OU practice report

Published: August 6, 2006

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Backups: Quarterback Joey Halzle, running back Allen Patrick and wide receiver Quentin Chaney all produced big plays. So a missed play or series for a bruise or even a bathroom break shouldn't create chaos.

Halzle had a strong day passing, connecting on one deep ball to Chaney for the highlight of the practice. Patrick, who ran tough inside, took a pass over the middle and turned it into a long darting gain.

Play of the day: Halzle heaved a tight spiraling long ball that hit Chaney in stride deep down the right sideline, carrying for a 75-yard touchdown and drawing applause from the 200 or so fans who lined the rugby field.

Hit of the day: More like a collision, 6-foot-5, 332-pound Duke Robinson and 6-5, 285-pound Carl Pendleton met face to face in the trenches. A crunch was followed by both crashing to the ground. Then both rose unsteadily for a slow return to their respective huddles.

Hard hat: So far, Adrian Peterson has been spared the "hands-off" blue jersey. That's bad news for defenders. Peterson bolted through the line on one run Saturday, then lowered his head and the boom on safety Keenan Clayton for a helmet-to-helmet blow. Peterson enjoyed it so much, he hung around a moment to make sure Clayton knew who'd hit him.

Notebook
Practices to be closed: In a departure from his previous seven seasons, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops will close preseason practices to the public and media.

Stoops announced after Saturday's session that the last open practice will be today from 5-7:30 p.m. at the OU Rugby Field. Starting Monday, all practices will be closed.

Scrimmages, however, may still be open to the public. Scrimmages are tentatively set for Aug. 12 and Aug. 19.

"We're going to probably start making some changes and putting some stuff in for Paul (Thompson)," Stoops said. "So there's really no reason to have it out here for everyone to see."

Secondary matters: One reason there's optimism this Sooner defense can rise to the standards of earlier Stoops standards is the secondary.

Coaches are confident that depth and the quality of the depth are improved.

It's allowing for some experimentation.

"We're using Nic (Harris) and Reggie (Smith) in the dime or Roy position as we like to call it," he said. "They look good and can make some plays back there. And Keenan Clayton back there in the safety position has been awesome."

Clayton, a redshirt freshman from Sulphur Springs, Texas, has been working with the first-team defense at strong safety.

Job security: Paul Thompson said he's much more comfortable this year than last, when he was engaged in an intense quarterback battle with Rhett Bomar.

"It was more stressful, the situation I was in," Thompson said. "As far as practices last year, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I'm a little more relaxed this year, being the guy they're going to roll with.

"This being my last year, I'm ready to ride with this team. I have no worries."

By John Helsley and Justin Harper