NORMAN — OU football’s spring practices have been underway for two weeks now.

Media was able to view Monday’s practice for an hour and a half.

Sooners beat writers Ryan Aber and Colton Sulley answer some pressing questions from the open period of practice.

More: How Jackson Arnold looks to lead during critical spring camp as OU football's new QB1

What was the biggest surprise Monday?

Sulley: The biggest surprise that stood out to me during the hour and a half the media was able to view practice was how deep the secondary appears to be. Entering the spring, it was a position group I expected to be strong but I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being one of the strongest position groups on the team in 2024. Robert Spears-Jennings was a stand out and I’d expect him to play a more significant role next season. San Diego State transfer Dez Malone is another name I’d circle.

Aber: That’s a solid observation, and I’m on record as really liking what Malone brings. But I’m going to go with Brent Venables not being as involved with linebackers as we’d seen in the past. Now, we saw periods Monday that we normally don’t see, so maybe it was similar in the past. But Venables largely let Zac Alley run the show with linebackers without hovering there. That was an interesting dynamic.

More: Casey Thompson comes full circle, back home to OU football: 'In my heart I knew'

What newcomer who you think has a chance to contribute caught your attention?

Aber: I think Michael Tarquin working at left tackle was intriguing. We weren’t sure exactly how the USC transfer would fit in with that group but if he’s able to solidify himself on the outside, especially at left tackle, that’d go a long way toward helping things fall into place with a group that needs to find some stability.

Sulley: Definitely Bauer Sharp. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer looks like the real deal and transforms OU’s tight end room. His physicality stood out and he should see a lot of playing time come the fall. Sharp’s connection with quarterback Jackson Arnold could be dangerous.

More: Which Oklahoma football players have most to gain as Sooners start spring practice?

Nonparticipants

The list of players who didn’t practice Monday included wide receivers Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony, safety Billy Bowman, wide receiver Gavin Freeman, defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore, offensive lineman Geiran Hatchett, defensive back Justin Harrington, tight ends Kaden Helms and Jake Roberts, quarterback Casey Thompson and defensive backs Makari Vickers and Gentry Williams.

Anthony is recovering from the knee injury that left him sidelined for the second half of last season. Thompson is also rehabbing a knee injury from his time at Florida Atlantic last season.

Bowman was heavily engaged, leading the safeties during drills. He was in his jersey without pads.

Head coach Brent Venables previously announced Gentry Williams would miss spring ball after undergoing labrum surgery. Hatchett wore a boot.

More: Inside Jonah Laulu's impressive OU football Pro Day: He'll 'play a long time in the NFL'

Justin Harrington recovering well

While Harrington didn’t participate Monday, he said following practice he’s been cleared for most activities but is taking it slow.

The sixth-year defensive back, who started the Sooners’ first two games at cheetah last season before tearing his ACL, was granted an extra season of eligibility a few weeks ago. Harrington recorded six tackles and an interception before the injury — which he struggled to come to terms with throughout the season — and is ready to return in 2024.

“Feels great. I’m in great shape and I’m just ready (to play),” Harrington said on Monday.

The most frustrating part for Harrington is watching his teammates make plays he knows he can make. He felt like last season he was trending toward becoming an NFL draft pick.

His goal for the upcoming season? Getting back to that level and taking home the Jim Thorpe Award.

“I feel like I’d be a real candidate,” Harrington said. “ … I have personal goals in leading the team in picks, being a top five tackler on the team and striving for a national championship.”

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Surprise position groups, newcomers shine at spring camp