SoonerScoop video: OU players post-practice (Sept. 18)
OU players are happy with the 3-0 start, but they all know the work is far, far from finished. Brent Venables and his group begin Big 12 play at Cincinnati on Saturday.
The SoonerScoop crew was out in full force following Monday’s practice. Here’s the best of the best from the players.
OU QB Dillon Gabriel
Why did it fall apart after 3-0 in 2022?
“The details. That’s why we did lose back then. It’s just dialing into those little things that make a difference. I think I’ve also learned personally that the difference between winning and losing is very small. I’ve also learned that Ws make people a lot happier and Ls make a lot of people not so happy so at the end of the day, a W is a W and finding ways to do that is the most important thing.”
WR Andrel Anthony
Do you know the deep shot is being called?
“Just be ready when your number is called. Sometimes it’s weird because you don’t even know what the defense is going to be in coverage-wise and what not. Then the chance comes up and you’re open, so just be ready. That’s the way I look at it.”
OG Cayden Green
Surprised got moved to guard?
“I got called into a meeting with Coach B. I didn’t know what it was about. Then he told me Monday, and I was, like, OK. As soon as I got out of the meeting, I had just got out of class and went straight to work.”
DE Trace Ford
Containing Emory Jones?
“Just protecting the pocket, not letting him out, more contained rush. Just getting him down when we get the chance, he’s a mobile guy, probably more like SMU’s quarterback, so just emphasizing not letting him out of the pocket.”
DT Isaiah Coe
Embracing the challenge of Cincinnati running game?
“It’s a good challenge. We pride ourselves on stopping the run. First thing comes first, when we go to meetings, watch film, whatever. (It’s) how to stop the run then everything else is going to take care of itself. It’s a good challenge, I’m excited. What are they like No. 7 top 10, something like that? I’m thirsty, I promise you I’m thirsty to go out there and show them who Oklahoma is.”
DT Gracen Halton
Moving from defensive end to tackle?
“Just like I said, technique, containing the end you know you’ve got to work on the outside. Now, it’s just having to worry about double teams, guys hitting your hips, so it’s a lot of technique that goes into it. And Todd Bates is a guy that’s going to teach us about all the techniques in the world. I feel like I’m in the right position and he’s going to get us right.”
CB Kendel Dolby
Fitting in at OU?
“I feel like Coach Venables, the whole coaching staff, they tell me every day they recruited me for a reason. It’s just getting my details down. They believe in me. Obviously, that pick kind of shows that my confidence is up, so I just want to keep building on that.”
S Peyton Bowen
Why have you been so good at juggling so many spots?
“I think it’s a trust thing. They want to give the freshmen their chance. Coach V’s not scared to play a freshman, so he just wants to throw me in the fire. If it at different positions, it’s at different positions. He just wants to see what I’m best at and what I need to work on as well.”
