August 6th: Practice #3 & Media Day

This first Saturday of pre-season practice was the ever-anticipated Media Day. And, as usual, Sooner fans came in droves to meet their honored Sooners and get signatures. But before the boys could settle down to signing footballs, t-shirts, and other memorabilia they had to battle through their first practice with pads. Good thing they're practicing in the morning! And after meeting the fans, their jobs were still not done. Then it was time for team photos, individual photos, and Sooner Vision. Such a long day for our Sooners! But the fans are so thankful!!

Photos:

#32 Blocking
First, here's a photo of Marshall blocking during another early morning practice. 

Here are some photos from Media Day. When we asked Marshall how many signatures he gave, his quick response was, "Too many!!"  Now, don't let him fool you...if you know Marshall at all, you know he loved meeting all those kids.

RBs and FBs

Videos:
Now, this video isn't Marshall, but you get a glimpse of what it's like for the Sooners every morning at 6:45AM.

Morning Stretches

And here's a little fun for you! Lane Johnson does some great impressions of fellow teammates and coaches. Enjoy a laugh!

Impressions 

August 5th: Practice #2

Friday, August 5th marked the second early morning practice for the Sooners in Norman. And good thing. Temperatures are hot and sticky this afternoon, making practicing in the afternoon nearly unbearable.

For those that have been wondering, yes the pictures and videos are much different than they were last year. This is in part because of the coaching change from Coach Wilson to Coach Gundy. Last year Marshall practiced with the other fullback and tightends, working mainly on blocking skills. This year, the fullbacks are with the running backs, working on a completely different set of skills.

Photos:

Watching the kickers

Tomorrow is another practice and the much-anticipated Media Day. Check back tomorrow evening for the Media Day update!

August 4th: Practice 1

The Sooners were up bright and early for their first day of preseason practices. And good thing too, the heat in Norman this summer is nearly unbearable. Kansas heat and Texas humidity all rolled in one. Plus, summer classes don't end until Friday, so practices/meetings must work around class schedules until next week.

Photos: 
Of course, I was on Soonersports.com first thing this morning and was rewarded with a photo album that had already been posted! Here are some photos of our Sooner from this morning:

Stretching formation 

RB Drills

Videos:

For videos I've got 2.

This one isn't necessarily just Marshall. It's the entire team getting all fired up to kick-off their first practice, but I thought it was highly entertaining. (No, I don't see Marshall partaking in the dancing. Must be too embarrassed to show off his "moves.")

Let's get fired up!

The second video is that running back chute drill. We saw this video numerous times in the spring, looks like you can expect more of the same this fall...

RBs hit the chute on Day 1

If you're interested at taking a peek at the new media guide for this season, I highly recommend it! 

Here's the link to the online copy. Once you open it you'll have to flip all the way to pages 114-115. Then, prepare to smile!

Media Guide

I can't believe I'm typing the first update of the 2011 preseason. I know it's completely cliche, but I'll say it anyway...time is flying!!! But I hope all of you know how blessed we feel to have such a strong support system. It is always such a pleasant surprise to see how many people follow Marshall and want to know how he's doing. I can't say it enough. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Hello 2011 Season!

Welcome back to all my Football Freelancer followers! Summer is officially over here in Norman as of Wednesday, August 3rd. But in some ways, that's not a bad thing. We're only a month away from the Musil's favorite season of the year: FOOTBALL SEASON!

So what has our Sooner been up to all summer? The same thing the rest of the football team has been doing. Going to summer classes and summer work-outs. Does it ever end?? :)  He did get to go return home to Kansas in May for 3 weeks and spend some much-needed time with family (including Marcus) and LaCrosse/Osborne friends.  He also takes after his father more and more every day....he played in 2 softball tournaments this summer (and LOVED it) and whenever there was a spare moment he was up at the gym playing basketball. And I know all this because he lived with me alllllll summer....(no really, it wasn't that bad. I actually, secretly, enjoyed it...)

Now that August is officially here it's back to the full swing of OU football. Practice, practice, practice....and somewhere in between still get all that homework done! Every year it seems like time slows down as we're waiting for football season to get here, and then when it finally does it's gone before we have time to stop, breathe in that cool, fall breeze, and enjoy it.

Since it's officially 2-day practices tomorrow, I'll be posting as much as I'm able to keep everyone updated on how practices are going. Remember, you can also check out Soonersports.com.

Marshall and Marcus at the Shrine Bowl. 

The Musil's hope everyone has had a peaceful summer (and at least tried to stay cool!) And we can't wait to cheer for #32 once again during the 2011 season!!

Scrimmage April 9th

Saturday, April 9th: This Saturday was the final scrimmage before the Red battles the White in front of their loyal Sooner fans. It was a typical hot, windy day for this Kansas girl and I received my first sunburn of the year. So...hopefully next weekend won't be so bad. Here are the pictures and videos available to share with you. I can't wait till  next weekend when I will be able to take my own photos!

Video:

Scrimmage Highlights 
(If I'm not mistaken, I hear a "Hell yeah, Marshall!" toward the VERY beginning of this clip.....no big deal.)

Photos:

Lining up...

Going for the block!

That hair. It. Kills. Me. 

Beast. 

Spring Game THIS WEEKEND!!! Nuff said.

