Jake Trotter

  (4:00 PM)

We'll get started in a sec. Keep sending in those questions..

Curious fan (Here)

Justin Manning. Commitment? Go.

Jake Trotter

  (4:02 PM)

Not the way I was hoping this chat would start

Landry (Arkansas)

I saw in the "Stars of the Scrimmage" post that Jalen Saunders caught touchdown passes from Blake Bell. I didn't realize he was on campus! How does he look?

Jake Trotter

  (4:05 PM)

Yes, he actually caught 2 TD passes. Saunders has been on campus since the summer. He's looked really good thus far. A lot of speed, and was very productive at Fresno last year, reeling in 1,000 yards and 12 TDs.

Jay (Wichita)

What is the word on Jalen Saunders? Why is he getting so many reps, do the coaches have information that he will be cleared to play?

Jake Trotter

  (4:07 PM)

Two pretty good sources told us on Sunday that Saunders had NOT yet heard back from the NCAA on his waiver request. The coaches obviously feel decent about his chances, else they wouldn't be playing him on the second team. But no official word yet. Could come any day now.

Brad (Dallas)

Jake,Given the recent news about our WRs stepping up, who do you think leads the team in receptions, yards, and TDs? Also, along the same line, who do you think leads in those categories for the RBs?

Jake Trotter

  (4:09 PM)

Still think Kenny Stills is the favorite in all three categories, though it wouldn't shock me if Metoyer or Justin Brown led any of the 3 categories. Dom Whaley should led the Sooners in carries, yards and TDs. Assuming he can remain healthy.

Billy Joe Bob (Enid )

If called into action, will Ty Darlington, Derrick Farniok, Nile Kositoti, Kyle Marrs, and Nathan Hughes be able to play at a high level?

Jake Trotter

  (4:11 PM)

The second team offensive line is a concern now. Nila Kasitati is practicing, but only a couple weeks from having a heart procedure. OU's other most experienced interior reserve, Austin Woods, is going through chemo. Darlington could emerge as Gabe Ikard's backup at center -- he's gotten some 2nd team reps there. Don't see Farniok, Marrs or Hughes being a factor this season.

Dole (Bear River, WY)

Coach Bob Stoops has had experience switching linemen from defense to offense in the past, does Grissom, become the latest successful switch and become a pass catching TE, that's great in the end-zone?

Jake Trotter

  (4:11 PM)

Possible down the line, but I don't see it happening this season.

jimmyjohn (Bugtussle)

Why isn't OL Farniok starting this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:11 PM)

Because of Tyrus Thompson, Lane Johnson and Daryl Williams.

Mark (Houston)

Jake, based on your time with OU, have you seen a better depth chart at RB and WR?

Jake Trotter

  (4:13 PM)

2008 for both. This WR corps has potential to be special, but the 08 guys (Iglesias, Manny, Broyles) were special. I would take DeMarco, Chris Brown and Madu over this lot, too, though Dom Whaley can be a special back if he can stay healthy.

DoTheGundy (Watching Josh)

Jake, I enjoyed the excerpt from your new book, What is your favorite tradition of the OU/Texas game? Mine is the runs that each school has on the way to Dallas.Thanks

Jake Trotter

  (4:14 PM)

Thanks DTG. My favorite part of the rivalry is the neutral site, with the crowd split down the middle. It's what distingiushes the Red River Rivalry.

DoTheGundy (Tulsa, wishing I was on the lake.)

Jake, Now that you are officially an expert on the topic; Where would you rank the OU/Texas rivalry among CFB's great rivalries?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

Actually have the Ohio State-Michigan HBO documetary on my TV now. You could make the case for OU-Texas, Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn or Army-Navy being the best rivalry and I couldn't really argue with you. All 4 of those stand above the rest.

Brett (RI)

Any word on how the tight ends are looking this year and how they will factor into the offense?

Jake Trotter

  (4:17 PM)

They're going to really on Brannon Green to be this year's Brody Eldridge. He's not going to be a big factor in the passing game, but they'll ask him to run block a lot. I expect Trey Millard to get time at tight end in one-back sets. Taylor McNamara could add a catch here or there.

Jay (Wichita)

How soon before OU releases a depth chart?

