge step and only make it more clear that he's the No. 2 option on this team before taking over as its top receiver in 2012.
The rest of the list:
No. 22: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
2010 numbers: Had 61 catches for 786 yards and five touchdowns.
Most recent ranking: Stills was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Stills: Oklahoma had been in search of a true second receiver to complement Ryan Broyles for all the 2009 season and never really found one. It looked like it might be over in the spring of 2010, but Stills cemented his spot midway through 2010 and finished it as the program's record-holder for receiving yardage by a freshman.
Perhaps most shocking: He did it without ever recording a 100-yard receiving game. Stills caught three of his five touchdowns in the season's final five games, including one of the biggest catches of the year for the Sooners against Nebraska.
Stills is a solid, balanced receiver with good hands who can run past lots of defensive backs and go up and get the ball over others. The Big 12 will lack some of the solid secondaries it had in 2010, like Texas' and Nebraska's, and Stills should be one of the league's receivers that benefits. He's got a good chance to join Broyles as a 1,000-yard receiver, and considering his quarterback, Landry Jones, threw more passes than anyone in college football last year, it won't be for a lack of chances. Oklahoma has lots of young talent at the position, as well as senior Dejuan Miller, but I'd be very surprised if Stills didn't take another huge step and only make it more clear that he's the No. 2 option on this team before taking over as its top receiver in 2012.
The rest of the list:
- No. 23: Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
- No. 24: Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas
- No. 25: Zaviar Gooden, LB, Missouri
Big 12 position rankings: Receiver/tight end
June, 22, 2011
6/22/11
9:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
The Big 12 might be weak at the top of the running back heap, but it's definitely not at receiver. The conference has at least three of the top five receivers in the country, and the top two. They highlight a very strong group of receivers across the league, and I continue our position rankings with receivers today.
Remember that depth plays a big part of these rankings. We'll be ranking the top 10 individuals at each position later on before the season begins.
Other position rankings: 1. Oklahoma
The Sooners have the nation's No. 2 receiver, Ryan Broyles, but found a handful of others to surround him in 2010 and should have a couple more in 2011. Sophomore Kenny Stills broke Broyles' freshman receiving record and looks like a budding star. Dejuan Miller came on strong before a season-ending knee injury, but he's back. The Sooners lose Cameron Kenney, but Trey Franks had a strong freshman campaign, and freshmen Justin McCay (redshirt) and Trey Metoyer could provide even more playmakers.
2. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys boast the returning Biletnikoff Award winner and 2011 favorite, Justin Blackmon, with a great group around him, too. Slot machine Josh Cooper returns for his senior year, and fellow senior Hubert Anyiam (the team's leading receiver in 2009) is hoping to return to form after being slowed by an ankle injury in 2010. Isaiah Anderson is a shifty speedster, while Michael Harrison and Tracy Moore offer a more aerial approach to receiving.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies have the Big 12's No. 3 receiver, Jeff Fuller, who is arguably one of the top-five in the college game. But they also have the Big 12's most experienced receiving unit, with guys who won't be surprised by anything they see in Big 12 play. Juniors Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are the team's second and third options, but fellow juniors Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be bigger pieces of the offense in 2011. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks should see his profile rise in his coming sophomore year.
4. Baylor
Top target Kendall Wright will likely end his career as the Bears' leading receiver for all four of his seasons on the field, and 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior Josh Gordon looks like the new Jeff Fuller. Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese round out the Bears' top five, who all had at least 40 catches last season, and all return.
5. Missouri
Missouri still lacks a proven big-play threat, but has two pass-catchers who have some of the best hands in the game. Receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew won't drop many passes, and combined to catch 182 for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson bring a lot of experience and both had at least 39 catches last season. If Marcus Lucas or Rolandis Woodland can become a consistent downfield threat, Missouri will rise up these rankings by season's end.
6. Texas Tech
Tech's top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis, must be replaced, but the Red Raiders have a few solid candidates to do it. Junior Alex Torres will likely lead the group, but fellow junior Austin Zouzalik and seniors Jacoby Franks and Tramain Swindall will be counted on for more production. Dark horse/juco newcomer Marcus Kennard could blossom into a household name across the Big 12 by season's end.
7. Texas
Sophomore Mike Davis and redshirt freshman Darius White are loaded with potential, but two of the team's top three receivers (James Kirkendoll, John Chiles) are gone, and no Texas receiver caught more than two touchdowns last season. Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are as different as two receivers could be, but both need to break out to help whoever becomes the Longhorns quarterback next fall.
8. Kansas State
Brodrick Smith will be back this season after breaking his leg in a loss to Nebraska. But two of the team's top three receivers are gone, leaving converted quarterback Chris Harper as the leading returner, though Smith might have held that title if he'd stayed healthy. Sophomore speedster Tramaine Thompson can make plays if he gets the ball with some space.
9. Iowa State
The Cyclones will be breaking in a new quarterback this season and they will need a playmaker to step up. Tight end Collin Franklin led team in receiving last season but he is now gone. Darius Reynolds looks like a possible candidate to fill the role, although incoming slot receiver Aaron Horne might rack up a few catches in space. Darius Darks and Josh Lenz should earn some more targets too.
10. Kansas
Converted defensive back Daymond Patterson is the team's top receiver, but the team's No. 3 receiver junior Bradley McDougald, moved to safety in the middle of the season. Tight end Tim Biere is one of the Big 12's best and led the team with four touchdowns last season. Chris Omigie and D.J. Beshears have some potential, and converted quarterback Christian Matthews keeps showing up in spring games. But all three, along with the rest of the group, would benefit from some consistency at the quarterback spot.
Remember that depth plays a big part of these rankings. We'll be ranking the top 10 individuals at each position later on before the season begins.
