Everyone has been sitting around the Oklahoma football office extremely nervous this week. Heading into this past season the coaches figured that Malcolm Kelly would be a good bet to give up his senior year and head into the NFL draft. And that’s what their standout receiver did yesterday.

     But few thought a couple of months ago that Curtis Lofton would think about leaving a year early. And that’s what the All-American linebacker is doing right now.

     This Kingfisher native has been weighing the pros and cons of leaving early. The benefit he would get is that if he came out this year he would probably be a second round draft pick. That would mean pretty good bonus money.

     On the flip side, this Sooner junior might be able to improve his stock if he came back next season. He would also be a guy who would have a chance to win the coveted Butkus Award and also be on a team that should be able to compete for a national title.

     It would be a devastating blow if Lofton left. The Sooners are extremely thin at linebacker. No one really knows what redshirts like Travis Lewis and Austin Box can do. They have not played a down of college football. And last year’s highly recruited stud, Mike Reed, hasn’t demonstrated yet that he’s good enough to become a starter.

     If Lofton does leave, Ryan Reynolds may be moved into that slot. Reynolds isn’t a speed guy and the coaches think he may be better suited playing inside. . .

     AND IT APPEARS that if Jay Norvell wants to become the co-offensive coordinator and replace Kevin Sumlin as wide receivers coach, then the job is his.

     Norvell was spotted at the Switzer Center on Thursday afternoon. He would be a good hire. Bob Stoops has not held it against him that Norvell stayed just a couple of weeks a few years ago before going to the Oakland Raiders.

     Stoops and Norvell have remainded friends. He would be an excellent hire. He’s an outstanding coach as well as a very good recruiter.