NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Freshman defensive end D.J. Ward practiced for the first time at Oklahoma on Tuesday after being declared eligible by the NCAA.
Coach Bob Stoops said Ward was able to start working on his fundamentals and learning the Sooners’ defense, but his participation was limited under NCAA rules. Ward was required to practice without shoulder pads and in a helmet only, limiting what he was able to do.
Ward missed the first 11 practices of the spring while waiting for clearance from the NCAA. Stoops said he hoped Ward could get in enough work in two practices that he could play in Saturday’s spring game.
Ward was one of four players from Oklahoma’s signing class who are already enrolled in classes, along with punter Jed Barnett, receiver Dannon Cavil and safety Ahmad Thomas.
