The Sooners used middle linebacker Jaydan Bird as a fullback in the Belldozer in their final two games last season after Aaron Ripkowski suffered a back injury. They apparently liked what they saw from Bird’s blocking because on Saturday, OU used Bird as a fullback in the “Diamond” formation along with fullback Trey Millard and a running back.
“Jaydan’s excellent in that,” Bob Stoops said. “Everyone forgets he’s a high school running back, and a good one. He does a good job in there. He did it last year for us, too. That’s why we had to change his number from 55 to 44, so we can throw the ball to him once in a while.”
Bird remains Tom Wort’s backup at middle linebacker, and has been getting his work at fullback on the side.
“Jaydan’s a bright guy. He handles it well,” Stoops said. “The times they get him in meetings or if he comes up during the day, they school him up on what they want him to do, what they’re looking to do that day. He goes over there during practice when they’re working on it.”
