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NORMAN — Billy Bowman had to do a tiny of all the things past period as a freshman.
He begun 5 of the initial six online games at nickel back again right before building a change to cornerback, where by he started off back-to-back again video games.
Following some struggles there, even though, Bowman’s position in the defense was tremendously decreased.
Now in Brent Venables’ protection, Bowman is settling into a outlined function as a security.
“I get why he performed 3 positions previous calendar year as a correct freshman. (He’s) incredibly talented, terrific instincts, large skill established, great toughness, incredibly intelligent, can do a whole lot of factors,” Venables said. “We’re just striving to get him to be really excellent at a person matter.
“Sometimes when you do also significantly far too quickly, everything’s neutralized — all your potential, your instincts, your intelligence.”
Bowman reported very last year was tough for him.
“It was, at factors, disheartening, but I was capable to battle via it and have a terrific mindset and study every little thing I could and do the greatest that I can.”
Venables claimed Bowman’s potential to function in space and present off his man-to-male coverage skills built him a fantastic suit at basic safety.
“I come to feel a lot more pure at safety, remaining capable to read the total area and be on prime of every thing,” Bowman said. “But I can perform anything at all. I did it at the higher-college level. I can do it right here. I did it previous calendar year.”
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Drake Stoops then and now
Each and every working day at practice, Venables will get a reminder that his job is about far more than just profitable football game titles.
That reminder comes from seeing wide receiver Drake Stoops on the industry.
Venables remembers vividly Stoops running about at exercise imitating his beloved players when Stoops’ father, Bob, was the Sooners’ head coach and Venables the defensive coordinator.
“Reminds me of getting all-around my very own sons, realizing what their desires are, looking at ’em as minimal little ones, pretending they were being Mark Clayton, some of all those guys,” Venables claimed. “We had some amazing gamers. It’s a reminder to me that these are people’s youngsters. They are on their journey. It’s not all about just profitable. There is far more to it than that, but when you can aid facilitate all their desires on and off the subject.
“It’s a reminder, as well, that his dad’s about, and he’s acquired a statue out in this article out entrance, and he’s the explanation I was afforded the opportunity to appear in the very first location, mainly because of their household.”
Stoops has carved out a function with the Sooners, rising from a minimal-made use of walk-on to a constant piece of the receiver rotation.
“One of the most humble, really hard-working, rough (players),” Venables reported. “He’s a higher-performer. He overdelivers with anything, on and off the area. We have seen other young persons in his situation have a feeling of entitlement, want anything for practically nothing. And that could not be further more from the real truth. Just a excellent person, a terrific teammate.”
Mic’d up
Venables has taken to utilizing a microphone at follow.
“You can’t hear me,” Venables reported. “I gotta scream. Someone permitted ’em to have music at follow. I gotta scream above it.”
Venables reported the use of the mic helps communicate during what can be hectic periods at apply.
“Trying to be efficient,” he reported. “I just cannot be in all places at when. That team above on the other subject has to hear me.”
Defensive end Reggie Grimes reported Venables’ currently being mic’d up adds to the tradition of accountability Venables is producing.
“Sometimes you are the man who will get identified as out, and that is Okay for the reason that yet again, it’s a society of accountability,” Grimes explained. “If you do mess up, then don’t mess up the identical point two times. We’ll get it corrected the next day and really don’t make that blunder all over again.”
Spring-game structure up in the air
Venables claimed he wasn’t positive what the format of the spring game, scheduled for April 23, would look like fairly still.
“We’ll figure that out as we go on to go forward,” he claimed. “Lot of that just depends on how the spring goes. You have bought your views on what you are expert with, our depth and progress will figure out that. It’ll be a enjoyable time.”
This article initially appeared on Oklahoman: OU soccer: Billy Bowman settling in at safety after bouncing all around
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