Jake Trotter answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Chris Wilkerson in Tahlequah, Okla., writes: Is Oklahoma changing their scheme any, offense wise? I heard maybe more option.
Jake Trotter: As long as Landry Jones is quarterback, OU will not be running the option. Even if/when Blake Bell takes over, it’s unlikely the Sooners run any option then either. Bell is a power-running quarterback like Kansas State’s Collin Klein or Tim Tebow. Not an option quarterback like Jamelle Holieway or Charles Thompson.
Mike in Dallas writes: Bob Stoops is keeping a solid stance that there’s no room on the coaching staff right now, when asked about the possible hiring of Mike Stoops. We all know he won't fire anyone from his current staff, but do you think he wants to hire his brother? Do you feel he wants to make it happen, or is this a long shot in the first place? What is your gut feeling?
Jake Trotter: Based on everything I have heard, I believe that Bob would like to have his brother back on his staff. I also believe that Mike would like to be back with his brother. So it’s no long shot. But somebody has to leave first. That could still happen. But it hasn’t happened yet.
Landry writes: How do you think the offensive line will look next year?
Jake Trotter: The offensive line should be OU’s best since ’08. Ben Habern and Gabe Ikard are veteran stalwarts in the middle, and Adam Shead has a chance to be OU’s best interior run-blocker since Duke Robinson. The key will be the tackles. How Lane Johnson flips from right to left tackle will be crucial.
Joe in Oklahoma City writes: With a need at running back, why is OU not pursuing Barry Sanders Jr.? It would be a great fit and package to go along with Sterling Shepard.
Jake Trotter: Barry Sanders’ father was the greatest player in Oklahoma State in history. Sanders Jr. going to OU would be like Sam Bradford’s kid someday playing quarterback at Texas. It’s just not happening.
Don Asay in Haubstadt, Ind., writes: Oklahoma once had a feared running attack and a smash-mouth defense. Those two hallmarks have slowly dissolved over the last few years. Do you see imminent coaching changes to correct these deficits?
Jake Trotter: There could be some turnover on the coaching staff, but it won’t be due to Stoops firing anyone. Mike Stoops is a phenomenal defensive coach, but until the Sooners recruit better players, not much is changing. Adrian Peterson had more to do with that feared running attack than anyone. Same deal with Gerald McCoy, Teddy Lehman and Roy Williams on the smash-mouth defense.