NORMAN, Okla. -- Joe Mixon might be Oklahomas best player.Hes undoubtedly the most controversial Sooner.Mixon landed in Norman back in 2014 as one of the nations top running back recruits. Before he even participated in a fall practice, he got into an altercation and punched a woman in the face at a restaurant, resulting in a one-year suspension. Many fans were outraged, and some wanted him kicked off the team.Two years later, hes a bona fide star and crowd favorite who is beloved by his teammates. He ranks seventh nationally in all-purpose yards per game (181.7) and sixth in kickoff return average (32.7) for the 25th-ranked Sooners .Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Mixons most significant growth has been off the field.Hes really matured well, Stoops said. Hes been an excellent student. Hes never on the list for anything. He does everything you want him to do and been a great teammate. All of it. In the locker room, hes one of the more popular guys because hes a friend to everybody.Mixons growth has a player has been notable, too. He returned last year and was one of the Big 12s best all-around players. This season, hes been even better. Hes the conference leader in all-purpose yards and ranks fourth in rushing. He combines breakaway speed with shiftiness, the hands of a wide receiver and a powerful 6-foot-1, 226-pound frame.While his teammates have struggled at times during a 1-2 start, Mixon has stood out. He scored Oklahomas first touchdown of the season on a 32-yard run. He ran for 117 yards the next game against Louisiana-Monroe. Against Ohio State, he provided one of the few bright spots when he returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He also ran for 78 yards on just nine carries.Mixon shares carries with Samaje Perine, an established star who is climbing the schools career record books. Still, the Sooners want to get the ball to Mixon as often as possible. This season, Mixon is averaging 8.1 yards per carry and 13.1 yards per catch. He has 998 career yards rushing on just 142 attempts.I think we have to be cognizant and keep track of the number of opportunities he gets, for sure, Stoops said. Hes exceptional when you do target him and give him the opportunity.The elephant in the room remains, in part, because Mixon has been sheltered. He has only spoken with the media once since the incident, when he answered football questions only in a session before the Orange Bowl at the end of last season.He hasnt been interviewed this year, though Stoops said he would consider making him available later in the season.Its something weve talked about and Ive talked about it with the administration, and were working on that, Stoops said. Theres a possibility.Mixon still has his immature moments -- at least, on the field. On his kickoff return touchdown against Ohio State, he dropped the ball at the 1-yard line as he headed into the end zone . The officials didnt catch it, but Stoops did. Stoops said he plans to discuss the incident with Mixon.Itll be positive, Stoops said. Weve got the clips of the other guys that have done it as well. Thats something that will be watched and talked through.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter (at)CliffBruntAP . Asics Shoes Sale New Zealand . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Asics Nz Outlet . With his new coach and six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker watching him during an official match for the first time, Djokovic appeared tentative early against the Slovakian player, who often appeared content to keep the ball in play. http://www.wholesaleasicsnz.com/ . -- Gus Malzahn finally had his day in Fayetteville. Asics Shoes Nz Online .Y. -- Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers had no intention of changing his hard-hitting style before taking part in a disciplinary hearing for his illegal check to New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus head. Discount Asics Shoes Nz . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. -- Zuzus Petals rallied from just off the pace to win the $46,000 feature Thursday at Los Alamitos, ending a five-race skid.Ridden by Alonso Quinonez, Zuzus Petals ran six furlongs in 1:10.53 and paid $7.80, $3.40 and $2.60. Quinonez was subbing for Jamie Theriot, who was sick.Late `n Left returned $3.40 and $2.40, while Bako SSweets was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third and paid $3 to show.ddddddddddddSecret Thorn, the 19-10 favorite, was fourth in the five-horse field.Zuzus Petals has four wins in 21 career starts and earnings of $168,680. ' ' '