OU head football coach Bob Stoops praises Trent Williams, Brody Eldridge for work on offensive line

By David Ubben, Staff Writer, dubben@opubco.com Comments 2
Published: October 27, 2009

NORMAN—Oklahoma has started a different group of offensive linemen in each of its seven games this season, but coach Bob Stoops says the shuffle has been out of necessity.

Left is Brody Eldridge. Photo by Steve Sisney. Right is Trent Williams. AP file photo.

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“If you’ve got 5 seniors that have played together for three years and are playing really well, sure you don’t need to mess with it,” he said. “But if guys aren’t playing consistently enough, then it needs to remain competitive.”

Senior left tackle Trent Williams has been the lone invariable on the line, starting each of the Sooners’ seven games. Stoops singled out Williams and new right guard, Brody Eldridge, as two of the top performers for his offense.

“Other guys have their opportunities to play or play more, and show they deserve to be in there more,” Stoops said. “You earn your time on the field and you earn your right to stay on the field by how you play.”

While the shuffle has been unpredictable every week, Stoops said the competition has helped the line as a whole.

“The center doesn’t care who the guard next to him is. The guard doesn’t care who the tackle next to him is,” he said. “They’re all on the same team.”

On Tress Way overtaking Jimmy Stevens as placekicker:

"I just don’t feel Jimmy has been as consistent as he needs to be. Therefore, Tress has shown me enough in practice. He’s much better than he was a year ago, and he’s been more consistent. He deserves that opportunity. So, we’ll see how he handles it."

On Kansas State receiver Brandon Banks, who earlier this season returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in single game:

"He’s a very explosive, fast, excellent player. He’s got that quickness and speed to make those big plays. So whether you’re covering him on offensive plays or on returns, you have to really be great at tackling and getting in position to make plays and working together."

On receivers’ dropped passes, one of which led to an easy interception against Kansas:

"It’s being able to be competitive in the moment, as well as being relaxed and being able to do what you’re capable of doing. We’re working on it. "