Ted Roof opens up on what he expects from his players while away from the team

Ted Roof is expecting big things from his players during his first season as the defensive coordinator with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Speaking with the media, Roof opened up about what he’s been expecting from his players while they’re away from the team throughout the summer.

“There’s NCAA rules that we have to follow as far as the certain amount of hours that we can require them to be here, but you never regret doing more than what’s required. Our guys have spent a lot of time on their own this summer, and I think we’ve had a great summer. I think we’re better defensively now than when we started the summer, but we should be. But some places aren’t,” stated Roof. “So I’ve been real proud of the way our guys have worked, and I think we’ve made some strides. Looking forward to getting started.

“Being players-led, that’s a big deal. Coaches can do this and do that, but when your players take ownership and you’re players-led, that’s when you’re moving in the right direction.”

While Ted Roof can’t hold their hands every step of the way, the Sooners defensive coordinator sees the strides made from his players. In a conference where it seems like defense comes last at times, Roof and his players are ensuring Oklahoma will have a solid unit.

Ted Roof describes leadership abilities, growth of his son TD Roof

Continuing, Ted Roof is in an interesting position entering his first season as the defensive coordinator of Oklahoma.

As he looks to build a foundation with the Sooners, he’s joined by his son — Oklahoma transfer linebacker T.D. Roof. Prior to transferring to Norman this past offseason, Roof spent some time at three different programs — Georgia Tech, Indiana and Appalachian State.

While it’s been a winding road, Ted Roof believes it’s helping his son prepare for his first season in the Big 12.

“He has been a couple places. I’m proud of how he’s worked, just like I’m proud of how the other guys have worked,” revealed Roof. “At the end of the day, our job is to put the people that earned it on the field. He’s going to have to earn whatever his role is. At the same time, because he’s been around the block a time or two as you mentioned, I get back to the same type of experience, but this is a different experience because of the culture here. Like I am with all our players, what gets poured into him on a daily basis from Coach Venables and the rest of our staff, I’m really grateful for that.

“Again, he’s going to get what he earns. When we hit the field, he’s No. 18 and that’s the way it goes. But I’m pleased with him. Again, he’s in a battle, and a competition. That’s going to help him, and help the other linebackers as well. So it’s win-win.”

As you can see, Ted Roof isn’t going to give his son T.D. Roof any special treatment. The linebacker will get what he earns, and his track record proves that he’s just fine with that.