Jake Trotter

  (4:00 PM)

Hey guys... we'll get rolling in a sec.

Rocky (Missouri)

What does the injury to Tyler Evans do to OU and their OL depth? What does the starting OL look like now?

Jake Trotter

  (4:01 PM)

It hurts. The good news is that OG/C is the deepest part of the team (or was). Bronson Irwin will be slotted in at RG. Across the board, you have LT Tyrus Thompson, LG Adam Shead, C Gabe Ikard, RG Bronson Irwin, RT Daryl Williams. Sooners are one more OL injury away from having some real problems.

chris (canfield)

how much do you think brown will help the sooners?

Jake Trotter

  (4:03 PM)

Justin Brown is a big, fast, physical wideout. His hands are a question, but he'll stretch defenses downfield, which the Sooners desperately needed after Broyles got hurt last season. He could really help the return game, which has just been mediocre the last 5 years. Brown ranked 36th nationally in punt returns iin 2011.

Chris (OKC)

Has the final word on the extent of the injury to Tyler Evans been announced?

Jake Trotter

  (4:03 PM)

MRI today. But not a lot of optimism.

Ryan (Dallas )

Was Danzel Williams moved to safety because because there is a need at db or because there is good depth at rb?

Jake Trotter

  (4:04 PM)

Combination of both. Mike Stoops told me walk-on Jesse Paulson was in line to be OU's third safety, behind Jefferson and Harris. Danzel is a nice athlete, but he's buried on the depth chart with Whaley, Clay, Finch, Damien Williams. The opporunity is there for him to play at S down the line.

Jake Trotter

  (4:04 PM)

Combination of both. Mike Stoops told me walk-on Jesse Paulson was in line to be OU's third safety, behind Jefferson and Harris. Danzel is a nice athlete, but he's buried on the depth chart with Whaley, Clay, Finch, Damien Williams. The opporunity is there for him to play at S down the line.

Chris (OKC)

So tired of BAD NEWS, Jake, give us some GOOD NEWS.

Jake Trotter

  (4:05 PM)

How about this: RB Dom Whaley looks "tremendous" by all accounts. He said last week he's better than he was last season. I'm starting to believe it.

Jason (Norman)

What do you think about JM McGee? Is he going to come back or quit football?

John (San Anton)

What is going on with John Michael McGee?

Jake Trotter

  (4:06 PM)

Homesick. Stoops gave him the day off to think about whether he wants to stay on the team. But based on his tweets this morning, I wouldn't bet on him staying.

Ryan (Dallas )

Would Kameel Jackson have been dismissed from the team if OU had not secured a commitment from Justin Brown?

Jake Trotter

  (4:07 PM)

Yeah. I think for the most part Stoops evaluates these cases in a vacuum. Kameel was having academic issues. Clearly, he didn't take care of business in the classroom this summer.

Billy Joe Bob (Oklahoma )

Do you see Justin Brown starting? If he doesn't, do you think it was a mistake for him to have transferred?

Jake Trotter

  (4:08 PM)

Whether he starts or not, he's going to play. Penn State is a mess right now, and they've already lost several key players to transfer. They're probably going to have a long year. At OU, Brown gets to compete for a national title. There's something to be said for sticking it out with his teammates. But I see why he left.

ouwooferman (Houston Tx)

Jake keep up the great work, always look forward to your stuff. Two questionsDiscuss the Oline status/depth/impactOf all of the position switches that we are seeing, which one is the most interesting. Thanks

Jake Trotter

  (4:10 PM)

If the Sooners could withstand an injury run at a specific position, it's the middle of the o-line. Irwin and Shead are ready to play every day. And they still have a capable backup in Kasitati, assuming he's over the heart issue. But one more injury up front, and it's danger zone. Not sure there's a real impact position switch. I don't see Danzel Williams (RB to DB), Nathan Hughes (DE to OT) or Geneo Grissom (DE to TE) making impacts this season.

Derek (Norman)

Is there still any chance for Saunders to be cleared for this season?

Jake Trotter

  (4:11 PM)

Still a chance, but I'd be surprised if the NCAA grants him a waiver. The NCAA almost never grants waivers, and Saunders' didn't seem like a convincing case. Cortez Johnson is extremely doubtful.

Chris (Austin )

Has Roy Finch been moved to the slot?

Jake Trotter

  (4:12 PM)

Full-time? No. But he's spending a lot of time with the WRs. The Sooners realize they need Finch's explosion on the field. But with Whaley, touches are going to be hard to come by at RB.

josh (Right here)

Are we still in the dark on the reason's for the WR's suspension/reinstatement. And why Jackson was released, and the others not?

