Oklahoma Roster Drama: Jaz Reynold’s Status, Jalen Saunders/Cortez Johnson Eligibility
By Kyle Kensing
Oklahoma is an almost-across-the-board pre-season top five. Imagine if Bob Stoops had all his players officially available.
Wideout Jaz Reynolds was among four players suspended indefinitely for the ambiguous violation of team rules last May, and there had been no indication he would return. That is, until today when Reynolds was on the roster — and then he wasn’t.
The addition of Reynolds to a downloadable roster appears to have been a clerical error of some sort, but certainly this should ignite speculation a-plenty that quarterback Landry Jones will have
Reynolds was one of three receivers suspended in the spring, leaving a tremendous void in the prolific Sooner passing attack. OU welcomed a prolific wideout after Reynolds, Kameel Jackson and Trey Franks were disciplined, but Fresno State transfer Jalen Saunders’ eligibility is in limbo.
Saunders caught 12 touchdown passes and more than 1000 yards for the Bulldogs last season. His speed and trusty hands would complement Jones well, but assuming Saunders must sit out the customary one transfer year, the two will not play together. The NCAA has yet to render a decision on Saunders’ hardship waiver.
Defensive back Cortez Johnson is playing a similar waiting game. Johnson followed his head coach at Arizona, Mike Stoops, and defensive coordinator/interim coach Tim Kish to Norman. Johnson is a player Mike Stoops spoke highly of, but the freshman was thrust into a prominent role perhaps prematurely with UA suffering numerous injuries in the secondary.
Jason Kersey of NewsOK.com wrote “don’t hold your breath” on either Saunders or Johnson suiting up in 2012.
OU does have one positive on the roster with the return of running back Dom Whaley. He received medical clearance last week. But even in returning Whaley from an ACL injury, there is uncertainty; Bob Stoops said during Big 12 Media Day: “I don’t think Dom even knows until you get the pads on (and) make that sudden cut, is he going to feel comfortable doing it and all?”