OU Alamo Bowl practice notes

OU has officially made it to San Antonio and started practicing ahead of its matchup with No. 14 Arizona in the Alamo Bowl.

The team arrived on Dec. 24, on Christmas Eve, and practiced Monday at UTSA. There were several new faces on the practice field for the Sooners, with seven mid-year enrollees partaking in practice. Defensive linemen Jayden Jackson, Nigel Smith and Wyatt Gilmore, cornerback Eli Bowen, safety Jaydan Hardy, running back Xavier Robinson and quarterback Michael Hawkins were all in attendance at practice on Christmas Day. Gilmore is the only one who did not practice, recovering from a broken foot.

It was also one of our first opportunities to see freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold command the offense, with new offensive coordinator Seth Littrell by his side. There were also some key players practicing who have been dealing with injuries this season.

Here are the top takeaways from Monday’s practice.

Arnold leading the way

We only get to see 15 minutes of practice, but it’s clear Arnold has stepped into the QB1 role well so far. He was directing traffic during drills and was a bit more vocal than we’ve seen him before. As for Littrell, he was attached at Arnold’s hip most of the practice. He’s not a vocal guy, but does talk with the quarterbacks often.

Jackson, Smith stand out

It wasn’t hard to spot mid-year enrollees Jayden Jackson and Nigel Smith. The two 2024 defensive linemen look the part. Jackson is every bit of 6-foot-2, 300 pounds. He already looks like one of OU’s biggest defensive linemen. And I was impressed by his quick feet during drills.

Smith worked with the defensive ends and also looks like he could play tomorrow for the Sooners. He spent a lot of time talking with Rondell Bothroyd and Ethan Downs, who appeared to be taking him under their wing.

Stutsman ready to play

Junior linebacker Danny Stutsman looked healthy and energized during practice. He broke the team down to start the day and was leading individual drills. He’s been dealing with nagging elbow and ankle injuries, which left some wondering if he would play in the bowl game. It certainly seems like he is ready to go for OU.

Extras

Gentry Williams looked healthy and ready to play in the game, but don’t be surprised if Jasaiah Wagoner gets some run with the first team. Troy Everett was taking first-team reps at center after not practicing last week. He’s expected to play. Caleb Shaffer will likely start at left guard in the bowl game, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Heath Ozeata rotates in. Davis Beville will be the backup for the bowl game and is practicing, despite being in the transfer portal.Tawee Walker also made the trip to San Antonio despite being in the portal, too. Walker figures to be a part of the game plan on Thursday. Kip Lewis took most of the first-team reps at linebacker with Jaren Kanak backing him up. Eli Bowen and Jaydan Hardy struggled a bit in individual drills, but that’s to be expected considering they’ve never practiced with OU before. Woodi Washington spent some time on the side teaching Bowen, which was a cool moment. We will speak with Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley for the first time since their promotions on Tuesday afternoon. Ted Roof, Billy Bowman, Ethan Downs, Drake Stoops and McKade Mettauer are also scheduled to speak. Brent Venables will have a press conference on Wednesday previewing the game.

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