Terry driven to succeed

NORMAN — He hasn’t gotten on the field for an official game, but Oklahoma redshirt freshman linebacker JonMichael Terry has been one of the most talked about players throughout the spring season. Baker Mayfield even brought up Terry during the Heisman weekend, saying that he was one of the scout players who impressed him the most. Lincoln Riley later echoed his quarterback, picking Terry as one of the young players with a bright future — a label Terry began fulfilling with a strong spring showing. With positions up for grabs in the new 4-3 defense, Terry is primed to be a key contributor

in the upcoming season. Terry recently talked with the media about his progress.

Q: How long do you think it’ll take you to feel comfortable?

A: I feel like I’m getting close. This spring has been good to me. I’m learning everything and learning the system and all that.

What’s it like coming out of your redshirt season?

Redshirting is hard, but you have to put in the

work on the field every day. Playing scout team really helped. You’re helping the offense get better. You just have to do your job.

Do the freshmen linebackers make your group more athletic as a whole?

I’m really excited about these young guys and I feel like they’re gonna be great players. I feel like they’re gonna have the opportunity to make some plays.

How do you evaluate yourself after the spring season?

I’m a hard worker. I’m gonna come in and get the job done and put in the work every day so I can be ready on Saturdays.

Do you like having the extra practices after the spring

game?

The film always helps. If you get into your film, you can see what you’re doing wrong and avoid making the same mistakes. Coach (Tim) Kish always tells us that we have to be students of the game. You have to watch your film every day and see what you messed up on in order to keep from making the same mistake again.

How are the young linebackers handling the new 4-3 system?

I think we’re doing good with learning the system. We’re learning it together and putting the pieces together. These young guys are smart. They’re coming in and picking it up quickly.