Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks helmet communication, provides Nic Anderson injury update
‘There’s this whole mantra of ‘Use your voice, be a communicator,’ and I get on my guys for not using their voices enough, but I wasn’t even using mine.’
Brent Venables’ transition from defensive coordinator at Clemson to head coach at Oklahoma has included plenty of changes and adjustments.
One of the most notable is Venables' implementation of helmet communication, which allows players and coaches to talk to each other during games.
Venables says he has been pleased with the results so far.
‘I love having the ability to communicate with the players,’ Venables said. ‘I think it’s invaluable.’
Venables says helmet communication can be used for a variety of purposes, such as making defensive adjustments or calling plays.
He says it has also helped to improve the team’s communication on the field.
“I think it’s made a big difference in our ability to communicate as a team,” Venables said.
In addition to helmet communication, Venables has also made some changes to the team’s practice routine.
He says he has tried to make practices more game-like, which has helped to improve the team’s preparation for games.
“I think our practices have been a lot more competitive,” Venables said.
Venables has also made some changes to the team’s playbook.
He says he has simplified the playbook, which has helped to make it easier for players to learn.
“I think we’ve made the playbook a lot more user-friendly,” Venables said.
‘I think our players are really starting to get comfortable with it.’
Venables says he is excited about the upcoming season and believes the team has the potential to be very successful.
“I think we have a lot of talent on this team,” Venables said.
“I think we’re going to be a very competitive team.”
In addition to talking about helmet communication, Venables also provided an update on the injury to linebacker Nic Anderson.
Anderson suffered a leg injury in the spring game and is expected to miss the start of the season.
Venables says Anderson is making progress in his rehab and could be back on the field by mid-season.
“Nic is a great player,” Venables said.
“We’re going to miss him, but we’re confident he’ll be back soon.”
Comments