Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that running back Dominique Whaley has been cleared by doctors to participate in full workouts and appears on track to return from a broken ankle that ended his season in 2011.
But how effective Whaley may be is a wait and see issue.
“He’s been cleared to do everything,” Stoops said. “So, he’s out there running and training and I’m not able to work with him, so it’s a little bit tough.”
“I don’t think Dom even knows until you get the pads on and make that sudden cut. … He says he feels really good and he’s working well.”
“Until you get out there, it’s kind of hard to say,” Stoops said.
The Sooner run game will be especially important to left some of the burden off the passing attack in 2012, which is recovering from the loss of wide receivers Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks and Kameel Jackson to suspension. All were “indefinitely suspended” from the team in May and had their scholarships revoked. Stoops did not say whether that could change by the time practice begins next week.
Meanwhile, juco transfer receivers LaColton Bester and Courtney Gardner and offensive tackle Will Latu is still waiting for clearance to enroll. He said all three had completed their junior college classes.
Stoops told Big 12 media reporters that he will continue to use sophomore quarterback Blake Bell in short-yardage situations this season, but don’t expect Bell to take on a bigger role.
“We’re not going to alternate quarterbacks,” Stoops said, “so it will stay pretty much the same.”
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