Riley: No timeline for defensive coordinator hire
NORMAN — Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley wouldn’t commit to having a permanent defensive coordinator in place for the December signing period.
“We’ll see how that all plays out,” Riley said Monday.
“I haven’t made any decisions on what we’re going to do there or not. Our focus was after we made the change that we were gonna get through this back half of the season and see where we’re at.”
Ruffin McNeill has served as OU’s defensive coordinator since Mike Stoops was fired in early October. The Sooners rank 80th nationally in total defense. OU is giving up 5.6 yards per play.
High school prospects can officially sign beginning Dec. 19. Oklahoma’s 2019 class, composed of 19 commits, ranks fifth nationally and first in the Big 12, according to the 247Sports composite.
Having a defensive coordinator in place might ease the mind of some recruits, but Riley didn’t confirm a change is coming.
“I don’t know what we’ll do,” he said. “I wouldn’t commit that we’re gonna bring in anybody different right now or not.”
Brown named Biletnikoff semifinalist
Oklahoma’s Marquise Brown is one of 11 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best receiver in college football.
Brown’s thoughts have been on the award since OU’s opener against Florida Atlantic.
He and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb wore No. 25 Fred Biletnikoff Oakland Raiders jerseys before and after the game. Biletnikoff was a Hall of Fame receiver in the NFL after starring at Florida State.
“It wasn’t like a statement,” Brown said of wearing the jersey. “It was more, for myself and CeeDee, motivation for us.”
Brown ranks 13th nationally with 96 receiving yards per game. The 5-foot-10 junior has eight touchdowns and is averaging 18 yards per catch.
Four of the 11 Biletnikoff Award semifinalists are from the Big 12.
Brown is a likely candidate to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, but he didn’t offer any hints about the looming decision.
“It’s too early to reflect on anything,” Brown said. “We have bigger stuff ahead.”
Brooks Newcomer of Week
Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Monday for his performance against Oklahoma State.
Brooks rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns Saturday against the Cowboys. His 39-yard carry late in the fourth quarter set up the Sooners’ gamewinning score. It’s the second Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award for Brooks. The redshirt freshman from Mansfield, Texas, is averaging a Big 12-best 11.23 yards per carry.