Oklahoma’s Brent Venables Reveals Good News On and Off Field Ahead of Spring Practice

NORMAN — Oklahoma coach Brent Venables opened Wednesday’s spring practice press conference with some good news.

Senior safety/linebacker Justin Harrington’s appeal to the NCAA for a medical hardship season has been granted, Venables said.

The Sooners open spring practice on Monday and wrap up with annual Red/White Game on April 20.

Harrington, a former junior college All-American who has played cornerback, safety and the nickel linebacker spot, will practice this spring after a knee injury early last season.

“It’s big,” Venables said. “He’s a highly invested guy. He’s talented. He can do a lot of diff things. You are always looking for big, long, fast, aggressive, physical guys and he’s those things.”

The Venables family also revealed some good news beyond the football field earlier in the day: Julie Venables told the Oklahoman that she had “zero cancer” after being diagnosed with breast cancer last June.

“Praise Jesus,” Venables said. “She’s cancer free. … She’s tough s all get out.”

Venables also confirmed the hiring of Zac Alley as defensive coordinator as well as numerous other support staff and aides, including offensive analyst Kevin Johns and special teams analyst Doug Deakin.