ESPN analyst and draft guru Mel Kiper updated his "Big Board" for the 2010 NFL Draft with a few changes. