New defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is hard at work during his return to Oklahoma with the hope of making the Sooners' secondary among the nation’s best. But he understands they have a long way to go.
Cornerback Demontre Hurst and safety Tony Jefferson have been bright spots for Stoops during the first few weeks of spring practice.
“Demontre and Tony Jefferson are guys that really jump out at you,” said Stoops, who doubles as OU’s secondary coach. “[With] their consistency and the confidence they play with.”
And Aaron Colvin -- who is missing spring practice due to shoulder surgery -- was one of the best players on OU’s defense in 2011.
So the focus of this spring has been finding a starter opposite Hurst.
“Our young corners need a lot of work,” Stoops said. “We have to continue to get better at the other corner position.”
There are several players who could step in opposite Hurst including Colvin, junior college transfer Kass Everett, junior Joe Powell, senior Lamar Harris, junior Gabe Lynn and others. Powell, one of the most athletic players on the squad, has shown signs of getting more comfortable at cornerback after bouncing back and forth between offense and defense during his career.
Overall, Stoops feels good about the talent in the secondary, particularly when Colvin returns.
“I think we have a good group,” Stoops said. “Once we get Aaron back, we’re going to have a lot of flexibility.”