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.”--Tommy Lasorda

Spring Practice April 5th and April 7th

Welcome to the Football Freelancer's report for Spring Ball during the first full week of April!

Tuesday, April 5th: Practice on Tuesday also coincided with another important event. That's right, it was yours truly's birthday! Unfortunately, I don't have much to share with you in terms of practice. There is a video of a drill we have not previously seen, so enjoy!

 Video:
RBs Stress Leverage in Blocking

Photos:

Soonersports.com also posts their pictures on Facebook. This one received some comments:

• Keith Stokes Forward this to all Big XII coaches....so they can show their linebackers what they'll see just before being plowed!
  

  April 5 at 6:21pm ·  ·  1 person
• 
  

  Jordan Brown Lol
  

  April 5 at 11:31pm · 
• 
  

  David Brian Musil nice....i can't wait to see some bulldozing up the middle....
  

  April 6 at 12:18am · 

Thursday, April 7th: Second practice of the week. No pictures for you (come on, Soonersports.com!! Feature the FBs a little more, will ya?!?!?!) If you've been on Soonersports.com you'll notice they favor the defense (you didn't hear that here...)

Video:

RBs Full Speed Through the Chute

Photos: NONE!

Only a week until the Red and White Game. Your dedicated host will be spending the week preparing for the large Musil delegation we have journeying to Norman for the weekend. Tickets have been ordered. And yes, many pictures will be taken. If you have questions about the Spring Game or our festivities for the weekend, feel free to contact me!

musil_40@hotmail.com

Scrimmage April 2nd

Saturday, April 2nd was the first scrimmage of spring ball! Family was invited to attend so I was able to watch the scrimmage in person. Unfortunately, family taking photos of their own is frowned upon (actually it's not allowed AT ALL.) Very unfair, I agree, but thank goodness Soonersports was there to do the media business for us! The scrimmage definitely put this football fan in the mood for September! Take a look at the video and photos from Saturday. And remember...if you see a "Read More" link at the end of the post...there's more to read! It just didn't all fit on one page.

Video:

Saturday Scrimmage Highlights

Sooners Warm up at Owen Field

RBs Catch with Coach Gundy

Photos:

So good he can catch 2 at one time!

Warming up

Musil and Hanna

What's the next play??

Fullback

Congrats to our Sooner on a great scrimmage. Very proud of you, #32! Spring Game in 2 weeks!!!

Spring Practice March 29th and 31st

Cooler weather found its way to Norman again this week and what a shock after the beautiful spring-like weather from the week before! Now, this post will be long...there are lots of photos. So be sure to click the "Read More" link at the bottom to be sure you see EVERYTHING :)

Tuesday, March 29th the Sooners moved indoors to Everest Training Facility to get away from the winter-like temperatures. Much of the coverage this day included WRs and Defense. Here is one photo featuring our Sooner (in the background.)

#32 with his helmet off in the background

Thursday, March 31st the Sooners were back outside. Here are some photos and a video from that practice. 

Video: 

Running Backs Hit the Chute

Photos:

Marshall and Austin Haywood

Running through the chute...

James Hanna and Marshall Musil

Our Sooner!! 

Spring Practice March 23rd, 25th, and 26th

Hello Sooner fans! It's the weekend and the Football Freelancer has a few spare moments to update you on the status of spring practice here in Norman. (If I only I could call Sooner Coverage my full-time job!!)

Wednesday, March 23rd the boys had their 2nd (and last) practice with helmets only. According to Marshall, this practice went well. I can't give you anything from Soonersports.com because they concentrated solely on the defense that day. Unfair? I think so.

#32's turn to run the ball

Friday, March 25th marked the first padded practice for the Spring 2011 season. Again, none of the videos from this day related to Marshall's position, but here are some photos!
There was also a coaching clinic going on this weekend, so if you see strange coaches or random people in the pictures and videos from Soonersports.com, that's the reason.

Waiting. 

Saturday, March 26th Soonersports.com finally delivered with good video featuring our Sooner! 

There are 2 video's of OU's famous Oklahoma Drill.

Oklahoma Drill Highlights #1

Oklahoma Drill Highlights #2

Now, check out this progression of photos. Probably some of my favorite shots of our Sooner. And oh, how I wish I could take credit for these!! 

Another run. 

.

Spring Ball 2011: It Begins!

It's that time again! Spring Ball has officially started here in the Sooner's hometown of Norman. Fresh off Spring Break our beloved Sooners hit the field today for their first practice, helmets/no pads. Tomorrow will be more of the same and then on to full padded practice, one scrimmage, and the Red and White Spring Game April 16th.


As usual, Soonersports.com has excellent coverage of the spring practices. I will also be posting as much as possible. 


Here's your first sneak peak at what happened today in practice:


Running Backs Hit the Chute


Want to catch a glimpse of the 2011 Oklahoma Football Spring Guide. Head over to Soonersports.com here.




This Sooner family is extremely excited for Spring ball this year and as always, 100% behind our Sooner. Can't wait to see what's in store. (And just think, Mom, only 5 more months till football season!)


For those of you that are interested, details for the Spring Game are as follows:
Red & White Spring Game
April 16th 2:00 (Game time subject to change)
Tickets are $5 until April 12th. After that and at the gate they will be $10. 
Order online here.


"To those who work hard, good things happen."--Mr. Ubelaker