Ben Habern progressing after neck surgery
March, 15, 2012
3/15/12
1:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Ben Habern finally has the brace off. In its place, a nasty scar across his neck.
Habern, a three-year starter at center, underwent neck surgery in January and is sitting out spring drills. But he’s expected to be back before the end of summer drills.
"He's fine,” said James Patton, OU’s offensive line coach. “He's been working out in the training room. He's got to drink some milk and take his multi-vitamins and get healed up, stay strong."
Habern also suffered a broken forearm last season, but returned to the lineup weeks before he was scheduled to.
“He has that toughness,” Patton said. “With his toughness, there's no question about a guy like that.”
With Habern out, Gabe Ikard, Austin Woods and Nila Kasitati have all gotten work at center, Patton said.
Habern, a three-year starter at center, underwent neck surgery in January and is sitting out spring drills. But he’s expected to be back before the end of summer drills.
"He's fine,” said James Patton, OU’s offensive line coach. “He's been working out in the training room. He's got to drink some milk and take his multi-vitamins and get healed up, stay strong."
Habern also suffered a broken forearm last season, but returned to the lineup weeks before he was scheduled to.
“He has that toughness,” Patton said. “With his toughness, there's no question about a guy like that.”
With Habern out, Gabe Ikard, Austin Woods and Nila Kasitati have all gotten work at center, Patton said.
Jake Trotter | email
SoonerNationESPN.com- Oklahoma Sooners football beat writer
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Author of "I Love Oklahoma/I Hate Texas"
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Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
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Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
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