Other position rankings: 1. Oklahoma
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J.P. Wilson/Icon SMIRyan Broyles finished the 2010 season with 131 catches for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns.
J.P. Wilson/Icon SMIRyan Broyles finished the 2010 season with 131 catches for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns.2. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys boast the returning Biletnikoff Award winner and 2011 favorite, Justin Blackmon, with a great group around him, too. Slot machine Josh Cooper returns for his senior year, and fellow senior Hubert Anyiam (the team's leading receiver in 2009) is hoping to return to form after being slowed by an ankle injury in 2010. Isaiah Anderson is a shifty speedster, while Michael Harrison and Tracy Moore offer a more aerial approach to receiving.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies have the Big 12's No. 3 receiver, Jeff Fuller, who is arguably one of the top-five in the college game. But they also have the Big 12's most experienced receiving unit, with guys who won't be surprised by anything they see in Big 12 play. Juniors Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are the team's second and third options, but fellow juniors Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be bigger pieces of the offense in 2011. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks should see his profile rise in his coming sophomore year.
4. Baylor
Top target Kendall Wright will likely end his career as the Bears' leading receiver for all four of his seasons on the field, and 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior Josh Gordon looks like the new Jeff Fuller. Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese round out the Bears' top five, who all had at least 40 catches last season, and all return.
5. Missouri
Missouri still lacks a proven big-play threat, but has two pass-catchers who have some of the best hands in the game. Receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew won't drop many passes, and combined to catch 182 for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson bring a lot of experience and both had at least 39 catches last season. If Marcus Lucas or Rolandis Woodland can become a consistent downfield threat, Missouri will rise up these rankings by season's end.
6. Texas Tech
Tech's top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis, must be replaced, but the Red Raiders have a few solid candidates to do it. Junior Alex Torres will likely lead the group, but fellow junior Austin Zouzalik and seniors Jacoby Franks and Tramain Swindall will be counted on for more production. Dark horse/juco newcomer Marcus Kennard could blossom into a household name across the Big 12 by season's end.
7. Texas
Sophomore Mike Davis and redshirt freshman Darius White are loaded with potential, but two of the team's top three receivers (James Kirkendoll, John Chiles) are gone, and no Texas receiver caught more than two touchdowns last season. Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are as different as two receivers could be, but both need to break out to help whoever becomes the Longhorns quarterback next fall.
8. Kansas State
Brodrick Smith will be back this season after breaking his leg in a loss to Nebraska. But two of the team's top three receivers are gone, leaving converted quarterback Chris Harper as the leading returner, though Smith might have held that title if he'd stayed healthy. Sophomore speedster Tramaine Thompson can make plays if he gets the ball with some space.
9. Iowa State
The Cyclones will be breaking in a new quarterback this season and they will need a playmaker to step up. Tight end Collin Franklin led team in receiving last season but he is now gone. Darius Reynolds looks like a possible candidate to fill the role, although incoming slot receiver Aaron Horne might rack up a few catches in space. Darius Darks and Josh Lenz should earn some more targets too.
10. Kansas
Converted defensive back Daymond Patterson is the team's top receiver, but the team's No. 3 receiver junior Bradley McDougald, moved to safety in the middle of the season. Tight end Tim Biere is one of the Big 12's best and led the team with four touchdowns last season. Chris Omigie and D.J. Beshears have some potential, and converted quarterback Christian Matthews keeps showing up in spring games. But all three, along with the rest of the group, would benefit from some consistency at the quarterback spot.
Our friends in the Big East kicked off this idea, and it'll suit the Big 12 well. The All-Big 12 preseason teams are still a long way away, but which units in the Big 12 are the best entering 2011?
Here are my votes, and I feel pretty good about all of them. Which would you pick?
Quarterbacks: Oklahoma State
The Cowboys return All-Big 12 first-teamer Brandon Weeden, and the senior will have his top target back, Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon. He threw for 4,277 yards last season and his quarterback rating of 154.11 was eight points higher than any passer in the Big 12.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma, Baylor
Running backs: Texas A&M
Cyrus Gray was the Big 12's best back late in the conference season, and his running mate re-joins him in the backfield this year after breaking his leg midway through 2010. Christine Michael and Gray form perhaps the best backfield duo in the nation, but by far the best in the Big 12.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma
Receivers: Oklahoma
This one's close, but Oklahoma's depth gives them the edge. Ryan Broyles is narrowly the Big 12's No. 2 receiver and a Biletnikoff finalist in his own right, but Kenny Stills could sneak up on a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore in 2011. Dejuan Miller and Trey Franks are two more solid options, and the Sooners could add a pair of talented freshmen to the rotation in Trey Metoyer and Justin McCay.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Baylor
Offensive line: Oklahoma State
The line helped running back Kendall Hunter finish second in the Big 12 with 1,548 yards last season, and all five starters return from the unit that gave up the fewest sacks in the Big 12. That's aided by the quick-release approach in the Air Raid offense, but the line boasts the Big 12's best returning lineman, tackle Levy Adcock.
Honorable mention: Texas A&M
Defensive line: Missouri
The Tigers have the Big 12's returning leader in sacks, defensive end Brad Madison, but the unit is deep and talented and could get even more so next season. DT Terrell Resonno, DE Jacquies Smith and DT Dominique Hamilton are all experienced, and defensive ends Michael Sam and Kony Ealy should provide very little dropoff when they're on the field as part of the rotation. The Tigers also welcome a possible game-changer in Sheldon Richardson, a light-footed 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive tackle and St. Louis native who is the nation's No. 3 juco recruit.
Honorable mention: Texas
Linebackers: Oklahoma
The Sooners have one of the favorites for Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in senior linebacker Travis Lewis, who is likely to be joined by some combination of Tom Wort, Corey Nelson and Jaydan Bird. Nickel back Tony Jefferson could be poised for a break out year on a national scale after sharing Defensive Freshman of the Year honors last season.
