Preseason All-Big 12 DE on the eligibility fence
Oklahoma defense coordinator, Brent Venables, was asked about the status of Preseason All-Big 12 defensive end, Ronnell Lewis, following Tuesday's practice.
Lewis himself has said that his eligibility for this season is "out of his hands", during OU Media Day back on Aug. 6, but rumors continue to persist concerning the Sooners' starting defensive end, even though he continues to practice with the team.
Advertisement
"He's actually in the ice tubs right now," answered Venables when asked what position Lewis played today.
Venables was also asked if he has a backup plan if Lewis is not eligible this season.
Click Here to view this Link.
"Well the backup plan is that he's not here and we have two ends we feel good about. - Frank Alexander and David King," he said.
Venables was then asked by SoonerScoop.com, "Why don't you guys know his status?"
"I'll coach whoever lines up there in practice," answered Venables. "I'm not the guy to ask."
The guy who generally answers questions of that nature, Bob Stoops, did not show up for post practice interviews on Tuesday. The last time the media was allowed to meet with the team was Friday, and Stoops did not offer any comment on the Lewis situation then.
Media are not allowed to attend practices at the University of Oklahoma, but the OU's official website, soonersports.com, does post practice videos each day on their website.
Lewis can be seen in scrimmage highlights from Saturday's first major scrimmage posted on soonersports.com, but Lewis is noticeably absent from this morning's practice videos.
Venables did not mention a Lewis injury following today's practice, even though he was asked about his progress this fall.
"He's looked great," answered Venables when asked specifically about Lewis' performance in camp "He's looked really good, really good."
Media were not aware of Lewis' absence from this morning's practice videos at the time of post-practice interviews.
Last season Lewis logged 37 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and recovered one football as a backup defensive end.
Lewis has been penciled in as a starting defensive end since OU released their preseason media guide.
SoonerScoop.com requested an interview with Lewis following today's practice, but Lewis did not appear.