Sooners begin spring workouts

<br>NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops liked what he saw on the first day of spring workouts. <br><br>The Sooners went through a three-hour workout Tuesday with a roster of 77 players,

Wednesday, March 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops liked what he saw on the first day of spring workouts.

The Sooners went through a three-hour workout Tuesday with a roster of 77 players, including 37 letterwinners.

``The guys looked good and were sharp. It's amazing how they don't forget much,'' Stoops said. ``We went through our whole offense and defense throughout the whole practice and the guys looked pretty good. Most of the players, on offense and defense, went through practice without missing a beat.''

Stoops said quarterback Jason White, whose season ended prematurely due to a knee injury, is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Another quarterback, Hunter Wall, has been moved to tight end.

Stoops said he was impressed with the play of linebackers Pasha Jackson and Lance Mitchell, both transfers from Community College of San Francisco.

``They really played well today,'' he said. ``They're powerful, they run well and they're very attentive. They've been very impressive throughout the entire winter.''

Spring practices will end April 20 with the annual Red-White game.

``I'm really excited about our football team this year and excited about the possibilities,'' Stoops said. ``I believe it will be a team that will have a chance to compete for championships including the Big 12 and possibly further, depending on how we come together.''

The Sooners went 10-2 last year and won the Cotton Bowl.