Honorable mention: Iowa State
Cornerbacks: Texas A&M
The Aggies have two of the Big 12's best in Dustin Harris and Coryell Judie, who doubles as perhaps the Big 12's most dangerous return man. The pair combined for eight interceptions last season and 21 passes defended. Terrence Frederick defended 10 passes of his own. Health was a concern for this group in the spring, but they should be ready come fall.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma
Safeties: Oklahoma State
Markelle Martin is a future draft pick and one of the Big 12's hardest hitters, but Johnny Thomas played some of his best football late last season. They combined for 118 tackles last season, and 100 of those were solo stops.
Honorable mention: Kansas State
Punter: Oklahoma State
Quinn Sharp has been one of the Big 12's best punters for the past two seasons, and led the league in punting average at 46.2 yards in 2010.
Kicker: Missouri
Grant Ressel has made 43 of 46 field goals over the past two seasons, and the former walk-on should be a contender for the Lou Groza Award as a junior in 2011.
Here are my votes, and I feel pretty good about all of them. Which would you pick?
Quarterbacks: Oklahoma State
The Cowboys return All-Big 12 first-teamer Brandon Weeden, and the senior will have his top target back, Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon. He threw for 4,277 yards last season and his quarterback rating of 154.11 was eight points higher than any passer in the Big 12.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma, Baylor
Running backs: Texas A&M
Cyrus Gray was the Big 12's best back late in the conference season, and his running mate re-joins him in the backfield this year after breaking his leg midway through 2010. Christine Michael and Gray form perhaps the best backfield duo in the nation, but by far the best in the Big 12.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma
Receivers: Oklahoma
This one's close, but Oklahoma's depth gives them the edge. Ryan Broyles is narrowly the Big 12's No. 2 receiver and a Biletnikoff finalist in his own right, but Kenny Stills could sneak up on a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore in 2011. Dejuan Miller and Trey Franks are two more solid options, and the Sooners could add a pair of talented freshmen to the rotation in Trey Metoyer and Justin McCay.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Baylor
Offensive line: Oklahoma State
The line helped running back Kendall Hunter finish second in the Big 12 with 1,548 yards last season, and all five starters return from the unit that gave up the fewest sacks in the Big 12. That's aided by the quick-release approach in the Air Raid offense, but the line boasts the Big 12's best returning lineman, tackle Levy Adcock.
Honorable mention: Texas A&M
Defensive line: Missouri
The Tigers have the Big 12's returning leader in sacks, defensive end Brad Madison, but the unit is deep and talented and could get even more so next season. DT Terrell Resonno, DE Jacquies Smith and DT Dominique Hamilton are all experienced, and defensive ends Michael Sam and Kony Ealy should provide very little dropoff when they're on the field as part of the rotation. The Tigers also welcome a possible game-changer in Sheldon Richardson, a light-footed 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive tackle and St. Louis native who is the nation's No. 3 juco recruit.
Honorable mention: Texas
Linebackers: Oklahoma
The Sooners have one of the favorites for Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in senior linebacker Travis Lewis, who is likely to be joined by some combination of Tom Wort, Corey Nelson and Jaydan Bird. Nickel back Tony Jefferson could be poised for a break out year on a national scale after sharing Defensive Freshman of the Year honors last season.
Honorable mention: Iowa State
Cornerbacks: Texas A&M
The Aggies have two of the Big 12's best in Dustin Harris and Coryell Judie, who doubles as perhaps the Big 12's most dangerous return man. The pair combined for eight interceptions last season and 21 passes defended. Terrence Frederick defended 10 passes of his own. Health was a concern for this group in the spring, but they should be ready come fall.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma
Safeties: Oklahoma State
Markelle Martin is a future draft pick and one of the Big 12's hardest hitters, but Johnny Thomas played some of his best football late last season. They combined for 118 tackles last season, and 100 of those were solo stops.
Honorable mention: Kansas State
Punter: Oklahoma State
Quinn Sharp has been one of the Big 12's best punters for the past two seasons, and led the league in punting average at 46.2 yards in 2010.
Kicker: Missouri
Grant Ressel has made 43 of 46 field goals over the past two seasons, and the former walk-on should be a contender for the Lou Groza Award as a junior in 2011.
I've done it. You've done it.
"Hey, is that guy still around?"
Even with two fewer teams, it's hard to keep track. Our next series, which we did last year, too, takes a look at two key players for every team in the league that are taking their talents elsewhere, returning to campus, or arriving to try and write a legacy of their own.
So really, this series isn't so much for the fans of the teams in the posts, but more for everyone else. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bookmark this series.
Next up: Oklahoma
Going:
Jeremy Beal, DE
Beal will go down as one of the greatest Sooners ever, after notching 28 sacks in his final three seasons and establishing himself as one of the program's great pass rushers. He appeared in 54 games and started 43 in his four-year career, earning All-American honors as a Hendricks Award finalist in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.
DeMarco Murray, RB
Murray's 13-year Sooner career (we kid, but seriously, he and Beal have been around forever) finished with his name atop the storied Oklahoma record books for the career touchdowns (64) and career all-purpose yardage (6,498 yards). Throughout his career, Murray earned a reputation as an injury-prone back, but the 6-foot-1, 207-pounder played in 50 of 55 games for the Sooners, including 26 of 27 in his final two years on campus, missing only a road win over Kansas with a sprained ankle. Murray was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys, and looks likely to be replaced by a committee of running backs.
Staying:
Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles, QB and WR
The past two seasons, this has been one of the best pass-catch combos in college football. Broyles has 220 catches for 2,742 yards in the past two seasons, despite missing two games and nearly all of two others in 2009 with a fractured shoulder blade. In 2010, Jones made big strides as a passer, finding a second target opposite Broyles, Kenny Stills, and a host of other young receivers on the way to 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns, both significantly more than any other passer in the Big 12.
