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Bubba Moses led Oklahoma tight ends with 17 catches last season, 10 more than he hauled in during his first two seasons as a Sooner. That number could very well go up in 2005 as the 6-foot-3, 237-pound Houston product figures to be a key target again in OU’s high-powered offensive attack.

Sooner Spectator caught up with Moses after a recent practice to ask him about his role as a senior and about the offense:

Sooner Spectator: What do you feel the role of the tight ends will be this year?

Bubba Moses: I feel we are going to play a big role. We’ve played a pretty big role in past years, but I think with some of the guys leaving from last year, that the tight ends will have to step up a lot. Not only in the passing schemes, but in the blocking schemes as well.

SS: Then do you feel that since you’ve been at OU that your role has changed significantly?

Moses: No. I feel it’s been the same since day one, I’ve just been used more in passing situations. But this year and last, we’ve been blocking more and also we are being used more in the passing game. So I think it’s going to be a big year for the tight ends.

SS: How did you feel once Paul Thompson was named the starter?

Moses: Both of the guys are wonderful quarterbacks, (Paul) and Rhett. I feel we can win with either one of them on the field. So to me, they are both worthy of being the starter.

SS: So now that Thompson is seeing regular action as the starter, how do you go about creating the right kind of chemistry to where he can trust you?

Moses: You just do your job. If you are in a passing situation and he throws you the ball, you got to catch it or he is going to think twice next time your open. If it’s in the blocking game, then you better hit your guy and make sure he can’t make a play or a tackle on the quarterback or running back. It’s something that comes from working hard in practice all week.

SS: Has the battle for playing time among the tight ends been pretty competitive so far?

Moses: Yeah, it has been tough. But whether it’s on or off the field, we learn from each other. That’s the beautiful thing about it. We learn from the other, and one guys pushes the other guy to play harder. Nobody looking down on nobody, and we’re all coming together. We’re all going to have our time on the field, it’s just a matter of what you do with the opportunity.

SS: Is there anything that you have tried to improve on this summer?

Moses: Mostly what I’ve improved on is my route-running. I think that is going to make me a better player this year, and also my blocking. I’ve worked hard on blocking schemes this summer, and I think that has improved as well.

SS: Tell me about your blocking ability. Is that something that you are now beginning to take a lot of pride in?

Moses: Absolutely. I mean because in the running game, the tight ends plays a major part. Especially rushing to the edges, where the quarterback or running back can hit it outside. If I’m doing my job, then they have a better chance of breaking a long run if the defensive ends or outside linebackers are being blocked.

SS: Have you become more of a leader this year with so many guys departing from last year?

Moses: Yeah, but I try to lead by example by not talking as much and just showing on the field by making plays. Even off the field as well, and that’s where I’m more vocal. We’ve got a lot of upperclassmen, like Travis Wilson and J.D. Runnels, who have been great leaders for the younger guys and the true freshmen.