Jake Trotter

  (4:14 PM)

Jackson's situation was different from the other three. His was academic. The other three were actually suspended -- and reinstated -- by the athletic department. That can mean anything from cheating to failed drug tests.

Strretz (Kansas)

What are the coaches saying about Chaz Nelson in practice?

Jake Trotter

  (4:15 PM)

Not a whole lot that I've heard. They are saying a lot about Chuka Ndulue and freshmen Charles Tapper and Mike Onuoha.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Did the Sooners ever express any interest in Penn State players Kevin Blanchard, Khairi Fortt, or Jamil Pollard? On paper, all three seem to fill a position of need on the depth chart.

Jake Trotter

  (4:15 PM)

To my knowledge, Brown was the only one they really pursued.

Trake Jotter (OKC)

Chances that John Michael McGee returns?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

Not great.

Beej (Norman)

I know they are talking about Brown in the return game but isn't A. Ross showing promise in that spot? He is a speed guy correct?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

Brennan Clay and Roy Finch are currently the starters on kickoff return. But Alex Ross is listed as the primary backup. So yeah, he's showing a lot of promise to already be there.

Austin (Joplin)

Out of the incoming Fresh WR, who do you expect to see play the most? Who will redshirt?

Jake Trotter

  (4:17 PM)

Trey Metoyer, then Sterling Shepard. Durron Neal will play, too. I expect Derrick Woods to redshirt.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Is Jordan Phillips still looking like an impact player as the Sooners opened fall camp?

Jake Trotter

  (4:18 PM)

One thing I noticed today -- Phillips is really strong-looking and tall, even for a DT. Combine that with his athleticism and he has future start written all over him. Will the future be this season? I don't know.

Will (Tupelo)

Jake, if OU drops a conference game this year, who do you think it would be to?

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

West Virginia is most likely.

DTG (Tulsa)

Do the OL injuries kill the chance OU has at the conferenc title, as well as NC hopes?

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

Doesn't kill. Doesn't help, though.

Keith (Denver, CO)

Jake, Haven't heard anything about Durron Neal, how is he fairing in two-a-days, and how much playing time do you think he sees this fall?

Jake Trotter

  (4:20 PM)

Hasn't been a lot of chatter about Neal, at least not as much as Metoyer or Shepard. Neal will play, and I think he has potential to be a very good player in time. But I see Metoyer and Shepard making more of an immediate impact.

Brad (Norman)

Who will be the third linebacker? Shannon or Ibiloye?

Jake Trotter

  (4:21 PM)

Bird will be the backup at MLB; Ibiloye or Nelson the backup at WLB. Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin are promising prospects -- Mike Stoops raved about them during golf last week -- but I don't know how much time they'll get this season.

ouwooferman (houston tx)

A Ross looks like a beast. Play or RS?

Jake Trotter

  (4:21 PM)

Looks like he's going to play.

Scott (Los Angeles )

can this line still be as good as expected with the losses we faced the last week? Whaley can only be so good if he doesn't have a line to open holes to run thru..

Jake Trotter

  (4:23 PM)

It can. Ikard has proven he can handle center, Shead is a rising star, and I don't see much of a dropoff from Evans to Irwin. But they'll have to get by without the depth they thought they'd have.

Will (Tupelo)

Is it safe to assume that Bob just has his receivers suspended till the K-State game?

Jake Trotter

  (4:23 PM)

I think they'll be out longer.

Josh (Right here)

More on the Danzell thing. What if Finch moves to slot. that really starts to thin it out back there. Or is Finch at slot just for certain plays, etc?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

You could always slide Finch back to RB. But I doubt depth is an issue again. You have Whaley, Clay, Damien Williams and Alex Ross back there, plus FB Trey Millard. That's a stable.

Justin (Dallas)

When do I commit to play DT for the University of Oklahoma?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

I wish you would already so I'd stop getting this question every week on the chat.

matt (texas)

correct me if im misunderstanding this but it looks like you said nelson will be the backup at WLB...I thought he is the favorite to start? Whos ahead of him?

Jake Trotter

  (4:25 PM)

No, he's the favorite, but Joe Iblioye has been moved to WLB, and could vie for the starting role. Mike Stoops seems to really like Ibiloye, and Corey Nelson did not impress for most of the spring.

thebigdroot (SoonerNation NorthEast)

I just heard on sportsanimal that stoops actually threw someone under the bus for talking him out of offering blackmon back when..... do you know anything about if this is true and who did he throw under the bus?