Travis Lewis, LB
Lewis, like Beal and Broyles, will have four years in the spotlight after next year. Lewis has 360 tackles in three seasons, and enters 2011 as the likely favorite for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder is one of the league's best run-stopping linebackers and the leader of the Sooners defense. The San Antonio native earned a reputation as one of the league's biggest trash talkers over the past season, but when you back it up on the field like Lewis does, it remains safely on the side of entertainment, rather than annoyance.
Coming:
Brandon Williams, RB
Williams is likely to be a big part of the running back platoon that replaces Murray. He enrolled early and made an immediate impact, sliding into a rotation along with Roy Finch and Brennan Clay at the top of the depth chart. The 5-foot-11, 189-pounder is a good balance of size and speed and came to Oklahoma as the nation's No. 7 running back.
Trey Metoyer, WR
Metoyer hasn't officially qualified yet, but if he does and makes it to campus this fall, he should give an already solid Oklahoma receiving corps a big boost. The Whitehouse, Texas, native was the nation's No. 8 receiver and at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, could offer a big-time threat as he matures. Oklahoma already has Broyles and Stills, as well as Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller, but redshirt freshman Justin McCay, last year's top recruit, and Metoyer could make the unit even deeper.
Click here for more from The Revolving Door.
"Hey, is that guy still around?"
Even with two fewer teams, it's hard to keep track. Our next series, which we did last year, too, takes a look at two key players for every team in the league that are taking their talents elsewhere, returning to campus, or arriving to try and write a legacy of their own.
So really, this series isn't so much for the fans of the teams in the posts, but more for everyone else. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bookmark this series.
Next up: Oklahoma
Going:
Jeremy Beal, DE
Beal will go down as one of the greatest Sooners ever, after notching 28 sacks in his final three seasons and establishing himself as one of the program's great pass rushers. He appeared in 54 games and started 43 in his four-year career, earning All-American honors as a Hendricks Award finalist in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.
DeMarco Murray, RB
Murray's 13-year Sooner career (we kid, but seriously, he and Beal have been around forever) finished with his name atop the storied Oklahoma record books for the career touchdowns (64) and career all-purpose yardage (6,498 yards). Throughout his career, Murray earned a reputation as an injury-prone back, but the 6-foot-1, 207-pounder played in 50 of 55 games for the Sooners, including 26 of 27 in his final two years on campus, missing only a road win over Kansas with a sprained ankle. Murray was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys, and looks likely to be replaced by a committee of running backs.
Staying:
Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles, QB and WR
The past two seasons, this has been one of the best pass-catch combos in college football. Broyles has 220 catches for 2,742 yards in the past two seasons, despite missing two games and nearly all of two others in 2009 with a fractured shoulder blade. In 2010, Jones made big strides as a passer, finding a second target opposite Broyles, Kenny Stills, and a host of other young receivers on the way to 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns, both significantly more than any other passer in the Big 12.
Travis Lewis, LB
Lewis, like Beal and Broyles, will have four years in the spotlight after next year. Lewis has 360 tackles in three seasons, and enters 2011 as the likely favorite for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder is one of the league's best run-stopping linebackers and the leader of the Sooners defense. The San Antonio native earned a reputation as one of the league's biggest trash talkers over the past season, but when you back it up on the field like Lewis does, it remains safely on the side of entertainment, rather than annoyance.
Coming:
Brandon Williams, RB
Williams is likely to be a big part of the running back platoon that replaces Murray. He enrolled early and made an immediate impact, sliding into a rotation along with Roy Finch and Brennan Clay at the top of the depth chart. The 5-foot-11, 189-pounder is a good balance of size and speed and came to Oklahoma as the nation's No. 7 running back.
Trey Metoyer, WR
Metoyer hasn't officially qualified yet, but if he does and makes it to campus this fall, he should give an already solid Oklahoma receiving corps a big boost. The Whitehouse, Texas, native was the nation's No. 8 receiver and at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, could offer a big-time threat as he matures. Oklahoma already has Broyles and Stills, as well as Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller, but redshirt freshman Justin McCay, last year's top recruit, and Metoyer could make the unit even deeper.
Click here for more from The Revolving Door.
What happened:
"I feel like we can be great. We can be one of the best secondaries in the country, but right now we still have a lot of improvement, a lot of things to work on. So I can’t talk about the positives right now because we still have some negatives to correct." -- Oklahoma safety Aaron Colvin.
More Big 12 spring game recaps:
- Landry Jones played sparingly and Ryan Broyles only fielded punts.
- Drew Allen led the Red team to a 20-14 win by completing 16-of-29 passes for 179 yards and a 16-yard touchdown to Dejuan Miller.
- Walk-on Dominique Whaley led all rushers with 65 yards on 10 carries.
- New safety Aaron Colvin led all tacklers with eight stops and had an interception.
- With the win, the Red team will enjoy a steak dinner, while the White team will deal with a dinner of hot dogs and baked beans.
- Generally, we'll learn a lot less about the better and more established teams during their spring games, and Oklahoma fits that mold. Coach Bob Stoops said Whaley, a transfer from NAIA Langston University, is in the mix for running back, but let's not forget that FB Marshall Musil led the Sooners in rushing during last season's spring game. He had two carries for 11 yards last season. Stoops doesn't sound like he plans to give a heap of touches to any of his backs, which doesn't bode well for any big numbers, but together, Roy Finch, Brennan Clay and Brandon Williams should be pretty stout.
- The last time Oklahoma was gunning for a national title, the preseason race for backup quarterback got relevant real quick. They'll be trying to avoid that this season, but Drew Allen looks like he's pulled ahead of Blake Bell for the spot, and inspired some confidence from the fans by a nice showing on Saturday. This won't be the last time you hear this, but Allen is, of course ... one play away.
