Around this time last year, head coach Bob Stoops was very publicly taking his Big Uglies to the verbal woodshed, blasting the offensive line for it’s work ethic and attitude.
“Those guys are at this point, it’s just everything, whether it’s with their work ethic, their attitude, those things need to improve,” Stoops was quoted as saying March 3 of last year. “They haven’t had the winter everyone else has had. They right now are the weak link of the team.”
This year, it’s been a complete 180-degree turn as far as that unit is concerned. Thus far.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the start of spring practice, Stoops said his line has “been one of our best groups” in the winter workout sessions.
“I don’t think there’s any question that we’ll be better in the offensive line,” Stoops said according to Tulsa World, “because we played without so many of those seniors and all of the guys returning have experience now. And we will get Jarvis Jones and Ben Habern back for a good part of the spring. It hasn’t happened, but it’s likely to happen after spring break.”
Two injured lineman -- center Ben Habern (broken leg) and guard/tackle Jarvis Jones (fractured heel) -- won’t be available for the start of spring practice this week, but, after the team takes in spring break next week, will return to practice with the rest of the squad.