NORMAN — Oklahoma could be getting some help at a position that’s become perilously thin since last season ended.

Penn State senior receiver Justin Brown is reportedly considering transferring to Norman for his senior season.

Brown, 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, would be eligible to play immediately should he choose to transfer. The NCAA has waived all transfer rules for Penn State players after it hit the Nittany Lion program last month with probation that includes four-year bowl, severe scholarship restrictions and other penalties.

Brown was the Nittany Lions’ second leading receiver with 35 receptions and 517 receiving yards last season. He scored two touchdowns and led the team with 27 punt return yards.

ESPN reported on Thursday that Brown was scheduled to meet with Penn State coach Bill O’Brien before making a final decision.

If Brown decides to come OU, he would join a receiving corps that only has one currently eligible player — Kenny Stills — who has caught a pass in a college game.

Wednesday, OU coach Bob Stoops announced that receivers Jaz Reynolds and Trey Franks would be rejoining the program after they were removed from the team in June, but that they would also “miss multiple, multiple games.”

Additonally, the status of receiver Kameel Jackson, Stoops said, would be resolved at the conclusion of the summer academic session. Jackson was also removed from the team in June.

If Brown makes it to Norman, the Sooners should have no problem finding a place for him.



Avoiding the heat

Sooner coach Bob Stoops said Thursday at the Oklahoma coaches luncheon, presented by the Cleveland County child welfare Citizens Advisory Board, that his team has moved up today’s first practice to 5:45 a.m. due to the “unbearable heat.”

“The early part of the morning is the only chance we would have outside of going at 5:30 or 6 in the evening,” Stoops said at the luncheon, which took place at Journey Church. “We chose not to do that because of player health. This way, they’ll be able to get all their meals and everything before we’re back on the practice field Saturday morning. We’re trying to keep the players healthy.

“We’re always very aware of the heat and all the problems it can cause.”

All of OU’s practices are closed to the public.



No football talk

The coaching staff held meetings with players Thursday afternoon, but NCAA rules limit the meetings to non-football related issues until practice officially starts.

“We’re not allowed to have football specific meetings today,” he said. “This is all compliance issues, orientation and this, that and the other. It’s hard to believe you get your players back together after not being to see them for four months and you can’t talk football with them.”