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Player News - Adrian Peterson #28

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Adrian Peterson Biography

Biography: Adrian Peterson (born March 21, 1985 in Palestine, Texas) is an American football running back, who currently plays for the University of Oklahoma. During his senior year in high school most college scouting reports ranked him the top recruit in the country, many even said he was the best high school recruit in the last decade. During his freshman season, Peterson broke many NCAA freshman rushing records and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing second to USC Quarterback Matt Leinart, the highest finish ever for a freshman. As a freshman, Peterson rushed for 1925 yards and led the nation in carries with 339.

High School: Consensus national player of the year ... rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts, an average of 11.7 yards per carry, and 32 touchdowns as a senior ... finished his 2002 campaign with 2,051 yards on 246 carries, an average of 8.3 yards per carry, and 22 TDs

University of Oklahoma: First player in school history to eclipse 3,000 rushing yards in two seasons.

Sources: Wikipedia, SoonerSports

Adrian Peterson News

Past Adrian Peterson News 2004-2006 Spring Practice

Follow the storied Oklahoma Running Back Adrian Peterson's career start to finish at Oklahoma.

For more recent Adrian Peterson news see the Oklahoma Sooners Adrian Peterson blog channel.

March 10, 2008

Peterson Grades His Rookie Season as "Average"

April 23, 2007

Peterson part of the Nike Rookie class of 2007: Nike continues its legacy of outstanding football talent with the addition of nine collegiate football All-Americans and top professional prospects to its roster, and the introduction of the players' first advertising and marketing campaign with the Nike brand. Adrian Peterson finished his career with 4,045 yards along with 42 touchdowns. During his four years, Peterson was named to the All-American team as well as rushing for nearly 2,000 yards during his freshman season.

April 17, 2007

Peterson thinks the Brown will draft him: Adrian Peterson on where he thinks he'll be drafted: "My gut feeling? Cleveland at three. Sitting down with them [coach Romeo Crennel, GM Phil Savage], I get the feeling they're very, very interested. I would love it there. The fans in Cleveland are the closest to college fans in the NFL. I love the Dawg Pound. I think I can be a franchise back and really help the Browns turn it around.'' (SI.com)

March 30, 2007

Adrian Peterson ESPN.com Conversation: Former Oklahoma superstar running back, Adrian Peterson sits down with ESPN.com's Graham Bensinger.

Bensinger: Let's go back to your early days with the Sooners. It's rare that true freshmen have the level of success that you enjoyed. At 19 years old, you rushed for an NCAA-record 1,925 yards. What was that like?
Peterson: It was just a kid coming in, having a dream, and being determined. It was an outstanding season. (laughs) I sit back and think about it sometimes and am just wowed by it. It all came from hard work and being dedicated.

March 22, 2007

AD's Nike photo shoot: Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and seven other college football stars who are expected to go high in the NFL draft were sweating it out for Nike on Wednesday. The players ran agility drills on a 50-yard practice field before lining up for hours of pictures for a Nike photo shoot. The pictures will be used for magazine and billboard ads. Nike wouldn't say how much the athletes were paid. (NewsOK.com)

March 14, 2007

Peterson on NFL Draft broad status: "Right now, there are a lot of things going on with trades and players jumping teams. Right now, I'm just trying to make everything less stressful on me and just relax." Peterson said. (Dallas Morning News)

March 13, 2007

OU Pro Day, Peterson takes part in one drill: Seventeen National Football League teams were represented Tuesday at Oklahoma's annual Pro Day. Ten former Sooner players took part in the drills at the Everest Center. The players tested in seven areas ranging from jumping to speed to agility to strength. They also were put through drills specific to their position by scouts that were on hand for the event. RB Adrian Peterson took part in only one test, the 60-yard shuttle. He turned in a time of 11.78, the fastest among the five Sooners that participated in that particular test. Other bests included DB Jason Carter in the vertical jump (37-0), Paul Thompson in the broad jump (10-2), Carter and Thompson in the 40 (4.64), Thompson in the 20-yard shuttle (4.25), Carter and Thompson in the three-cone shuttle (7.02) and Rufus Alexander in the bench press (26 reps of 225 pounds). (More Pro Day numbers at SoonerSports.com) (Video available at SoonerSports.com)

February 26, 2007

Sad news; Peterson still worksout despite half-brother being killed: FOXSports.com has learned that Peterson was told in the wee hours Sunday morning that his half-brother was gunned down and killed in a Texas homicide. Sources say he was shot multiple times. The sources also said Peterson was very close to his half-brother and took the news extremely hard. Details are still sketchy and when contacted officials at the Houston Police Department did not have any information available. Despite such heart-breaking news, Peterson pulled his emotions together to have an impressive workout at the NFL's scouting combine. Not only did he run the 40s (4.38 in his first run) but Peterson participated in all the running back drills. Although his head was probably elsewhere, the former Heisman hopeful had what scouts deemed a terrific workout, including a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. Peterson spent much of the time before and after his workout on the phone with grieving family members and didn't get much sleep Sunday morning. (FOXSports.com)

February 25, 2007

The following numbers are of Adrian Peterson and #2 RB prospect Marshawn Lynch of California. (Numbers are un-official via NFL Network Coverage.. Official times posted later in the day.)
RB. 40-Times
A. Peterson: 4.38, 4.43
M. Lynch: 4.52, 4.49
Fastest: C. Henry 4.33, Henry's second time was slower

Long jump:
A. Peterson: 10'7
M. Lynch: 10'3

Vertical:
A. Peterson: 38'
M. Lynch: 35 1/2

NFL Scouting Combine: Catch Adrian Peterson and other running backs Sunday, Feb. 25 11 a.m. ET: Workouts: Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers (LIVE!) Available on DirectTV Channel 212 and 95 in HD

Peterson Measurements: Peterson measured in at 6-1 ½, 217 pounds on Friday, and he said he hopes to run "a high 4.2 or low 4.3" second 40-yard dash. (Dallas Morning News)

Cards eyeing Peterson at #5? Adrian Peterson, Arizona Cardinal? It's a crazy notion. Running back would seem to be far down the list of draft needs for the Cardinals, especially after handing Edgerrin James a four-year, $30 million contract last offseason.But new coach Ken Whisenhunt has talked about the need for another back to step in and lighten James' load after James piled up 337 carries last season. With the explosion of successful teams with two good halfbacks -- think New Orleans with Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, Chicago with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, Indianapolis with Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes -- teaming Peterson with James isn't far-fetched.Subtly feeding into the idea is Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves, who said his goal of free agency is "take the pressure off feeling we have to address a certain position with our No. 1 pick." (East Valley Tribune)

Browns win coin toss, may select AD at #3: The Cleveland Browns won the coin flip Friday at the NFL Combine, giving the team the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft and adding some mystery to where former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson may go. The Browns may now be shooting for Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, considered the top offensive line prospect in the draft. Or, if Thomas isn't available, the Browns could pass on Peterson and pick a quarterback. (NewsOK.com)

AD has the 'It' factor: "He [Adrian] has something very special about him. He just has that 'it' factor," said Bill Henkel, Peterson's marketing agent, who is in negotiations with several companies for deals for Peterson."He's got the looks; he's got the body; he's got the talent, charisma and everything. He can do anything he wants to do." (Star-Telegram)

Peterson Q&A: Adrian Peterson Question and Answers with 49ers.com.

Q: How would you respond to being featured in a two-back system?

A: If I end up in a system like that and that's how the offense is ran, then there's not much I can do about it. But I'm just going to go out there and do what I can to compete for a position. That's all I can ask for.

Q: Why did you decide to work out at the Combine?

A: That's the kind of competitive person I am. I don't see any reason not to work out. I just want to come out here and perform.

Q: What do you want to run?

A: I set my bar high. A high 4.2 or a low 4.3.

Q: How much magic do you have to find room to run when there isn't any room?

A: How much magic do I have? If you come in to a young offensive line or an offensive line that isn't proven, over time they will develop. There isn't much I can do about the offensive line. I just can go out there and whatever crease I can find I'm going to try to stick it in there.

February 23, 2007

Kiper thinks the Browns will pick Peterson: Regardless of where Cleveland is picking, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Browns will upgrade their running back situation, despite the fact it's not an immediate need. "I think Adrian Peterson would be an ideal Cleveland Brown," Kiper Jr. said. "Jamal Lewis, Phil Savage brought in to Baltimore and he was certainly a key factor in their success. To me, Adrian Peterson, you can make the argument, is the best player in this draft, if not, certainly one of the top three." It's possible the Browns may weigh their options of trading the pick to fill several needs. (The Columbus Dispatch)

February 22, 2007

ESPN's Mel Kiper's take on Peterson: Mel Kiper, ESPN's draft guru, thinks Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, already the top-rated runner, would help himself even more with a great showing."If he comes in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds and runs a 4.38, he's going to make people go 'Wow,'" Kiper said. So much so, Kiper added, that teams such as the Ravens and the Denver Broncos, which are in the market for ball carriers, might be willing to trade up in the draft to get him. (Baltimore Sun)

February 21, 2007

Peterson expects to run a 4.3 40: He says his goal is to run the 40-yard dash in about 4.3 seconds and everything else will take care of itself. Some draft analysts have Peterson going as high as the number four pick in the draft - which is held by the Cleveland Browns. (FOX23.com)

February 16, 2007

Texans' looking at Adrian Peterson if available? ESPN.com's John Clayton writes, It's also possible they could draft Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson if he's available in the first round, although their priority is a left tackle. This might sound unbelievable for a team that drafted Mario Williams over Reggie Bush, but the Texans would like to add another pass-rusher. (More at ESPN.com)

February 8, 2007

Packers may trade up for Peterson in NFL draft? FOXSports.com Peter Schrager writes, "Don't be surprised if Ted Thompson and the Packers try to move up a few spots if Adrian Peterson slips out of the top five. " The Packers have the 16th selection overall.

January 31, 2007

Former UT Roy Williams wants Lions to draft Peterson: During the Pistons/Pacers game tonight, wide receiver Roy Williams was in attendance. FSN Detroit caught up with him and asked a few questions regarding his trip to the Pro Bowl and the NFL Draft. The more interesting thing that he responded to was the question of who the Lions should draft in April. Usually, players will give a generic response to the likes of, "I'll let management worry about that, it doesn't matter to me." Well, Roy Williams doesn't roll like that. He gave an honest answer and said that he wants Detroit to draft Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. But, he said the Lions should trade down a few spots to do so. (Pride of Detroit - Lions Blog)

January 16, 2007

Stoops on Peterson leaving early: As he has done with almost all Sooners who have left early, Stoops stands behind Peterson's decision. "I know this has been a trying time for him and he just needs to know that we support him whole-heartedly," Stoops said. "Adrian has been a great individual player and a great teammate. His leadership and work ethic sent a strong example, and he competed with everything he had," Stoops said. "He has given us all a lot of great moments and has been fun to watch. "Now, he feels it's just time and we support that. We hope and believe that he's going to be a high pick. We're excited to watch him move on and we expect that he will have a great and long NFL career." Peterson said he believes he's ready for the challenge of football at its highest level. "Physically, I feel like I am ready and the business aspect makes sense, too," he said. (Tulsa World)

January 15, 2007

Adrian Peterson to enter 2007 NFL Draft: University of Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson announced today that he will forgo his final season of college eligibility and make himself available for the 2007 NFL Draft. "The last few days have been stressful," Peterson said while describing his decision-making process. "I've been pondering a lot of things and looking at it from all the different angles, weighing the good and the bad. "In the end, I think I just realized that this is a business decision and that it is time for me to take that next step. It wasn't easy. I haven't been sleeping much. I just put it all in God's hands" Peterson said he had valuable input from several people. "I got opinions from people I value like my dad and my mother," he said. "Coach Stoops gave me a lot of information that I needed. He presented both sides." (SoonerSports PR)

January 12, 2007

Source: Peterson still undecided: Still, sources close to the situation now say Peterson is wrestling with the decision. "This has been a lot harder than people would think," one source said. Peterson has until Monday to add himself to the list of underclassmen entering the NFL Draft. The Sooner junior has been interviewing potential agents in the event he does decide on jumping to the NFL. Peterson was scheduled to meet with agent Jimmy Sexton on Thursday. According to two sources, Peterson previously met with agents Tom Condon, Eugene Parker and Drew Rosenhaus. Those meetings were all done under the blessing of Stoops, who said that he wanted Peterson to have access to all information available concerning his draft stock. (NewsOK.com)

January 11, 2007

Adrian Peterson Statement via Oklahoma Athletic Department: Peterson's statement said... "I have spent the last few days considering my options to either enter the NFL Draft or stay at OU. The facts are that I have not hired any representation and I have not declared for the draft. "My meetings with Coach Stoops and my parents have been to discuss all the scenarios. I see a lot of options in both so I am still undecided on what I want to do. "I wish people would give me the opportunity to decide. Once I do, I will make an announcement at the right time. Any reports that are different than that are false." (SoonerSports)

Decision could come this weekend or Monday? University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops met with tailback Adrian Peterson on Wednesday to discuss the player's future, and Stoops later adamantly denied reports that Peterson had made a decision about whether to enter the NFL Draft. "I met with him today, and he did not say he had made a decision," Stoops said in a telephone interview late Wednesday. "He has a lot of things he still wants to think over." Multiple media outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported late Wednesday that Peterson would enter the NFL Draft. Stoops said reports about Peterson reaching a decision are "absolutely incorrect. They're false. "I don't expect him to make a decision until sometime this weekend or maybe even Monday." (Tulsa World)

Peterson on Kiper Big Board: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is listed at #6 on Mel Kiper's revised Draft Big Board. The #1 ranked player is Georgia Tech's, WR Calvin Johnson, #2 Wisconsin's, DT Joe Thomas, #3 Notre Dame's, QB Brady Quinn, #4 LSU's, QB JaMarcus Russell, followed by #5 Arkansas', DT Jamaal Anderson (ESPN)

Adrian Peterson is also, ranked #6 on Scout Inc's Top 32

Stoops calls Adrian Peterson reports, FALSE: As word of Adrian Peterson's jump to the NFL hit the news Wednesday night, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops called it premature speculation and "false." Stoops, in refuting the reports, said he met with Peterson on Wednesday to discuss the player's future, but insisted no decision had been made. "It's all inaccurate," Stoops said. "It's false. People have been reporting irresponsibly without all the facts. "While it's true we did meet today, it was just to talk about his future with his mom and dad. That's all we did." Peterson has been interviewing potential agents, on recommendation by Stoops. (NewsOK.com)

Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson to turn pro: Peterson draft announcement? After the Fiesta Bowl, Sooner Nation and the respective NFL bottom feeder fans, can expect a likely announcement on Tuesday, January 9th. (12/31/06) (Oklahoma FanHouse)
Update: Hearing announcement is likely for Friday. (1/9/07)
Update: Oklahoma junior running back Adrian Peterson will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, according to two sources close to the situation. An official announcement could come as early as Thursday. Peterson, who is projected in several mock drafts as a top 10 pick, met with Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on Wednesday to notify Stoops of his intention to turn pro, according to one source. Another source said Peterson has met with agents, including Eugene Parker, Drew Rosenhaus and the Creative Artists Agency, whose NFL division is headed by agents Ben Dogra and Tom Condon. (Dallas Morning News)(1/11/07)

January 9, 2007

Peterson draft announcement? After the Fiesta Bowl, Sooner Nation and the respective NFL bottom feeder fans, can expect a likely announcement on Tuesday, January 9th. (Oklahoma FanHouse) Update: Hearing announcement is likely for Friday.

January 3, 2007

Stoops not anxious about A. Peterson decision: Some might expect Stoops to spend an anxious next few days, as Adrian Peterson makes a final decision about returning for his senior season. "No. I'm perfectly fine with whatever he wants to do," Stoops contended. "I'm going to do my best to give him some information and make sure he's well-informed from the proper sources. I'm for what he wants. He's got to look at himself in the mirror every day and be satisfied with what he's doing. I think too much of the time people don't give that enough weight and respect. It's his life to live." (Tulsa World)

January 2, 2007

Eyes on Peterson: There were two interested parties watching running back Adrian Peterson's every move in pregame warmups Monday night. One was Peterson's father, Nelson, who stood in the stands wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of his then-7-year-old son on the front, wearing a powder blue No. 32 jersey as he posed for a youth football shot. The words "Beginning Of" and "All Day" framed the picture. Down on the field as Peterson loosened up and ran through receiving drills, Cleveland Browns scout Kevin Kelly stood about 25 feet away, scribbling in an orange notebook. (Tulsa World)

December 29,2006

A. Peterson to make decision after Fiesta Bowl: With speculation running wild, Adrian Peterson remains coy about his future. The junior running back is 151 yards away from breaking Billy Sims' Oklahoma career rushing record of 4,118 yards. Peterson is expected to be an early first-round pick if he jumps to the NFL next year. "It's a big decision, but I'm waiting until after the game to finalize that," Peterson said. (Eastern Valley Tribune)

Peterson shows no rust: OU running back Adrian Peterson has gotten most of the workload in practice to make sure he's not rusty next Monday, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. Still, Wilson said Peterson, Allen Patrick and Chris Brown will all see action. "I've knocked all the rust off and [am] back to 100 percent," Peterson said. (Dallas Morning News)

December 28, 2006

NFL draft expert on Adrian Peterson: Gil Brandt, the former Cowboys personnel director, is now a senior analyst for NFL.com. He said each case must be looked at individually before determining whether a player should go pro. "The big thing with Peterson is what it his collarbone going to be like," Brandt said. "That's where you have to go and get a good doctors' report on it. Or, have your doctor call the Oklahoma doctor and have them send you X-rays and so forth. "I hope the guy stays in school. I would say there isn't much chance that he will stay in school." (Dallas Morning News)

December 20, 2006

Peterson not worried about Fiesta Bowl Injury: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson may be risking millions of dollars by playing in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against No. 9 Boise State. But the junior said Wednesday he isn't worried about injuring his collarbone again and wants to break the school's all-time rushing record. "I've been playing the game since I was 7," Peterson said. "A lot of guys speculate and say that I'm not coming back or why should he play? But I love the game. That's why I play. I love the game, I love the guys that I play with. "God's decided for me to be back out there, so I'm just ready to get back in the groove and play." (Dallas Morning News)

December 14, 2006

Peterson likely to start in Fiesta Bowl: Despite missing Oklahoma's last seven games with a collarbone injury, running back Adrian Peterson likely will start against No. 9 Boise State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "We're not there yet," Stoops said. "We'll see how he progresses through this time, but in all likelihood, yes." (Dallas Morning News)

Peterson back to practice: The junior tailback resumed practicing with the Sooners on Friday but hasn't spoken with reporters yet - so the Sooners spoke about him. "He's getting more and more snaps in there,'' Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "The players are excited to see him back in there. He's always been a great and strong team guy. The players have always appreciated how he's worked and he'll get more and more snaps leading up to it. It can only be positive.'' (More at SoonerSports.com/AP)

December 9, 2006

Peterson cleared to practice: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Adrian Peterson returned to practice Friday and that he expects the junior running back to play in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. "We're going to work towards playing him," Stoops said. But Stoops left himself some wiggle room; he never said definitively that Peterson will play. So it's still possible that Peterson could choose not to risk further damage to his collarbone. Peterson broke the bone Oct. 14 and hasn't played since. It's widely believed Peterson will leave OU after this season and declare for the NFL draft, where he'll probably be a first-round pick. "He's cleared to play," Stoops said. (Dallas Morning News)

December 1, 2006

Nebraska sees no difference in Sooners without Peterson: Nebraska linebacker Corey McKeon said he hasn't noticed a drop-off in OU's running game without Adrian Peterson. "It's Oklahoma, and you know they'll have good running backs," McKeon said. "Adrian Peterson casts a very large shadow... You could be the second-best running back in the nation and be playing behind Adrian Peterson." McKeon wasn't sure of Peterson's replacement's name, just the number. But he saw a similarity. "No. 23 (Allen Patrick), he looks just like Adrian running hard out there," McKeon said. "He's a downhill guy and he's going to be tough to play against." (NewsOK.com)

November 29, 2006

Peterson likely for Bowl Game: Bob Stoops erased any uncertainty about Adrian Peterson's availability for the Big 12 Championship Game, saying Tuesday that the star running back will not play Saturday against Nebraska but is "very likely" to play in the bowl game. Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State. Stoops had said Monday that it was "unlikely" Peterson would play, but he gave a more definitive answer Tuesday at his weekly media luncheon. "He's close," Stoops said. "He could be cleared to play. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play, but there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong, took a severe hit — I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point. "We're not going to take that chance." Though Peterson is regarded as possibly the best running back in college football, the Sooners haven't been lacking in run production since his injury. (NewsOK.com)

November 28, 2006

Peterson out for Big XII Title game: No. 8 Oklahoma will be without star tailback Adrian Peterson when it faces No. 19 Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. Peterson, the 2004 Heisman runner-up, has missed six weeks after breaking his collarbone Oct. 14 on a touchdown run against Iowa State. "Adrian is not going to play," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "Without being too technical, he's close. He could be cleared to play, but each week that passes the likelihood of it reoccurring is less and less." Peterson, the nation's No. 2 rusher at the time of his injury, initially was expected to miss six weeks. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play," Stoops said. "But there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong or took a severe hit -- I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point? We're not going to take that chance." Oklahoma (10-2, 7-1 Big 12) has won all six of its games without Peterson, who set an NCAA freshman record in 2004 with 1,925 yards rushing. He had 935 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games this season and is 150 yards shy of Oklahoma's career rushing record, held by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. (NBC Sports)

November 7, 2006

Peterson targets Bedlam return: Injured OU running back Adrian Peterson said Saturday he wants to return for the regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. "Hopefully Oklahoma State, that's a possibility," Peterson said during a sideline interview with ABC. "But I've got to check with the doctors, take X-rays and see how it heals." (Dallas Morning News)

November 5, 2006

Adrian Out of Sling: Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) is no longer wearing a sling. There has been no official update on when he might return, but he might be able to play in OU's Nov. 25 finale at Oklahoma State. (Star-Telegram)

October 29, 2006

Peterson visits MO. youth team: Injured running back Adrian Peterson visited with a youth football team from St. Charles, Mo., before the game, and the 10- and 11-year-olds were starstruck. As the Sooners stretched, Peterson and running backs coach Cale Gundy walked to the north end zone to greet the Mid River Eagles, who are coached by former Missouri player Derrick Miller. Peterson shook hands and told the kids to stay focused and mind their studies. Gundy extolled Peterson to the Eagles as the Sooners' hardest worker. When he walked away, the Eagles' quarterback smiled and shouted, "Remember the Eagles!" "That was really cool of him to come down here and do that," said Miller. (Tulsa World)

October 25, 2006

AD on Maxwell Semifinalist: His time on the field may be decreasing, but there is no dip in respect for Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Acknowledging the broken collarbone that has sidelined Peterson, the Maxwell Football Club has tabbed the Sooner standout as one of 15 semifinalists for the 70th Maxwell Award. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate player. "While we recognize that Adrian is unable to play at this time, we felt that he was deserving of being on this list as one of the top players in college football, " said Mark Wolpert, Maxwell Club Senior Vice President for Collegiate Awards. Peterson suffered the injury on Oct. 14 during a 53-yard touchdown run against Iowa State. It capped a day in which the junior carried 26 times for 183 yards and a pair of TDs. On the season, Peterson has 168 carries for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns. He still ranks No. 3 nationally in rushing with 155.8 yards per game. He is No. 1 in all purpose yards at 204 per game and No. 4 in scoring at 11 points per game. He will remain in the national rankings until his percentage of games played drops below 75%. (SoonerSports Release)

October 22, 2006

Peterson coaches along Patrick: The man they call "All Day" became All Coach. "He kept coming up to me and telling me certain things I needed to do, things he saw that I couldn't see," starting tailback Allen Patrick said. "Like, I was trying to cut the ball inside and he said, 'Go outside, it's there, it's there.' So we started working towards that, going outside, and things started happening. He's a good guy and I appreciate the things he do for me." Patrick had 35 carries for 110 yards in Peterson's place. (NewsOK.com)

October 18, 2006

Peterson expects to return 4-6 weeks: Adrian Peterson says, if healthy expect him to return for Oklahoma's bowl appearance, if not before. Peterson was asked, if he heals fast, "you can kinda say," Peterson said. The junior running back remained positive saying this won't affect the Sooners, "one man doesn't make a team." Peterson said time table for his return 4-6 weeks, also note AD wasn't asked if he had played his final game in the Crimson and Cream. (See AD time table at Oklahoma FanHouse)

Peterson Press Conference: Via Oklahoma FanHouse writes Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson will be a holding a press conference at 2:30/1:30 CT. Unsure what the press conference concerns, most likely his future at the University of Oklahoma and the collarbone injury. Peterson will address the media from Norman, Oklahoma. Live Video 1:25 CT via SoonerSports.com

October 17, 2006

Bad break for the Peterson's: After Peterson broke his collarbone diving into the end zone against Iowa State, possibly ending his college career, his family went ahead with postgame plans for a reunion; just a little get together to pick up everyone's spirits. But during the reunion, while shooting hoops at a nearby basketball court, Adrian's mother, Bonita Jackson, came down wrong and broke both bones in her lower leg. "It was a bad day," said Peterson's father, Nelson, who earlier in the day watched his son play football in person for the first time in more than eight years. "She went in for a layup and I think she stepped on somebody's foot. Broke it in two places. I was like, 'Man, son's collarbone is broke, his mother broke her leg in two places. I guess it's time for Daddy to sit down, take it easy, watch football and make sure nothing else happens.' " Jackson, reached by telephone at her home in Purcell, said she's on pain medication and will be at home for a while. (Tulsa World)

October 15, 2006

Wilson expects Peterson to go Pro: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson told ESPN on Saturday evening that he expects Adrian Peterson will be among the top four picks in the next NFL draft. "I have always thought that this was Adrian's last year," Wilson said. "And why wouldn't it be? He stands to make a boatload of money. He has done everything we've ever asked of him here." Wilson said Oklahoma "will not put Adrian's health in jeopardy" by playing him in a bowl game before he is ready. (More at ESPN.com)

Peterson likely out six-eight weeks: According to Dr. Scott Rahhal, an orthopedic surgeon at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, even if someone is a particularly fast healer, "it's still six to eight weeks" recovery time. Rahhal said he couldn't comment on the specifics of Peterson's injury, because he hadn't seen the X-rays. But Rahhal spoke in general terms about broken clavicles and said even with aggressive treatments, the prognosis is unchanged. Rahhal said there are usually no long-term effects of a broken collarbone. OU coach Bob Stoops said Peterson's injury would not need surgery and it was possible Peterson could return for a bowl game. (Tulsa World)

No returns for Peterson: [Adrian] Peterson did not return kickoffs for the first time in three games. Juaquin Iglesias, who returned them before Peterson got the call, joined Reggie Smith instead. (Tulsa World)

October 14, 2006

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson suffered a season ending injury in the fourth quarter, in the 34-9 victory Saturday over Iowa State. Peterson on the last scoring drive, ran for a 53 yard td run appeared to be injured after diving into the endzone (while getting tripped up), test later showed a broken collarbone. At best, Peterson may return for the bowl game... more to come.

October 12, 2006

Peterson to NFL after junior year "is common sense," Wilson, says: Most observers assume Adrian Peterson's departure to the NFL is a foregone conclusion after his junior season. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson even figured as much on Tuesday while assessing quarterback recruiting. Asked to elaborate on Peterson, he said the running back's declaration for the NFL after this season is "common sense. "He'd be surrounded by a great college team coming back," Wilson said. "But the money that's being thrown out there, if he continues to play -- I'm sure coach (Bob Stoops) will get with him and the NFL people to see what his true stock value is, and if it's in the high end, I don't know any of us that will say, 'You should come back and not go be one of the top three or four guys picked.' "If you're going that high, you look at this year, those guys are getting 60 million bucks out the gate. It's hard to come back and go to study hall. Nothing against study hall." (Tulsa World)

October 11, 2006

Both Adrian and Nelson excited about Saturday: His is the face of a 43-year-old grandfather, a man who once had designs on the NBA, a man who made millions instead dealing crack cocaine, a man who served almost eight years in federal prison. His is the face of Nelson Peterson, and on Saturday -- when 23rd-ranked Oklahoma kicks off at 11:30 a.m. against Iowa State -- for the first time in a long time, that face will be in the stands to watch his son play a football game. "It's very exciting. Been waiting on this moment for eight years," he said. "I finally get an opportunity to see Adrian play in person." "My dad's an emotional guy," Adrian Peterson said. "I feel like I'm the same way. I'm tough, don't get me wrong. But I'm human, too. When different stuff hurts, when you're emotional, it's good to let it out. You don't want to hold stuff like that in." (In part Tulsa World)

October 10, 2006

Stoops defends Peterson on lateral play: Whether Paul Thompson's fourth-quarter swing pass to Adrian Peterson on Saturday against Texas was a lateral or not, many football observers feel Peterson cost his team when he didn't chase after the football. The whistle didn't blow, and Texas' Aaron Ross said he's always been coached to never quit on a play, so he scooped and scored. But OU coach Bob Stoops took umbrage with the perception that Peterson didn't hustle. "Oh, come on. Are you kidding me?" Stoops said. "Nobody plays harder than that guy. He touched the ball and deflects it backwards and that's what he felt. He felt it was an incompletion. C'mon, nobody goes harder than he does." (Tulsa World)

September 12, 2006

Peterson back only if Major Injury: Adrian Peterson said Monday the only thing certain that would keep him at Oklahoma another season would be a major injury. The junior running back is looking to rush for 2,200 yards this season and shatter Billy Sims' OU record. He wants to win the Heisman Trophy. And he'd like another crack at the national title. But Peterson said if doesn't accomplish those goals this season, he may never have another chance. "My goals when I got here were win a national championship first and then have an opportunity to win the Heisman," Peterson said. "Those are things I want to do, but the only thing right now I know for a fact that would keep me back next year is a major injury. God willing, that won't happen." (NewsOK.com)

Peterson Big XII Offensive Player of the Week: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson has been named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in last Saturday's win over Washington. The junior rushed 32 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-20 Sooner triumph. Peterson, currently the nation's No. 6-rusher with 152.0 yards per game, posted strong numbers against a UW defense that has been stingy against the run. The Huskies allowed just 50 rushing yards in their season openr and last season held down the likes of UCLA's Maurice Drew (14-33) and USC's Reggie Bus (8-51). With 304 yards thus far, Peterson is off to the best two-game start of his career. Peterson also caught two passes for six yards last Saturday and currently has three receptions for 75 yards on the season. The defensive player of the week honor went to Missouri's Marcus Bacon while the special teams award went to Texas Tech K Alex Trlica. Oklahoma also nominated K Garrett Hartley for the special teams honor. He made all three of his field goal attempts (44, 37 and 30 yards), all four of his point after touchdown attempts and also booted seven touchbacks in eight kickoffs. The lone exception was a sky kick in the fourth quarter. (SoonerSports.com)

Peterson nominated Cingular's Player of the Week: Four nominees for the Cingular All- America Player of the Week have been announced after the second weekend of college football action, and the power now rests solely in the hands of the fans to determine a winner. University of Florida quarterback Chris Leak, University of Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Notre Dame University quarterback Brady Quinn and Ohio State University quarterback Troy Smith have been selected by a panel of ESPN college football analysts as this week's top candidates based on their outstanding performances this past weekend. Fans can determine the winner by text messaging "VOTE" to "87654" on their wireless phone and casting their votes for the nominees. Leak threw for a career-high 352 yards and four touchdowns in the No. 7 Gators' 42-0 victory over Central Florida Saturday. It was Florida's largest margin of victory in three years. Peterson rushed for 165 yards and two scores in the No. 15 Sooners' 37-20 win over Washington. He is a four-time past recipient of the Cingular All-America Player of the Week, having won the award three times in 2004 and once last season. Quinn, who claimed the honor twice last year and was a finalist for the 2005 Cingular All-America Player of the Year, passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns in helping the fourth- ranked Fighting Irish cruise by No. 19 Penn State 41-17. Smith threw for 269 yards and two scores, as the top-ranked Buckeyes snapped No. 2 Texas' 21-game winning streak with a 24-7 victory. Fans have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday to submit their votes. The winner will be announced September 14 during ESPN's Thursday Night College Football Game between Maryland and West Virginia. Fans can vote as many times as they like, with each vote counting as one entry into a sweepstakes to win a trip to the 2007 BCS National Championship game. (PR Newswire)

September 11, 2006

Wilson pleased with Peterson performance: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson praised RB Adrian Peterson's performance. He said the junior "ran through some trash" for 5- and 7-yard gains when he should have gotten 2 or 3. (Dallas Morning News)

September 10, 2006

A. Peterson making a run on history: Adrian Peterson's 165-yard effort Saturday vaulted him over Stanley Wilson for sixth place on Oklahoma's all-time rushing list. He'll need 67 yards at Oregon next week to pass De'Mond Parker for fifth. Peterson's 171 all-purpose yards allowed him to move from 14th to 11th on that career list. He passed Jarrail Jackson, Billy Vessels and Dewell Brewer Saturday. Peterson's 32 carries, his most since a 32-tote effort against Tulsa last year, moved him past Billy Sims and Kejuan Jones into fourth place all-time. Also, Peterson is now in 12th place on OU's career touchdown list with 33 and tied for ninth with 32 rushing touchdowns. (Tulsa World)

September 8, 2006

Peterson's father to miss OU-Texas: Nelson Peterson, Adrian's father, said federal prison officials will not let him attend any Oklahoma football games until mid-October, which means he can't attend the Texas-OU game at the Cotton Bowl. Peterson said he probably won't be able to attend an OU game until the Oct. 14 matchup against Iowa State in Norman, Okla. He asked for permission to attend Saturday's home game against Washington and was denied. Peterson is scheduled to be released from an Oklahoma City halfway house on Oct. 5 " two days before the Texas-OU game. But federal officials require that parolees stay within their district for 30 days after their release date. (Dallas Morning News)

September 7, 2006

Stoops OK with Wilson comments: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson made national news Tuesday when he criticized the opening-game performance of running back Adrian Peterson. Coach Bob Stoops had this response after the Sooners' practice Wednesday evening: "Everybody makes a big deal about it. Being honest at all, guys can get better, let's face it. 'AD' realizes it. He sees spots where he can get better. "Everybody just likes to make major headlines about it because Adrian Peterson can get better? Sure he can. So could every other guy that's played here and every other guy that's won the Heisman. They can all do some things better." (Tulsa World)

September 5, 2006

Offensive Coordinator criticizes Peterson: AP/SI.com reports, Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson walked into Oklahoma's locker room and sat down with Adrian Peterson. The talented tailback had just run for 139 yards and scored two second-half touchdowns to help lift the Sooners to a 24-17 win in their opener against UAB. Wilson had a message for the 2004 Heisman runner-up. "I said, 'Hey, that ain't close to what you need to play,"' Wilson said Tuesday. "He goes, 'I know."'

"I told him after the game, 'If you're a man, you need to go in and tell those guys you didn't play your best.' He was dancing too much early, he's looking for big plays instead of sticking it, being decisive and making great cuts," Wilson said.

"When he stops moving his feet, he's just another guy like everyone else," Wilson added. (More at SI.com)

Vote Peterson for Player of the Week: The USA Today has selected Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, among the 5 nominees for the Weekly Player of the Week. Sooner fans have until noon Wednesday, to vote on USAToday.com.

September 3, 2006

Peterson helps Oklahoma past UAB: It's all about Adrian for Oklahoma. With Paul Thompson still settling in as Oklahoma's quarterback, Adrian Peterson helped the 10th-ranked Sooners avert a second straight season-opening disaster by running for 139 yards and scoring twice in the second half of a 24-17 win over UAB on Saturday night. "I wouldn't say we escaped," Peterson said. "We came out and we fought." Thompson proved inconsistent in his return to quarterback after nearly a year away, but Peterson took control by running for 83 yards in the second half as the Sooners' offense became almost completely reliant on him. (AP/Yahoo!)(Game Stats)

September 2, 2006

Peterson looking for opportunity to catch: Running back Adrian Peterson made the first catch of the 2005 season, a 7-yarder on the second play against TCU. Of course, he only made one more grab that afternoon, and just seven more the rest of the year. So what are tonight's plans? "I don't know, man," Peterson said. "We've got some plays laid out that will give the opportunity for all our running backs to get the ball in our hands out there. We'll see how many times they call that number." "Merv Johnson (OU's radio analyst) says (Peterson) is the worst guy to throw a screen to because everyone's watching him," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. (Tulsa World)

September 1, 2006

Peterson on Doak Walker Watchlist: The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Thursday announced the candidates for the 2006 Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation's top college running back. Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, who in 2004 was the first freshman ever to be a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, is on the preseason watch list. Peterson, who is also on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the top player in college football, enters this season with 3,033 career rushing yards. He is chasing the coveted OU career mark of 4,118 yards held set by Billy Sims from 1975-79. Last season, Peterson gained 1,108 yards despite missing all or more than half of four games due to injury. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on Nov. 15, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will vote to determine the finalists on Nov. 16. The committee will cast a second vote on Nov. 27 to determine the recipient. (SoonerSports.com)

August 31, 2006

Peterson a Buzz on Yahoo!: Peterson, according to data compiled by Internet search engine Yahoo, is the second-most searched college football player in the country. No. 1 was Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn is third and Cal running back Marshawn Lynch is fourth. (Tulsa World)

August 29, 2006

Herb's Annual List is Out: ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit released his annual Herbie Awards Monday, and OU was represented. Adrian Peterson was named best running back. Rufus Alexander was named No. 2 outside linebacker, behind Penn State's Paul Posluszny. Larry Birdine was listed among the top seven defensive ends. And Kelly topped the list entitled, "What's My Name: Players who will be household names by October." Notably left out of the 'Herbies' was Stoops, who did not make the cut of five best game-day coaches (Pete Carroll, Mack Brown, Jim Tressel, Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez). (Tulsa World)

August 23, 2006

Peterson and Alexander on Walter Camp Watchlist: The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the names of 35 "players to watch" for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the nation's fourth-oldest individual college football accolade. The watch list will be narrowed to ten semi-finalists in early November. The 2006 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 119 Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on the ESPN/Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The winner will then receive his trophy at the Foundation's annual national awards banquet on January 13, 2007 at the Yale University Commons in New Haven. Last year's recipient was USC running back Reggie Bush. Walter Camp, "The Father of American football," first selected an All-America team in 1889. Oklahoma's Senior linebacker, Rufus Alexander, and Junior runningback, Adrian Peterson. (Walter Camp Foundation)

August 4, 2006

Peterson and teammates talks about Bomar and Quinn: "Coach (Bob) Stoops already covered that. I'll leave that to him," running back Adrian Peterson said. "We've just got to pick up and go forward." That was the consensus among those who spoke -- no point in looking back when you can move ahead. "We had to take it," wide receiver Malcolm Kelly said of the news. "Things happen. We're a team. We have to move on and get this thing done." Several players simply shook their head when asked to comment on Bomar and Quinn. (Tulsa World)

July 21, 2006

Pair of Sooners tabbed Preseason Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) was named Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and Rufus Alexander (Oklahoma) was selected Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in a Big 12 Conference media poll. Peterson is a two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection and was 2004 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer and Freshman of the Year. The 6-2, 210, junior running back finished second in the league in rushing last season and led all running backs with 1,108 yards and a 100.7 yard per game average despite missing nearly four games with an ankle injury. Alexander was also an All-Big 12 First Team selection in 2005 after leading the Sooners in total (102), unassisted (56) and assisted (46) tackles. The 6-1, 231, senior linebacker also had 14.5 (-51) tackles for loss, five (-36) sacks, nine pass breakups and nine quarterback hurries last season. He was seventh in the Big 12 in tackles per game (8.5). (SoonerSports Release)

July 5, 2006

No Bobble-heads, statistics speak for itself: When Adrian Peterson spoke to nearly 50 members of the media Thursday in a national conference call, it was actually step one in the Oklahoma running back's Heisman Trophy campaign. Actually, OU's method of campaigning is really to not campaign. In Bob Stoops' seven seasons at the Sooner helm, Josh Heupel, Roy Williams, Jason White and Peterson have all been serious Heisman contenders. However, Stoops has always maintained that the program's tradition and the national attention the team receives is sufficient promotion. OU media relations director Kenny Mossman has overseen all but Heupel's campaign. Mossman said Peterson's conference call was as good of a way to reach Heisman voters as anything at this point in the summer. More conference calls during the season might be utilized to handle all the media requests for Peterson. Mossman said he would mail postcards to media outlets with Peterson's statistical data, but little more was planned. In other words, no AD bobble-heads or any other trinkets. (NewsOK.com)

Complete Adrian Peterson Past News

Past Adrian Peterson News 2004-2006 Spring Practice

Try Paul Thompson #12 Player News

Rhett Bomar #7 Player News

Rufus Alexander #42 Player News

See Also, Oklahoma Team Roster