The Oklahoma Sooners were one of the most impressive teams in college football last season, but they enter the 2013 campaign without longtime starter Landry Jones, as he is heading to the NFL draft.
The team opens spring practice on Saturday and there are a number of questions for Bob Stoops and company, including how the new coaching staff will do and if the team can recover from a three-loss season. The team has been set at quarterback for years, but there will be a big competition this season as Blake Bell, sophomore Kendal Thompson and freshman Trevor Knight battle it out to take over for Jones.
Stoops has been able to use Sam Bradford and Jones over the past six years and now it is time for a new star to take over the team. Stoops will likely wait a while to name a starter, but all three will have eyes on them in spring workouts.
The team could be running with the quarterbacks more after four-year starter Landry Jones is gone, as he was more of a drop back passer.
"Ultimately, whether we find the guy this spring or it happens in training camp, you're going to put in the schemes that he feels comfortable with," coordinator Josh Heupel said to ESPN.com. "Your play calling is going to be in part based on what he has an opportunity to be successful in, as well."
The staff has been changed up as well, with a new offensive line coach, tight ends coach and defensive line coach and Stoops will be looking for more consistence as they get ready for the Spring game, which will be at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium on April 13 at 2:00 p.m. CT.
The team has a number of new recruits and some freshmen will be asked to do more, including wideout Trey Metoyer, who will have a chance to step up after missing out last season. The team is bringing back just 11 starters and the defense has been totally overhauled, as All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin is the main retuning player.
Last season the team finished 10-3 and 8-1 in the Big 12 after winning their final five games, including a 51-48 overtime win against Oklahoma State. The team lost 41-13 to Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel in the Cotton Bowl, but will be looking to start strong next season.
The team lost to Notre Dame, Kansas State and Texas A&M and were one of the highest-passing and scoring teams in the Big 12, ranking fifth and 15th respectively in those categories.
