Humphrey playing beyond his years in spring

Early enrollee

a Shawnee product, has some big hurdles ahead of him, specifically one that’s 6-foot-1, 329 pounds and another that’s 6-3, 321 pounds.

But fighting veterans for a spot on the offensive line isn’t too daunting for the freshman center.

In fact, just a week into spring football practice, offensive line coach

said that Humphrey was showing skills that simply can’t be taught.

“I don’t want to put too much on him, but I’ve never been around a guy like that at that position, playing center,” Bedenbaugh said. “I had a kid at Texas Tech,

who played as a true freshman, but he wasn’t playing center. He’s very, very smart. He’s strong. He’s doing things that you don’t coach. He’s natural. He’s athletic. It’s very important to him.

“He’s not out here missing calls. I mean, does he make mistakes? Sure he does, but not any more than anybody else. It’s been pretty impressive up to this point.”

Oklahoma returns all five starters along the offensive line, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Sooners will start those five on Sept. 2 against UTEP.

Though the battle for starting center will likely come down to incumbent

and one-time starter Humphrey will undoubtedly get a chance to show his mettle in the spring game on April 8.

“He’s very aggressive,” offensive coordinator

said. “He’s got a really, really bright future here.”

Terry hoping for breakout while helping youngsters

Last season,

had to wait his turn. He hopes that turn is now, as he’s working as the No. 1 option to replace the departed early in spring practices after Terry served a redshirt last year.

“Last year was a great learning experience for me being behind Jordan Evans,” Terry said. “(He) taught me, showed me the ropes and everything.”

And Terry, although just a redshirt freshman, is trying to take on that same role for the large group of newcomers at the position, at least some of which are likely to have to redshirt as well.

“I would tell them that even if they’re not playing right away to always be playing 100 percent and always be taking your mental reps and be taking notes during the meetings,” Terry said. “And all that because even if you’re not getting on the field, you might be getting down on yourself a little bit, but you can’t let that happen because you got to be ready because it could be your turn whenever.” Defensive coordinator

had high praise for Terry.

“I feel like Jon-Michael has a chance to be a special player,” Stoops said.

Stoops expects bigger things from Jones

Early on last season, it looked like freshman wide receiver was going to be a big part of the offense.

But after recording six catches for 48 yards in the second game of the season, a win over Louisiana-Monroe, Jones had just five catches for 15 yards over the next seven games before recording two catches for 43 yards against Baylor.

“Mykel Jones is going to be a really good player,” Sooners coach said. “He’s another guy that we feel has a lot of big-play potential, the more he plays and experience he gets. I wouldn’t say his head was spinning (last year) but maybe not as accountable or reliable as Coach (Lincoln) Riley wants him to be.

“But we’ve really got a lot of faith in him and love him as a player, and believe this can be a year he can really break out and be a big factor. He has that kind of ability.”