Oklahoma is going through more personnel shifts with fall practices right around the corner. And, generally, Wednesday’s news was more promising than what Monday had to offer the Sooners.
But, we’ll start with the bad news first. Senior center Ben Habern has decided to hang up the cleats due to lingering neck and back injuries. Habern started 30 games during his career, including six starts last year and 14 in 2010.
“Our coaching staff knows this was a difficult decision for Ben,” Bob Stoops said in a statement. “Ben has been a consummate leader for our team, both on and off the field. We appreciate the toughness that Ben has displayed, and we wish him the very best as he completes his education at OU.”
Now, the better news: suspended wide receivers Trey Franks and Jaz Reynolds, along with defensive back Quentin Hayes, have been reinstated to the team for practice only. The three will remain suspended indefinitely from playing until further notice. The trio, along with receiver Kameel Jackson, were suspended in May for violation of team rules.
Jackson’s issue turned out to be an academic one and his suspension will be reviewed at the end of the current academic session; the other three were removed from scholarship over the summer while they attempted to work their way back into Stoops’ good graces.
Which apparently they’ve done. Well, sort of.