•Five things to know as the Sooners prepare to open spring practice:
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Who's at QB? Paul Thompson, as a senior, gave the Sooners a firm, confident voice in the huddle. Next fall the voice could be shaky, the eyes wide, with the next quarterback coming from a trio of candidates with just two Division I passes between them. Joey Halzle, a former junior college transfer, is older, but freshmen Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol may be more talented. Whoever wins the job won't be asked to shoulder the load, just manage a veteran offense.
After A.D.: The Sooners got a glimpse of life after Adrian Peterson, when Allen Patrick, Chris Brown and Jacob Gutierrez filled in capably while Peterson missed seven games with a broken collarbone. Freshmen Mossis Madu and DeMarco Murray, redshirts last fall, are set to join the competition.
Plugging holes: There aren't many holes, yet the few that exist are at critical spots: linebacker, defensive end, strong safety and left offensive tackle. Watch for a healthy Ryan Reynolds and juco transfer Mike Reed to join Curtis Lofton for a revamped and revved up linebacker crew.
Ready to emerge? Several Sooners could be on the verge of a breakthrough. A few to watch: OL Cory Brandon, WRs Brandon Caleb and Adron Tennell, DTs Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor, DE Auston English.
Health watch: Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly and safety Darien Williams will be held out of spring workouts while rehabbing from offseason knee surgeries.
By John Helsley
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