In college football, pregame film study moves from dark rooms to phones and tablets

Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez had just found out the Sooners would be facing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Shortly thereafter, his game prep began. On his cell phone.

Hours of digital video of his opponent was instantly available to be seen with the swipe of a screen while he walked across campus, lounged at home or chatted with teammates.

Film-room study has long had a crucial role in studying an opposing team, but it was tedious and often came with long hours in a dark room. Now, with a phone or tablet, players can search and scan video from almost anywhere. Something that was once a jumbled mess is as simple as a phone app.