Jake Trotter

  (4:17 PM)

They could wait until the week of the opener.

Brian (Edmond )

Have you heard if Ty Darlington is the Backup at center? If its true that he knows the whole playbook, hard to believe with his talent that he is not the backup.

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

Think they're still working through that. Nila Kasitati is capable of playing center, too. Either way, they're going to need Darlington to play this year. He'll be in the rotation. Teammates rave about his propensity to pick things up. Coach's son, bright kid.

Derek (Norman)

What is your best guess as to who the starting WR's will be?

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

Metoyer and Brown on the outside, Stills in the slot. 2nd team: Bester and Saunders/Neal on the outside, Sterling Shepard in the slot.

AllHailTheGundy (Tulsa)

How do you see the TE position playing out this year? How concerned should Sooner Fans be about our banged up Ultimate Warrior, Tom Wort?

Jake Trotter

  (4:21 PM)

Very concerned. Wort is a big part of the defense. When he's been 100 percent, he's been dominant (See Florida State). When he hasn't been healthy, he's been inconsistent. Not a good sign that he's already banged up 2 weeks into camp.

Jay (Wichita)

If Saunders becomes available this year, how many receivers will suit up and play? And who will they be besides Saunders? Metoyer, Shepard, Bester, Stills, Brown, and maybe Neal? What happens if/when Reynolds and Franks are allowed to step on the field?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

Neal is the only one that might get squeezed out should Saunders be cleared. But the coaches aren't talking like they're going to redshirt Neal, either. So we'll see. Hard for me to see Franks ever being a factor. He wasn't much of a factor when the Sooners were thin at WR. Now he's going to be a factor when they're deep? Jaz, maybe. But again, by midseason, he's going to have a ways to climb to get playing time over Brown, Metoyer, Bester and maybe Saunders.

Brian (OKC)

Does Tyler Evans get a medical redshirt?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

He'll redshirt this year, then have a year of eligiblity in 2013.

Brian (OKC)

Any chance that Kass Everett redshirts?

Jake Trotter

  (4:25 PM)

You usually don't bring in JUCOs to redshirt.

Salmon Rushdie (OKC)

Many are calling you the 'Ken Burns' of the OU/Texas rivalry, what are your thoughts on this?

Jake Trotter

  (4:25 PM)

I'm OK with it.

John (Dallas)

How much concern about King's neck injury?

Jake Trotter

  (4:25 PM)

On a scale of 1-10, a 2.

Ricky Bobby (Austin)

How concerned should we be that David King and Tom Wort are dinged-up, especially considering Wort's history of injuries and the lack of depth at both positions?

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

I much more worried about Wort. Injuries are gonna pop up during the preseason. Problem is, these are the same injuries that bothered Wort last season. Which means they are of the nagging/chronic type. Which means they're probably not going away any time soon.

Mason (Norman)

I haven't been hearing much about Damien Williams. How has he been in practice? His highlights looked good, but how has he stacked up against the Sooner D?

Jake Trotter

  (4:27 PM)

Heard he had a nice run in the scrimmage. Dom Whaley and Brennan Clay have been getting the first-team reps thus far, though.

Ricky Bobby (Austin)

How long do you expect Reynalds and Franks to be out?

Jake Trotter

  (4:27 PM)

Into October, at least.

Einstein (Princeton, N.J.)

I think the increase in injuries started with the up tempo offense. With that in mind, how much more of a power running game will OU employ this season? I am hoping that we can give the D more time to rest this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

Interesting theory, but AD got hurt mutliple times in the power running offense. That said, you would think with a fullback like Millard that the Sooners will try more power, and maybe slow the game down at times. I know Mike Stoops would like that.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater (Memphis, TN)

How much playing time do you think the JUCO transfers will see this year (Williams, Everett, Nelson, Bester)?

Jake Trotter

  (4:30 PM)

Bester will get some time. Williams maybe, too. Don't see Nelson playing much, and would be surprised if Everett got anything more than special teams time.

Ricky Bobby (Austin)

With so much uncertainty surrounding the TE position, why not simply use more 4 WR formations? It seems that OU has very few of those.

Jake Trotter

  (4:31 PM)

Very good chance that's what they'll do -- or play 3 WRs and put Millard at TE.

tag (tulsa)

whats up with saunders ?

Jake Trotter

  (4:31 PM)

Waiting to hear back on his waiver request from the NCAA. Until then, it's a holding pattern.

Terry (OKC)

Jake, I have been to 30 straight OU/Texas games and my first before that was the 1968 game. This is the game and should never move from the Cotton Bowl. Anybody that says it should move has not been to that game. Just my two cents. Looking forward to the book.

Jake Trotter

  (4:32 PM)

Thanks, Terry. Agreed.

DRoto Rooter (Moore)

What IS going on with our receivers? Scares me when we're banking on all the freshman to catch 1,000 yards and 10 TD's. How often does that actually happen in NCAA Div 1 football?

Jake Trotter

  (4:33 PM)

Metoyer is not an ordinary freshman. The arrival of Justin Brown reduces the pressure on the other freshmen.

Brett (Conshohocken, PA)

Do you see Justin Brown settling in as a #1 or #2 receiver at OU?

Jake Trotter

  (4:34 PM)

See him as the No. 2 or 3 option behind Stills.

Me (You)

As a huge OU fan and season ticket holder, I am desperately afraid of OSU. I think everyone is underestimating how spectacular Wes Lunt will be! I know you agree...

Jake Trotter

  (4:35 PM)

Seriously doubt you are a huge OU fan, much less a season-ticket holder.

Brandon (Texarkana)

Ever clarify what the main reason was for John Michael Mcgee leaving the program was? and who do you think the starters will be at DT next year with the 3 seniors leaving this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:35 PM)

Believe he got homesick. It happens. Jordan Phillips and Marquis Anderson.

Cowboss_KS (The Sunflower State)

Jake, A way to early Bedlam prediction if you please.

Jake Trotter

  (4:36 PM)

Way too early for that.

Billy Joe Bob (Enid )

How would you rate the following RB: Dom Whaley, Brennan Clay, Damian Williams, and Roy Finch?

Jake Trotter

  (4:37 PM)

I can tell you how the coaches rate them: Dom, Clay, Williams, Ross; not including Finch, because he's working a lot in the slot.

SoonerTJ (Dallas)

So, with our WR's looking so good, the flip side...the DB's aren't. Are thy playing like they did vs Baylor or what?

Jake Trotter

  (4:47 PM)

Sorry guys, had a little tech issue there. I'm back.

Dig (Doug)

How big of a game is the Texas Tech game this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

Big in the sense that's it a dangerous game. OU has never played well in Lubbock, and Tech has to feel confident coming of its win last season. It's also the week before Texas. I would like Tech's chances a lot more, though, if they hadn't beaten OU last season. Sooners should be focused for this one.

Eileen Kelly (Wyomissing, PA)

Do you think OU will use Trey Millard more these year? He is a special player and he definitely gives us another offensive weapon

Jake Trotter

  (4:49 PM)

I would. Bob Stoops said at Big 12 media days he wants to see Millard get 10-12 touches a game. We'll see. I'm skeptical considering he averaged 3-4 touches a game last season.

Dom (Norman)

It seems like SoonerDave's work ethic matches his attitude. #25 probably red shirts though, right?

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

He had a nice scrimmage the other day, but probably. Too many guys in front of him.

Michael, Long Beach, CA [via mobile]

Any word on the Allen/Blake competition?

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

Sounds like Bell is beginning to pull away. He was one of the stars of Saturday's scrimmage.

Landry Jones (Norman)

Will I pass for more yards? more TDs? or more Ints this season over last year? And what are my Heisman chances this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:51 PM)

If you throw for more INTs, OU loses 4 games. As long as the Belldozer eats up your TD stats, your Heisman chances will suffer.

DrinkMore Redbull (Morgantown, WV)

So today Ubben picked OU to beat WVU in Morgantown even with all their injuries to the offensive line. Do you agree with his pick?

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

I'm inclined to pick WV in that game, but not because of the injuries to the OU offensive line. Because the game is in Morgantown. We'll see, though. WV has a lot to prove stepping into a power conference.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Longhorn fans are all giddy and excited now feeling the depletion of OU's experienced depth on the offensive line now gives them the edge, and will allow their line to wear the Sooners down, fact or fiction?

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

Just like OU fans are giddy that Harsin said last week Texas might use 3 QBs this season. Texas' QB issues are a lot greater than OU's o-line issues.

Spec (OKC)

What is the biggest improvement, if any, that you have noticed on D since Mike Stoops has arrived?

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

Tough to evaluate until they play a game. But I like what I've seen so far.

Mike (Illinois)

DOK had a pretty stark article about the OL. With everyone switching around and moving over, what is going to be our weakest position on the line?

Jake Trotter

  (4:55 PM)

The weakest position on the line is depth. The Sooners don't have nearly as much as they did. The frontline starters should still be pretty good. Ikard/Shead = Habern/Evans

Johnny Joe (Bakersfield )

I hope that Bob doesn't burn Ross's year to simply play special teams. It seems to happen to a lot of players when it is clear they will not have a significant role in the offense or defense.

Jake Trotter

  (4:56 PM)

If they play him, they'll play him some at RB, too. This staff has a history of playing freshman RBs, even if they don't get a lot of time: Jermie Calhoun, Jonathon Miller, Brennan Clay, Roy Finch, Brandon Williams...

LG (Ohio)

What needs to happen for ND to get a win in Norman? On a scale of 1-10, and 10 being ND definately winning what do you feel are their chances? I say about a 4....maybe 5. Thanks

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

Maybe a 5 is suggesting the game is a toss up... I'd go much lower. Maybe 20 percent chance. Maybe.

mike (dallas)

Heard Conner Knight was trying to walk on at TE, hows he looking?

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

Haven't really heard his name talked about among the coaches.

Mason (Norman)

Forgot to mention in first question, but is there any more talk about Ross possibly returning Kick offs?

Jake Trotter

  (4:57 PM)

He's in the mix.

Kris (Des Moines)

Funny, the domer thinks the ND/OU game is 50/50...No wonder no one likes em...delerious

LG (Ohio)

And what are the chances of OState getting a win in Norman? I have them at about a 2.

Jake Trotter

  (4:59 PM)

I'd say about the same as Notre Dame. Maybe 15-20 percent. I actually think OSU will be better than Notre Dame this year, but OSU hasn't played a decent game in Norman since the Rashaun Woods catch.

Michael, Long Beach, CA [via mobile]

2012 offense better than 2011 or 2010?

Jake Trotter

  (4:59 PM)

Let's hope better than 2011. 2010 was pretty good, but I like this offense better on paper.

Tanner (Flower Mound)

Haven't seen much of Finch this offseason. Is he making any sort of impact on offense?

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

Working in at the slot, along with Stills and Shepard.

Walter White (Albuquerque)

Other than WR, what position group is the biggest question mark for this team?

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

If Wort is banged up, LB.

Stephen (Houston)

Do you see Ripkowski getting any addittional playing time outside fo the belldozer this year. The reason i ask is due to his ability ot block pretty much anybody. Seems very effective

Jake Trotter

  (5:01 PM)

Agreed. There was one video on soonersports where it seemed like Millard was lined up at tailback, with Rip in front of him at fullback. I'm all for using that formation.

Sean (Charleston )

Heard rave reviews about Simon, Striker, and Tapper, see any true freshman defenders contributing this year beyond special teams?

Jake Trotter

  (5:01 PM)

Onouha maybe. After that, no.

DrinkMore Redbull (Morgantown, WV)

In your opinion, who has the worst mascot in the Big12?

Jake Trotter

  (5:02 PM)

Tie between the Red Raider and Cy

Walk (Yukon)

Looks like Coach Tish and Stoops are high on stryker. Other than special teams will he see some plays in defense? Excited about him and Simon!

Jake Trotter

  (5:03 PM)

Unless there's an injury, I doubt it. Nelson/Ibiloye/Aaron Franklin all in front of him.

Dig (Doug)

What name will be given to the secondary, sharks?

Jake Trotter

  (5:03 PM)

If they ever warrant a nickname again, Sharks will be it.

Jake Trotter

  (5:05 PM)

Guys, that's all the time I've been alloted today on the chat. Ton of questions today. Sorry I couldn't get to all of them. We'll do it again next week, same time, same place. Until then, everyone have a great week.