Redmond's status means good news for Sooners
NORMAN — Oklahoma redshirt freshman outside linebacker Jalen Redmond has been “full go” in fall camp, according to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.
“No issues, no setbacks, no nothing,” Grinch said. “What you see is a guy who hasn't played football in a long time. In fairness to him, football is hard. There's a reason why we practice. You certainly see some physical gifts — oh man, do you see them — but he didn't play spring football.”
Grinch's excitement was clear. If healthy, Redmond projects to be one of the most dynamic players on OU's defense. The former Midwest City star was limited to three games last year as he dealt
with recurring blood clots.
Redmond was shut down in early November and has just recently ramped up football activity.
He recorded six tackles in his brief playing time last season. Redmond could be used as a rush end or as an outside linebacker, where he would compete with Jon-Michael Terry, Mark Jackson and Nik Bonitto.
“What's the best use of him? We're still trying to figure it out,” Grinch said. “Obviously a big body that can run, believe me, we'll find a spot for him.”
Brooks addresses investigation
Running back Kennedy Brooks spoke with the media Wednesday for the first time since OU student Mallory Jech publicly accused him of physical and mental abuse.
Brooks was suspended over the summer while a Title IX investigation was conducted. He was cleared, and rejoined the team for fall camp. The accusations were then made public on Twitter.
Brooks addressed the situation before fielding questions Wednesday.
“I just want to say, I don't know if y'all have questions over what happened in the summer,” Brooks said. “I went through a process. Everybody knows the outcome, and I have nothing to add onto it. I just want to get that out first.”
Brooks led the Sooners with 1,056 rushing yards last season. He averaged almost nine yards per carry and rushed for 12 touchdowns. The sophomore from Mansfield, Texas, is expected to lead OU's backfield alongside junior Trey Sermon.
Brooks said missing summer workouts didn't affect him physically. He was asked if there was a point when he didn't think he would return to the team.
“I'm sorry,” Brooks said. “I know you've got to ask that question, but like I said, I have nothing to add on to it.”
The findings of Title IX investigations are not made public.
Quotable
Inside linebackers coach Brian Odom on the defense's progress:
“You want the sugarcoated answer? The real answer: We've got to get better … Are we where we want to be? Absolutely not. The first game, our first performance, does that mean we've arrived or not arrived? Are we terrible or great? No. We've got to continually progress and work to get to that next level. And what is that next level? The next level's your best.”