ATHLON RANKS FOUR SOONERS IN BIG 12 TOP 10

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WREN TRYING NOT TO FOCUS ON SCHOLARSHIP

Erick Wren’s

With recent emergence as a potential starter at center has come discussion about the possibility the senior walk-on from Mesquite, Texas, will be put on scholarship.

Wren turned down scholarships from Division I-AA and Division II schools to walk-on for the Sooners and played in three games last season.

Wren said both earning a starting spot and a scholarship would be big milestones.

“Both would mean a lot,” he said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say one means more than the other. Obviously, if I’m able to help my team out there in Houston, then forget the scholarship. Whatever’s best for the team.

“On the flip side, for my family it would mean the world. It would be great.”

Wren said making appearances in three games last season — at center against Akron, Iowa State and Kansas — were big moments even if he tried to act like they weren’t at the moment.

“It was a dream accomplished,” Wren said. “It was wonderful for me to play on a D-I field. I tried to make it seem like, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal. I have other goals to reach.’ But when you step out there for the first time, all those people, the crowd is yelling, it hits you. It’s like, ‘Dang, I’m actually here now.’ ”

Athlon posted its ranking of the top 35 players in the Big 12 entering this season.

The Sooners dominated the list with four players in the top 10 and eight players overall on the list.

Coming in atop the list is Sooners quarterback who finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting last season and won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Running back is No. 3, cornerback No. 8 and defensive lineman Walker No. 9.

Other Sooners on the list include offensive lineman at No. 19, safety at No. 20, running back at No. 23 and linebacker at No. 34.

OPPONENT WATCH: LONG TO MAKE FIRST START VS. SOONERS

Houston senior offensive lineman

will make his first career start Sept. 3 when the Cougars play Oklahoma at NRG Stadium.

Long has come on strong recently and took advantage of some injuries to earn the start at right guard.

“This is a guy when we got here our first spring, there was no way I thought he would play,” Houston coach told the Houston Chronicle. “Going into his senior year (we) didn’t expect much. He’s lived in the weight room and film room and changed his body.”

The Cougars’ top two centers, Will Noble and have been out with injuries recently. Eloph has been working with the first team in their absence.

Eloph started four games as a true freshman last season, playing primarily right guard. QUOTABLE

Calvin Thibodeaux, Sooners’ defensive line coach, on

“Look up from my time in spring to here in camp, he hasn’t missed a day. He’s Mr. Reliable. He doesn’t say a lot, but I appreciate how hard he works and how durable he is. He doesn’t miss days. He doesn’t bust plays. He does a great job. I’m very appreciative to have a senior that has played so many games.”