Observations From Oklahoma's First Open Spring Practice

Local media were able to view Oklahoma's fourth spring practice for approximately 90 minutes on Monday evening.

Oklahoma's Jackson Arnold throws a pass during the University of Oklahoma (OU) spring football / SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY

NORMAN — The first 90 minutes of Oklahoma's spring practice on Monday were opened up to the media, though cameras were not permitted at the viewing. Here is what our team saw:

• Offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett was off to the side, still in the protective boot on his left lower leg that he was sporting at media day a couple weeks ago. Tight end Jake Roberts was also off to the side, alongside defensive back Justin Harrington and wide receivers Nic Anderson and Gavin Freeman. 
• Tight end Kaden Helms showed off noticeable upper body gains. Joe Jon Finley noted how it has been an emphasis for him all last year as he was sidelined with an injury. 
• Seth Littrell worked primarily with the quarterbacks, leaving Finley with the tight ends. Casey Thompson didn’t throw as he’s still recovering from his knee injury, leaving Jackson Arnold to lead General Booty, Michael Hawkins and Brendan Zurbrugg. 
• Arnold, now sporting the No. 11 jersey, still delivered a live ball off the arm. Hawkins’ throws downfield stood out as the second-best of the quarterback group while everyone threw on air. 
• Brent Venables left Zac Alley to work with the linebackers while he watched Arnold and the quarterbacks throw for a lengthy individual period. Already plenty of faith in Oklahoma’s new defensive coordinator to handle his position group. 
• USC transfer Michael Tarquin primarily worked on the left side of the line with Bill Bedenbaugh, along with fellow tackle Jacob Sexton. Spencer Brown and Jake Taylor underwent drills on the right side of the line of scrimmage. Heath Ozaeta and Daniel Akinkumi slotted over with the left guards, while Febechi Nwaiwu and Eugene Brooks participated in drills as right guards. 
• When OU lined up for the inside run period, Gavin Sawchuk took the first carry. Jovantae Barnes was second and Kalib Hicks was third. 
• Wide receiver Deion Burks looks like Oklahoma’s most explosive receiver. He worked on the inside with Jalil Farooq the perimeter, and was more than comfortable catching the ball near the line of scrimmage and shaking defenders in space. 
• Field goal charting: Tyler Keltner 3/3 (Made 27R, 45R, 36L). Liam Evans 3/3 (Made 36L, 26R, 44R).
• David Stone disrupted plays and clogged lanes during inside run. Had several quality reps where he was either the first person to the ball or blew up the gap and assisted another tackler.

This article first published on April 25, 2024.