- Lane Johnson, a converted tight end, looks like he'll stick at right tackle, where the Sooners had a big hole when Jarvis Jones went down early in the spring with a torn patellar tendon. "It’s going to work out wonderfully for him, and for us. Actually he’s going to end up being a really special player there whether left or right," Stoops said. Oklahoma converted last season's starter, Eric Mensik from tight end to right tackle, so this is hardly new territory. Oklahoma needed someone to fill Jones' role, considering he's likely to miss a few games to start the season, and it looks like Johnson's filled that void.
- Good to see Miller get back on the field and be effective after he missed the latter part of last season with a torn meniscus. He's a big receiver with a lot of potential, and he should be a nice part of a deep Oklahoma receiving corps. By all accounts, he had a fantastic spring.
"I feel like we can be great. We can be one of the best secondaries in the country, but right now we still have a lot of improvement, a lot of things to work on. So I can’t talk about the positives right now because we still have some negatives to correct." -- Oklahoma safety Aaron Colvin.
More Big 12 spring game recaps:
Sooners receivers took a big step in 2010
April, 18, 2011
4/18/11
9:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- This time last year, receiver was still a glaring question mark on a team with Big 12 title hopes. Ryan Broyles was a likely All-American, but he was the only established player from a group that was one of the Sooners' weak spots in 2009.
"I felt like we almost didn’t have a purpose," Broyles said of the nightmarish '09 campaign. "We set out with the greatest quarterback in OU history, I feel: Sam Bradford. One of the greatest tight ends [Jermaine Gresham], and both of those guys got hurt early in the season, so we lost that first game against BYU, and I felt like the season was just up in the air."
A return to the national title game, where Oklahoma had been denied by Florida months earlier, looked unlikely just 30 minutes into the 2009 season, when Bradford suffered a shoulder injury that cost him most of his junior season. Gresham never made it on the field after a knee injury just days before the opener. Two of the biggest pieces of the national runner-up were gone.
"We really lost out on what we were working toward after the first game, so I felt like it was almost like we were going through the motions, and it showed," Broyles said. "We went 8-5, and that was one of the biggest things that hurt us."
Freshman Kenny Stills burst onto the scene in the spring of 2010 after enrolling early at Oklahoma, but few knew what to expect from the receivers come fall.
They did a great job, especially toward the second half of the year," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.
Most impressive, besides Broyles' nation-leading 131 receptions, was the unit's depth.
Stills was second on the team with 786 yards on 61 catches, including five touchdowns. A torn mensicus sidelined Dejuan Miller in mid-October after the junior had played two of his best games of the year against Texas and Cincinnati. But even with Miller out, Oklahoma had an answer.
Senior Cameron Kenney caught just 14 passes in Oklahoma's first 11 games but finished with 19 in its final three -- the Sooners' three biggest of the season. He accounted for 264 yards and three scores, including a momentum-swinging, third-and-long, 86-yard touchdown against Oklahoma State in Stillwater to help the Sooners win a South title.
"That was a major spark," Stoops said. "There’s no question they became a strength, and it became a big difference in the latter part of the year."
Freshman Trey Franks added 29 receptions, and although Kenney's eligibility is done, the Sooners' receiving corps looks like one of the Big 12's deepest heading into 2011.
"They worked," Stoops said. "[Receivers and co-offensive coordinator] coach [Jay] Norvell did a great job working with them, and they gained a little maturity and confidence as they went and gained positive experience."
Stills, after another spring, looks to cement his place as one of the league's best receivers in 2011.
"He came in early in the spring, he learned the offense, and that helped," Broyles said. "Guys come here in the summer and they’re a step behind. It’s not as easy. The faster you get out there, the easier it is to relax and be able to play the way you can play. He was able to get out and get in crunch time. He’s going to be electrifying. People label me as a guy you can expect great things from every game. And he’s another one of those guys."
Broyles, a senior, is plugging what he's learned into young receivers like Franks. He's gearing up for what could be that big year the Sooners missed out on in 2009.
"To be honest, it took me three years to learn the offense and what the coaches expected," Broyles said. "But I feel like those guys are getting a grasp of that."
"I felt like we almost didn’t have a purpose," Broyles said of the nightmarish '09 campaign. "We set out with the greatest quarterback in OU history, I feel: Sam Bradford. One of the greatest tight ends [Jermaine Gresham], and both of those guys got hurt early in the season, so we lost that first game against BYU, and I felt like the season was just up in the air."
A return to the national title game, where Oklahoma had been denied by Florida months earlier, looked unlikely just 30 minutes into the 2009 season, when Bradford suffered a shoulder injury that cost him most of his junior season. Gresham never made it on the field after a knee injury just days before the opener. Two of the biggest pieces of the national runner-up were gone.
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Tim Heitman/US PRESSWIREKenny Stills had a breakout freshman season at Oklahoma, catching 61 passes for 786 yards and five touchdowns.
Tim Heitman/US PRESSWIREKenny Stills had a breakout freshman season at Oklahoma, catching 61 passes for 786 yards and five touchdowns.Freshman Kenny Stills burst onto the scene in the spring of 2010 after enrolling early at Oklahoma, but few knew what to expect from the receivers come fall.
They did a great job, especially toward the second half of the year," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.
Most impressive, besides Broyles' nation-leading 131 receptions, was the unit's depth.
Stills was second on the team with 786 yards on 61 catches, including five touchdowns. A torn mensicus sidelined Dejuan Miller in mid-October after the junior had played two of his best games of the year against Texas and Cincinnati. But even with Miller out, Oklahoma had an answer.
