OU football notebook

Published: April 1, 2007

For the third time in his four years at Oklahoma, D.J. Wolfe has landed at a new position, playing with the first-team defense at free safety in Saturday's scrimmage at Owen Field.

The Lawton Eisenhower product began his career at running back, then moved to cornerback as a sophomore.

Wolfe's junior season was derailed by early struggles after he started the first three games at cornerback.

"I'm loving it, being able to get back there and have vision of the whole field and be in the action,” Wolfe said of the move to safety. "I hate to say it, but it might be better than corner.”

Wolfe moved to safety as the Sooners try to find a suitable backup for returning starter Darien Williams who is out for the spring after undergoing offseason knee surgery.

The move of junior Reggie Smith back to cornerback this spring gave the coaches the flexibility and depth to move Wolfe to safety.

Sophomores Quinton Carter and Brian Jackson are also in the competition at free safety, but Wolfe says he's quickly growing more comfortable at the position.

"The coaches tell me they like what I'm doing, but there's always room for improvement,” Wolfe said. "It's just a matter of getting comfortable, being able to know some of the calls and what they're doing in this and that situation.”

Wolfe intercepted one pass Saturday and was second on the team with seven tackles.

•LT search: Sophomore offensive lineman Trent Williams worked as the second-string left tackle Saturday, backing up freshman Cory Brandon.

Williams, who started half of last season at right tackle, also is splitting time at that spot with Branndon Braxton, the starter until he broke his ankle in the sixth game of the year.

Williams' presence on the left side is likely just a precaution. Junior-college transfer Phil Loadholt is still the favorite to start at left tackle, but he's out for the spring with a sprained big toe on his left foot.

•Famous faces: As if it was the fall of 1987 all over again, former OU coach Barry Switzer and former OSU coach Pat Jones shared a few words on the Owen Field sideline Saturday.

Chuck Long, who worked as Bob Stoops' offensive coordinator until becoming the head coach at San Diego State last season, has been in Norman most of the week.

Also on hand for the scrimmage were former OU players Rufus Alexander, Chris Messner and Jammal Brown.

•Injured list: A couple of regular players joined the list of the walking wounded who sat out Saturday's scrimmage. Left guard Duke Robinson injured his shoulder in Friday's practice and was not available.

Cornerback Lendy Holmes has a bruised sternum and will be held out a few days as well. Holmes, a receiver-turned-defensive back who is also talented at basketball, still managed to show off his versatility.

After running the first-down chains much of the day, Holmes took over one photographer's camera for a few plays and snapped some pictures.

By Scott Wright