Former Prep Defensive Player Of Year Ready To Contribute For OU

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- After concentrating on improving his footwork this summer, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy says he's confident he's ready to play this season.<br/><br/>McCoy arrived

Friday, August 17th 2007, 6:33 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- After concentrating on improving his footwork this summer, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy says he's confident he's ready to play this season.

McCoy arrived at Oklahoma with plenty of hype last year after being named the USA Today national defensive player of the year out of high school. He was also touted as the nation's top defensive tackle by several publications.

But he quickly learned he wasn't ready to contribute after he started practice with the Sooners last fall.

He ended up sitting out the whole season and taking a redshirt. But now, he thinks he's ready to make an impact.

On a 10-point scale, McCoy says he would have rated his old technique as a two. He thinks he's up to an eight now, and still improving.