Senior Cameron Kenney caught just 14 passes in Oklahoma's first 11 games but finished with 19 in its final three -- the Sooners' three biggest of the season. He accounted for 264 yards and three scores, including a momentum-swinging, third-and-long, 86-yard touchdown against Oklahoma State in Stillwater to help the Sooners win a South title.
"That was a major spark," Stoops said. "There’s no question they became a strength, and it became a big difference in the latter part of the year."
Freshman Trey Franks added 29 receptions, and although Kenney's eligibility is done, the Sooners' receiving corps looks like one of the Big 12's deepest heading into 2011.
"They worked," Stoops said. "[Receivers and co-offensive coordinator] coach [Jay] Norvell did a great job working with them, and they gained a little maturity and confidence as they went and gained positive experience."
Stills, after another spring, looks to cement his place as one of the league's best receivers in 2011.
"He came in early in the spring, he learned the offense, and that helped," Broyles said. "Guys come here in the summer and they’re a step behind. It’s not as easy. The faster you get out there, the easier it is to relax and be able to play the way you can play. He was able to get out and get in crunch time. He’s going to be electrifying. People label me as a guy you can expect great things from every game. And he’s another one of those guys."
Broyles, a senior, is plugging what he's learned into young receivers like Franks. He's gearing up for what could be that big year the Sooners missed out on in 2009.
"To be honest, it took me three years to learn the offense and what the coaches expected," Broyles said. "But I feel like those guys are getting a grasp of that."
Roundup: Players in, out, and off the field
March, 7, 2011
3/07/11
9:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Here's what you missed over the weekend:
Sooners down another DB
Oklahoma announced safety Marcus Trice would be transferring, which usually wouldn't cause much of a ripple considering Trice played primarily special teams and didn't crack the depth chart last season, eventually being moved to receiver.
But as a freshman, Trice worked as a backup safety and looked ready to become a major contributor again as a sophomore. He didn't, and rumors swirled that he turned in defensive backs coach Willie Martinez for asking in a voicemail for an explanation of why Trice missed a voluntary workout, which is a secondary violation of NCAA rules. The violation forced Oklahoma to sit out a week during this offseason.
Reached by the Tulsa World, however, Trice denied the rumors.
"It wasn't me," Trice told the paper, "but I don't and won't throw anyone else under the bus."
He cited a desire for playing time, something that didn't look like it was coming any time soon at Oklahoma, a school Trice said he grew up dreaming of playing for.
A source at Oklahoma also told the paper that Trice wasn't in bad graces with the coaches. Oklahoma won't be hurt much by his departure, with Javon Harris, Sam Proctor or perhaps nickel back Tony Jefferson looking well prepared to take over for the Sooners' departed safeties, Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson. But it's certainly an interesting case, more so than a routine transfer.
The Sooners did get some good news, however.
Receiver Dejuan Miller's career picked up steam with strong outings in wins over Cincinnati (3 rec., 66 yards) and Texas (5 rec., 61 yards) before a knee injury ended his season. He's been cleared for action this spring, but won't compete in contact drills or play full speed.
Oklahoma's receiving corps already has two outstanding options in Biletnikoff Award finalist Ryan Broyles and sophomore Kenny Stills, who broke Broyles' freshman receiving record with 786 yards last year. Trey Franks came on late, as did tight end James Hanna and the Sooners signed a top receiver in Trey Metoyer in their 2011 class, but Miller returning to form could make them even deeper.
Two Cyclones arrested
Iowa State defensive end Jacob Lattimer and reserve tight end Ricky Howard were arrested over the weekend and suspended indefinitely.
Lattimer, 22, faces charges of assault on a peace officer and interference with official acts. Howard, 20, is suspected of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Lattimer moved from linebacker to defensive end last season and appeared in all 12 games, making 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles.
Howard did not play last season.
Cowboys get punter back
Oklahoma State had to play without Ray Guy semifinalist and All-Big 12 punter Quinn Sharp in the Alamo Bowl. The game carried on without incident thanks to a solid performance from Lou Groza Award winner Dan Bailey's fill-in duties as kickoff specialist and punter, but the Cowboys won't have to worry about any hiccups in 2011.
The academic issues surrounding Sharp have been cleared up, and he's been reinstated to the team, taking part in offseason conditioning and preparing for spring practice, which begins today in Stillwater.
Barring any further changes, he should be ready to go for the season this fall. That's great news for a team with legitimate Big 12 title aspirations. You never miss specialists like Sharp until something goes horribly wrong. The Cowboys won't have to worry about that moving forward. Sharp will also compete this spring to replace his replacement in the bowl game, Bailey, as the Cowboys' placekicker.
Sooners down another DB
Oklahoma announced safety Marcus Trice would be transferring, which usually wouldn't cause much of a ripple considering Trice played primarily special teams and didn't crack the depth chart last season, eventually being moved to receiver.
But as a freshman, Trice worked as a backup safety and looked ready to become a major contributor again as a sophomore. He didn't, and rumors swirled that he turned in defensive backs coach Willie Martinez for asking in a voicemail for an explanation of why Trice missed a voluntary workout, which is a secondary violation of NCAA rules. The violation forced Oklahoma to sit out a week during this offseason.
Reached by the Tulsa World, however, Trice denied the rumors.
"It wasn't me," Trice told the paper, "but I don't and won't throw anyone else under the bus."
He cited a desire for playing time, something that didn't look like it was coming any time soon at Oklahoma, a school Trice said he grew up dreaming of playing for.
A source at Oklahoma also told the paper that Trice wasn't in bad graces with the coaches. Oklahoma won't be hurt much by his departure, with Javon Harris, Sam Proctor or perhaps nickel back Tony Jefferson looking well prepared to take over for the Sooners' departed safeties, Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson. But it's certainly an interesting case, more so than a routine transfer.
The Sooners did get some good news, however.