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

That would be current Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin, who was OU's WR coach at the time. Through the grapevine, I heard Sumlin was not fired up about Stoops bussing him.

Mark (Tulsa)

Who will start at TE?

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

Brannon Green. Expect Trey Millard to get a number of plays there, too.

matt (texas)

if ibiloye is now at WLB then whos at SAM/nickel?

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

Gabe Lynn.

Jack (Norman, OK)

Jake, how is the Sooner Defense looking, with all the position moves, do you think they will be noticeably better than last few years D?

Jake Trotter

  (4:27 PM)

The key is the secondary. Can they eliminate the big plays? If so, this defense could be stout, even without a Gerald McCoy or Tommie Harris up front. If they can't, then uh oh.

Jamel Hollywood (SOONERNATION)

Jake, as the job you have is tightly related to the Sooners, are you also allowed to be a Sooner fan? Or do you have to stay out of that?

Jake Trotter

  (4:28 PM)

I'm enamored with OU football history, especially after writing a book on the OU-Texas rivalry (available for purchase in a couple of weeks). But I don't lose any sleep when they lose.

TBone (Houston)

Could Brandon Green or Sam Grant move inside to OG? I know, I'm reaching here - but a little shell-shocked...

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

Who would play tight end then? Too outside the box.

thebigdroot (SoonerNation NorthEast)

Thanks Jake that was the first I've heard about that. How has Bester looked in practice so far?

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

So far, so good.

DTG (Tulsa)

What are the chances of Landry winning the heisman this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:30 PM)

As long as the Belldozer steals away 12-15 TDs, gonna be tough.

Fake Jotter (SOONERNATION)

Hopefully the "Sharks" montra has been buried by the defense, do they look ready to actually play better this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:31 PM)

Too soon to tell, but I like the unit with Mike Stoops coaching them. I have to be honest, I've been impressed with Mike. When he explains things football-wise, they make a lot of sense. I think the D and notably the DBs could be in for a big year.

bob (dallas)

crazy to me how we're discussing how this secondary is one of the tops in the nation and yet we're still wondering if they can stop the big play..seems pretty simple to me if they really are that talented

Jake Trotter

  (4:32 PM)

Some of that was coaching. I believe Mike will have them in better position. But you're right, you cannot consider them a top-flight secondary until they limit the big plays. It got out of control last season.

Scott (Los Angeles )

with the season less than a month away and Austin woods still undergoing chemo. can he really contribute?

Jake Trotter

  (4:33 PM)

I doubt he'll be a factor on the o-line. But he will be deep snapping on FGs again. Just an incredible story he'll even be doing that. This morning he went to practice, then went to chemo treament in the afternoon. I've never had a chemo treatment before, but that seems kind of amazing to me.

imp (ok)

How big of a role will Jordon Phillips play at DT this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:33 PM)

He should be the 4th DT after McFarland, McGee and Walker. His playing time will be contigent on what he does on the field.

Jake Trotter

  (4:34 PM)

John Michael McGee just tweeted the following: "Goodluck to OU on the field I'll be watching. It's just not for me."

Jason (Norman)

Lane Johnson at guard / center. Thoughts?

Jake Trotter

  (4:35 PM)

They have to leave him tackle. With Latu failing to qualify, there's just not enough depth there to be moving him around.

Curious fan (Here)

Is Javon Harris really capable of consistently playing well this year? And can Gabe Lynn actually cover anyone?

Jake Trotter

  (4:36 PM)

Two good questions. I think the change in coaching staff -- and posiiton for Lynn -- could really help them. They're both talented, mature guys. I think Mike will have them in better position to succeed as well.

Jake Trotter

  (4:37 PM)

Too many times OU had Javon Harris isolated on a slot receiver; and Mike Stoops has pointed out that Lynn is better suited to play close to the line of scrimmage then cover 1-on-1

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

If Landry's rapport with Broyles was a 10/10, what is his current rapport with Stills?

Jake Trotter

  (4:37 PM)

November last year it was like a 4. I think it'll be much better this season. It better be, or OU is in trouble.

Curious fan (Here)

What is this rumor I've been hearing about Ty Darlington dealing with some sort of issue?

Edward (dallas )

Is Ty Darlington healthy?

Jake Trotter

  (4:39 PM)

He had a sports hernia, but it sounds like he's over it. He's really impressed his teammates, notably Habern and Ikard. They say he's ready to play now.

Kyle (New York City)

How do you like Finch in the slot? Doesn't it feel a lot like when we moved Madu to WR in 2009-2010? And he never saw the field after a productive year before at RB.

Jake Trotter

  (4:40 PM)

Fair point. I think the idea is getting the ball in Finch's hands. He's not a great blocker, which is what's limited his time when others have been healthy. But there's no doubt he's dynamic with the ball in his hands, and it's not like the the Sooners are overflowing with slot receivers. The move makes a lot of sense.

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

Do the coaches feel like Lynn will be able to handle the Nickel position better then outside CB? Tech just annihilated the poor kid last year.

Jake Trotter

  (4:42 PM)

They do. Specifically Mike Stoops. Lynn really struggled in coverage last season one-on-one, but he has ability and could really break out in a new system, new position. The biggest difference is that Mike Stoops has confidence in him. Confidence can do someone a world of good. Just ask Keenan Clayton.

Mark (Tulsa)

How many pass attempts does Bell get this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:42 PM)

22, but less than half that many out of the Belldozer.

Nate Heupel (Alva, OK)

With OU's thinning depth at OL, could a case be made for pulling back on the use of the no-huddle or even making its use more focused on specific circumstances (d on the ropes, DL winded, etc)?

Jake Trotter

  (4:44 PM)

It's an idea they've talked about. Not so much to overcome the injuries at OL, but to give the defense a break. Defending 90-plus plays is tough. It's a major reason why OU's defense has struggled going back to the no-huddle unveling in 2008 (with the exception of the '09 defense. Those guys could play D).

Curious fan (Here)

Any word on Casey Walker? He always seems to be a star in the making before some minor injury keeps him sidelined for 4-6 weeks...

Jake Trotter

  (4:45 PM)

I passed by Casey the other day. Dude looks my age. Of McGee, McFarland, Walker, I've always felt that a Casey Walker has been their best player at DT. If he can stay healthy, he could have a really productive senior season. If he can stay healthy.

Keith (Denver, CO)

What is the starting O-line for UTEP?

Jake Trotter

  (4:45 PM)

LT T. Thompson LG Shead C Ikard RG Irwin RT D. Williams

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

Since Blake Bell is the OU Tebow, do you think he will run around shirtless after practice the next time it rains? (If it ever does rain here again.)

Jake Trotter

  (4:46 PM)

If it rained, I'd be so happy I wouldn't care.

Curious fan (Here)

Is McFarland going to finally live up to his hype this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:47 PM)

It's too late for McFarland to live up to the Tommie Harris/Gerald McCoy hype he received coming out of Lufkin. But McFarland could have a very solid end to an underrated career. If he makes All-Big 12, that would be huge for him and for the Sooners.

matt (texas)

was martinez really that bad of a coach or was it mostly scheme problems? i thought the secondary played well his first year and then just collapsed last year

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

Willie's not a bad coach. You're right, the secondary played well for him in 2010. He just never could get his footing with the group last year. Didn't have enough guys ready to play (Tech). Didn't always have guys in the best positions to succeed (Baylor).

Brian (Edmond )

how good can Ty Darlington Be?

Jake Trotter

  (4:49 PM)

He was ESPN's No. 2 center recruit in the country for the class of 2012. That's elite.

Travis (OKC, OK)

I do not know much about Brown, is he a good receiver and what do you know about him if anything? Do you think he can be a contributor this season?

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

Good size, good speed -- can really stretch the field. Hands apparently are shaky at times. But he could be a very productive player in this offense, and could really contribute on special teams. It's a nice pickup for the Sooners.

Curious fan (Here)

Seemingly lost in a lot of chatter regarding the DT position, how is Jordan Wade coming along? It doesn't appear he's quite the monster Jordan Phillips is purported to be, but can we expect greatness out of Wade?

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

Wade is probably a year away. Lot of potential. Just don't think he's ready to play yet.

ouwooferman (houston tx)

How's the secondary looking?

Jake Trotter

  (4:51 PM)

Good. The CBs look terrific with Colvin/Hurst. Jefferson potential AA at safety. The keys are Harris and Lynn. If they perform, the secondary could be awesome.

ouwooferman (houston tx)

Do you see the OC (Josh H) having a breakout year or will it be more of the same...

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

The OSU game was a debacle, but in Josh's defense, OU finished wtih a top 10 offense without its best RB for half the season, and its best WR for a third of it.

Jay (Danville, CA)

Any chance we will see more I-formation with Millard as the lead blocker to try to get a more consistent running game going?

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

Now you're talking... Whaley dotting the I behind Millard? If OU doesn't do that, they're missing out.

Will (Tupelo)

If (really big if here) KSU come to Norman and plays lights out and beats OU, do you see KSU running the table and OU getting second with their only loss being KSU(I could see OU getting a BCS invite over KSU though....)

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

I call that scenario highly unlikely, for a number of reasons.

Jack version 2.0 (Norman)

I second that question. We're seeing a lot of position changes for people that did not seem to impress under Venables' tutelage. Is this defense going to be noticeably better?

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

The three best players on defense are all in the secondary. It should be.

thebigdroot (SoonerNation NorthEast)

How nice would it have been to have had Milliard when AD was back there?

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

JD Runnels could block a little too now.

Nate Heupel (Alva, OK)

Would we be better served with Metoyer and Justin Brown on the outside and using Kenny Stills in the slot? I've always felt Stills would be a demon against any team's 3rd CB or a safety.

Jake Trotter

  (4:54 PM)

I think you'll see Metoyer, Stills, Brown, Bester and eventually Jaz on the outside. Then Shepard, Finch and eventually Franks on the inside. Stills could play slot, but they don't seem too inclined on using him there.

Mark (Tulsa)

How long before OU fans turn on their golden boy M. Stoops?

Jake Trotter

  (4:55 PM)

It would take a total meltdown for them to turn against the savior.

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

I am in favor of anything that involves Millard laying people out.

Jake Trotter

  (4:55 PM)

Yep, me too.

Curious fan (Here)

With the absurd amount of backfield blocking talent we possess (as evidenced by our Belldozer package), why don't we see OU try to play a little more smash mouth football?

Jake Trotter

  (4:56 PM)

I'm all for it, but I don't call the plays.

Landon (OKC)

With Heupel seemingly being open to different packages (Belldozer), any chance that Kendal Thompson comes in for a different look?

Jake Trotter

  (4:56 PM)

Only if something happened to Blake. That's taking too many plays away from Landry.

Curious fan (Here)

What are you hearing about our linebackers? Do we have one that will be able to shed blocks?

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

I like Wort -- when he's healthy. Remember Florida State? He dominated that game. Corey Nelson has a lot of potential, too. It's not Calmus/Torrance Marshall, but they could be a solid 1-2 punch.

Mark (Tulsa)

They already turned against Heupel after Bedlam last year. I say it's the first time Ash completes a pass.

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

Ha. Who knows? Maybe he won't.

matt (texas)

how is landry looking in camp? best year yet?

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

No question. Landry has put the work in this offseason.

thebigdroot (SoonerNation NorthEast)

But with the size that we are bringing in with the WR's and Metoyer's (we're starting to call him "Meteor Man" on the Big XII Blog) ability to go get the ball, shouldn't the BellDozer be shelved?

Jake Trotter

  (4:58 PM)

Stoops has already said it's not going anyhwere. You can't shelve something that's worked EVERY TIME you've used it.

Mack (Austin)

Has anyone told me who my quarterback will be?

Jake Trotter

  (4:58 PM)

Gotta be Ash.

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

If Landry goes down for the year (a la Bradford/BYU), what do you think Stoops's strategy would be? Scrap the year and give Bell lots of run, or plug in Drew Allen with liberal amounts of Belldozer?

Jake Trotter

  (4:59 PM)

Too early in two-a-days for Armageddon hypotheticals.

matt (texas)

man I cant wait to see Texas try to stop the belldozer..hook THAT

Ryan F. (Tulsa, OK)

We don't need to shelve the Belldozer to win at a high level. Look at FL the year they won with Leak and the Tebow package.

Curious fan (Here)

Shelve the Belldozer? Foolish.

josh (right here)

Mark. Whoever has turned on Heupal obviously isn't an OU fan. It was his first time calling plays.

Jason (Norman)

I keep picturing in my head Austin Woods and John Michael McGee reenacting the scene from Dodgeball??You know, there were times during chemotherapy and two-a-days that I thought about it, but if you?re quitting then I?m sure that you?ve got a good reason??

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

When you put it that way, it doesn't look. I'd give McGee a break. Playing college football is very tough to do.

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

Obviously, not as tough as playing it while going through chemo, though.

Jake Trotter

  (5:01 PM)

Guys, that's all the time we've got for the chat this week. Sorry I couldn't get to everyone's questions. Feel free to tweet me though, and I'll get back to you. We'll do the chat next Monday, same time same place. Hope everyone has a good -- and injury-free -- week.