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Life on top Sooners prepare to defend crown with new quarterback
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma's spring practices the past two years have been spent with Josh Heupel honing the offense at quarterback. This year, it's somebody else's turn. When the defending champion Sooners begin spring workouts Wednesday, the coaches will be watching to see which of three players emerges to take Heupel's place. The front-runner is Nate Hybl, who was Heupel's backup last season. The other candidates are Jason White and Hunter Wall. Hybl will be a junior in the fall. White will be a sophomore. Wall, a freshman, was redshirted in 2000. "I feel pretty good about all of them," offensive coordinator Mark Mangino said Tuesday. "All three are in tremendous shape, they're stronger than they've ever been, they're quicker than they've ever been, and they've all worked hard in the offseason on their own, watching tape and studying our offense." All three are big and have strong arms. But it was Heupel's knowledge of the offense that played a major part in him finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting and leading Oklahoma to a 13-0 season. He rarely called a wrong audible at the line of scrimmage or got surprised by a blitz. "Those type of kids don't come around that often," Mangino said. "However, we believe the quarterbacks we have are fine players that can execute our system, and that's all we're looking for." He said it's possible one of the three candidates will set himself apart from the others during the spring. "But it wouldn't surprise me if the competition didn't continue into two-a-days, which would be fine," he said. The other points of emphasis during the spring will be filling as many as three spots on the offensive line and finding the replacement for Torrance Marshall at middle linebacker. Left tackle Frank Romero, left guard Howard Duncan and right guard Mike Skinner return on the offensive line. But Duncan may wind up at center, which would leave three positions up for grabs. Mangino said replacing Bubba Burcham at center is his top priority. As many as five players will compete for that spot. "The line could play out a lot of ways," he said. "Right now, center is wide open." The Sooners are set at receiver and tailback, and will need to replace Seth Littrell at fullback. On defense, most of the starters return. The biggest void was left by Marshall, who was all-Big 12 and was voted MVP of the Orange Bowl. Jimmy Wilkerson and Teddy Lehman, sophomores to be, will compete for his spot. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has said his team must look to improve in all phases and build on last year's success. Mangino said he doesn't expect even a hint of complacency. "What happened last year is last year," he said. "We're proud of it, proud of our players. But I think the real fun of this college football is the pursuit of championships, and we're beginning a new pursuit. "That's what keeps you excited and hungry and motivated. We got to the top, now we'd like to stay at the top." Spring practices conclude April 21.
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