Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Sooners are 'running toward the SEC' and more from media day

DALLAS — Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables made his rounds at SEC media days on Tuesday at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas.

"Oklahoma isn't intimidated as a football program," Venables said of his team's readiness to move to the SEC. "We're running toward the SEC. ... How ready we are? We're excited for the challenge. I think you have to go through it."

Here are several takeaways from Venables' press conference and his meeting with local media before his turn one the stage:

Jackson Arnold ready for challenge

Venables said quarterback Jackson Arnold was ready to be the full-time starter after Dillon Gabriel's transfer to Oregon.

"Jackson understands better than anybody what goes into being a quarterback," Venables said. "His ability to handle the highs and the lows, the challenge, the success, the failure that the season will bring you — no one is more ready. ... No question about it, he's ready for his moment."

Danny Stutsman's mature approach to return

Venables said linebacker Danny Stutsman approached his decision to return in a mature way.

"Had an excellent (NFL Draft) grade and I've had plenty of guys take the grade and go with it," Venables said. "He had a real practical process that he went through, like I have so much more to give. ... He wanted to be one of the leaders to help take us into the SEC."

Venables: Couldn't have won 2000 title without Josh Heupel

Venables and Josh Heupel arrived in Norman around the same time in 1999.

The pair have remained close throughout the years since, as Venables' has progressed as a coach and Heupel transitioned from star quarterback to Tennessee head coach.

"I have this deep appreciation for Josh, certainly first and foremost as a player," Venables said. "I always look back (at the 2000 championship team) and say, 'Man, we couldn't have done it without Heup. ... The guts and the toughness that he played through."

The Sooners host Heupel's Volunteers on Sept. 21.

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Brent Venables staying out of Horns Down debate

Venables, like plenty of others Tuesday, was asked about the SEC's approach to the Horns Down hand gesture .

"I don't really have an opinion," Venables said. "Football's a game of emotion, intensity and passion. If they say that's going to be a penalty, then don't do it. If they say it's going to be a free-for-all, then have at it."

Brent Venables gives injury updates on Andrel Anthony, others

Venables said several players who have been limited by injuries during last season and the spring had been fully cleared this summer.

Those include cornerback Gentry Williams, quarterback transfer Casey Thompson, and offensive line transfer Geirean Hatchett.

Venables said wide receivers Andrel Anthony and Jalil Farooq, though, had yet to be cleared.

Anthony, who was injured during last season's win over Texas, remains somewhat limited but Venables said there was hope he would be able to return fully to practice before the season opener Aug. 30 against Temple.

Farooq has battled a foot injury and opted to take a non-surgical approach to healing.

Venables said he was hopeful Farooq would be able to return in the lead-up to the opener, but that they were taking a cautious approach.

The Sooners' coach also said center Troy Everett, who suffered a knee injury during the spring, was "ahead of schedule" as he worked his way back.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Sooners are 'running toward the SEC' and more from media day