Receiver Dejuan Miller's career picked up steam with strong outings in wins over Cincinnati (3 rec., 66 yards) and Texas (5 rec., 61 yards) before a knee injury ended his season. He's been cleared for action this spring, but won't compete in contact drills or play full speed.
Oklahoma's receiving corps already has two outstanding options in Biletnikoff Award finalist Ryan Broyles and sophomore Kenny Stills, who broke Broyles' freshman receiving record with 786 yards last year. Trey Franks came on late, as did tight end James Hanna and the Sooners signed a top receiver in Trey Metoyer in their 2011 class, but Miller returning to form could make them even deeper.
Two Cyclones arrested
Iowa State defensive end Jacob Lattimer and reserve tight end Ricky Howard were arrested over the weekend and suspended indefinitely.
Lattimer, 22, faces charges of assault on a peace officer and interference with official acts. Howard, 20, is suspected of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Lattimer moved from linebacker to defensive end last season and appeared in all 12 games, making 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles.
Howard did not play last season.
Cowboys get punter back
Oklahoma State had to play without Ray Guy semifinalist and All-Big 12 punter Quinn Sharp in the Alamo Bowl. The game carried on without incident thanks to a solid performance from Lou Groza Award winner Dan Bailey's fill-in duties as kickoff specialist and punter, but the Cowboys won't have to worry about any hiccups in 2011.
The academic issues surrounding Sharp have been cleared up, and he's been reinstated to the team, taking part in offseason conditioning and preparing for spring practice, which begins today in Stillwater.
Barring any further changes, he should be ready to go for the season this fall. That's great news for a team with legitimate Big 12 title aspirations. You never miss specialists like Sharp until something goes horribly wrong. The Cowboys won't have to worry about that moving forward. Sharp will also compete this spring to replace his replacement in the bowl game, Bailey, as the Cowboys' placekicker.
Signing day is exactly a week from Wednesday, and it's time to take a look at who needs what in its 2011 class.
Some schools have addressed these needs with their current class. Some haven't. Others are still trying.
Here's our look at the South, after running down the Big 12 North earlier this morning.
BAYLOR
Defensive tackle: The Bears are loaded on offense and have a ton coming back, but anyone who watched Baylor in 2010 knows the big problems are on defense, starting with the front four. Phil Taylor is headed to the NFL and Nicolas Jean-Baptiste will be a senior next year. Reserve Chris Buford is gone, too. The Bears need to fill out some depth up front to avoid a repeat of their Texas Bowl debacle defending the run against Illinois.
Punter: Derek Epperson was rock solid as a four-year starter for the Bears, averaging near 44 yards a punt for his past three seasons. He's gone now, and the Bears will need a replacement. The good news is Baylor's offense with Robert Griffin III doesn't make the position nearly as important as it used to be.
OKLAHOMA
Receiver: Ryan Broyles, a senior, and Kenny Stills look ready for big years in 2011, but senior Cameron Kenney is gone. Trey Franks, Dejuan Miller and Joe Powell could contribute in 2011, but beyond that, another big-time threat across from Stills would certainly help. One of the Sooners' top 2011 commits, Trey Metoyer, could become that player.
Safety: Both starters, Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson, have graduated, and the Sooners will try to replace them with Sam Proctor, who has started plenty of games, and Javon Harris. The Sooners are pretty well-stocked about everywhere, but more depth in the secondary is always welcome.
OKLAHOMA STATE
Defensive line: Three of the Cowboys' four starters are gone, and it's always necessary to fill in some depth behind them. Shane Jarka, Chris Donaldson and Ugo Chinasa all had good years in 2010.
Offensive line: Oklahoma State brings back all five starters for 2011, but four will be seniors. That means replacing them in 2012, which will be a lot easier if those replacements don't end up being true freshmen. Oklahoma State kept offensive line coach Joe Wickline, a candidate for the same job at Texas, and his development of the line last year with four new starters was a big reason for the Cowboys' success. He'll need to do it again in 2012.
TEXAS
Running back: Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson will both be seniors in 2011, and Tre Newton's career is over because of issues with concussions. Texas would be well-served if its top 2011 commit, Malcolm Brown, can come in and be effective immediately as a true freshman.
Cornerback: Aaron Williams left early. Curtis and Chykie Brown graduated. Texas needs help at corner and will have big problems in the near future if they don't get it.
Linebacker: Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson will be seniors in 2011, and Dustin Earnest and Jared Norton already graduated. New talent behind them will help prevent a drop-off in 2012 after Acho and Robinson split.
TEXAS A&M
Kicker: Randy Bullock will be a senior in 2011, but Texas A&M is already hoping his spot is filled by incoming freshman Taylor Bertolet, the nation's No. 2 kicker who won the Under Armour All-American game with a last-second field goal earlier this month.
Linebacker: Michael Hodges and Von Miller have graduated, and Garrick Williams will follow them in 2011. The Wrecking Crew was pretty stout for most of 2010, but filling those holes in a four-linebacker front will be key in ensuring things stay that way.
TEXAS TECH
Secondary: LaRon Moore and Franklin Mitchem are gone, so Texas Tech will be breaking in some new blood in the secondary for new coordinator Chad Glasgow and cornerbacks coach Otis Mounds. Freshmen cornerbacks Jarvis Phillips and Tre Porter made plays in 2010, but they also allowed offenses to make a few of their own. Stopping that will be a big step in Texas Tech getting things rolling under Tommy Tuberville.
Receiver: Texas Tech already needs to replace Detron Lewis and Lyle Leong, and Tramain Swindall and Jacoby Franks will follow suit after 2011. Alex Torres was hampered by a back injury all year, but the Red Raiders will need some depth around him at receiver to keep the offense humming.
Some schools have addressed these needs with their current class. Some haven't. Others are still trying.
Here's our look at the South, after running down the Big 12 North earlier this morning.
BAYLOR
Defensive tackle: The Bears are loaded on offense and have a ton coming back, but anyone who watched Baylor in 2010 knows the big problems are on defense, starting with the front four. Phil Taylor is headed to the NFL and Nicolas Jean-Baptiste will be a senior next year. Reserve Chris Buford is gone, too. The Bears need to fill out some depth up front to avoid a repeat of their Texas Bowl debacle defending the run against Illinois.
Punter: Derek Epperson was rock solid as a four-year starter for the Bears, averaging near 44 yards a punt for his past three seasons. He's gone now, and the Bears will need a replacement. The good news is Baylor's offense with Robert Griffin III doesn't make the position nearly as important as it used to be.
OKLAHOMA
Receiver: Ryan Broyles, a senior, and Kenny Stills look ready for big years in 2011, but senior Cameron Kenney is gone. Trey Franks, Dejuan Miller and Joe Powell could contribute in 2011, but beyond that, another big-time threat across from Stills would certainly help. One of the Sooners' top 2011 commits, Trey Metoyer, could become that player.
Safety: Both starters, Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson, have graduated, and the Sooners will try to replace them with Sam Proctor, who has started plenty of games, and Javon Harris. The Sooners are pretty well-stocked about everywhere, but more depth in the secondary is always welcome.
OKLAHOMA STATE
Defensive line: Three of the Cowboys' four starters are gone, and it's always necessary to fill in some depth behind them. Shane Jarka, Chris Donaldson and Ugo Chinasa all had good years in 2010.
Offensive line: Oklahoma State brings back all five starters for 2011, but four will be seniors. That means replacing them in 2012, which will be a lot easier if those replacements don't end up being true freshmen. Oklahoma State kept offensive line coach Joe Wickline, a candidate for the same job at Texas, and his development of the line last year with four new starters was a big reason for the Cowboys' success. He'll need to do it again in 2012.
TEXAS
Running back: Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson will both be seniors in 2011, and Tre Newton's career is over because of issues with concussions. Texas would be well-served if its top 2011 commit, Malcolm Brown, can come in and be effective immediately as a true freshman.
Cornerback: Aaron Williams left early. Curtis and Chykie Brown graduated. Texas needs help at corner and will have big problems in the near future if they don't get it.
Linebacker: Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson will be seniors in 2011, and Dustin Earnest and Jared Norton already graduated. New talent behind them will help prevent a drop-off in 2012 after Acho and Robinson split.
TEXAS A&M
Kicker: Randy Bullock will be a senior in 2011, but Texas A&M is already hoping his spot is filled by incoming freshman Taylor Bertolet, the nation's No. 2 kicker who won the Under Armour All-American game with a last-second field goal earlier this month.
Linebacker: Michael Hodges and Von Miller have graduated, and Garrick Williams will follow them in 2011. The Wrecking Crew was pretty stout for most of 2010, but filling those holes in a four-linebacker front will be key in ensuring things stay that way.
TEXAS TECH
Secondary: LaRon Moore and Franklin Mitchem are gone, so Texas Tech will be breaking in some new blood in the secondary for new coordinator Chad Glasgow and cornerbacks coach Otis Mounds. Freshmen cornerbacks Jarvis Phillips and Tre Porter made plays in 2010, but they also allowed offenses to make a few of their own. Stopping that will be a big step in Texas Tech getting things rolling under Tommy Tuberville.
Receiver: Texas Tech already needs to replace Detron Lewis and Lyle Leong, and Tramain Swindall and Jacoby Franks will follow suit after 2011. Alex Torres was hampered by a back injury all year, but the Red Raiders will need some depth around him at receiver to keep the offense humming.
Receiver Dejuan Miller will miss the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus, the school announced on Thursday.
The loss definitely hurts Oklahoma, but it's not a major blow. Miller has played well in his past three games, catching 10 passes for 137 yards, but like everyone in the Sooners' receiving corps not named Ryan Broyles, inconsistency has marked his career.
Miller's definitely capable of making big plays, but so is his replacement, Cameron Kenney, whose production and playing time in recent weeks has slowed with Miller's play, as Miller's did last year when Kenney played his best football early in the season.
Neither player has a 100-yard receiving game in their career, but in the toughest game Oklahoma played last year without Broyles, a road game at Miami, it was Kenney who emerged, catching six passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in the 21-20 loss. Broyles fractured his shoulder blade on the game's opening drive.
The one thing Miller has that the Sooners can't replace is his size. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is a tough cover for any cornerback, but also has just one career touchdown catch.
The No. 1 Sooners would be better off with Miller on the team when it travels to face No. 11 Missouri, but now it's Kenney's opportunity to make a few plays behind Broyles and Oklahoma's No. 2 receiver, freshman Kenny Stills.
The loss definitely hurts Oklahoma, but it's not a major blow. Miller has played well in his past three games, catching 10 passes for 137 yards, but like everyone in the Sooners' receiving corps not named Ryan Broyles, inconsistency has marked his career.
Miller's definitely capable of making big plays, but so is his replacement, Cameron Kenney, whose production and playing time in recent weeks has slowed with Miller's play, as Miller's did last year when Kenney played his best football early in the season.
Neither player has a 100-yard receiving game in their career, but in the toughest game Oklahoma played last year without Broyles, a road game at Miami, it was Kenney who emerged, catching six passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in the 21-20 loss. Broyles fractured his shoulder blade on the game's opening drive.
The one thing Miller has that the Sooners can't replace is his size. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is a tough cover for any cornerback, but also has just one career touchdown catch.
The No. 1 Sooners would be better off with Miller on the team when it travels to face No. 11 Missouri, but now it's Kenney's opportunity to make a few plays behind Broyles and Oklahoma's No. 2 receiver, freshman Kenny Stills.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
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