Several Could Play Left Tackle For Sooners

Thursday, March 22nd 2007, 1:22 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) The starting left tackle job on Oklahoma's football team is open, and coaches are pleased with how the candidates to replace the departed Chris Messner are progressing during spring practice.

One candidate for the job is 6â€™8, 350-pound junior-college transfer Phil Loadholt. Through five spring practices, he sits atop the depth chart.

Also competing for the job is 6â€™7, 195-pound redshirt freshman Cory Brandon. It's also possible that one of two returning starters at right tackle -- either Branndon Braxton or Trent Williams -- could move to the left side of the offensive line.

There's also Messner's backup from last season, Duke Robinson, who's now at left guard.

OU offensive line coach James Patton says the Sooners' depth on the line has risen considerably from last season and that coaches feel comfortable with 12 players.

Patton says the competition fostered by such depth is a good thing.