WATCH: Bob Stoops' Press Conference Heading Into Spring Practice

It's only March and there's a feeling of football throughout the air in Oklahoma as the Sooners are set to begin spring practice on Saturday. OU head coach Bob Stoops kicked off the festivities with his yearly press conference where he discussed a variety of things as his team enters the 2016 season with high expectations.

OU will return 14 starters in the fall while attempting to defend their most recent Big 12 title. That will be no easy task for the Sooners, as they face a daunting schedule which includes non conference matchups with Houston and Ohio State along with the always tough slate of Big 12 competition. 

Stoops touched on an assortment of topics during Thursday's press conference, ranging from the improved athleticism of star quarterback Baker Mayfield, potential breakout contributors, the return of Steve Spurrier Jr. along with the increased role we'll see out of Mark Andrews in the future. 

Watch the video up top to see what Stoops had to say, and be sure to check back in for more OU football coverage when practices start on Saturday.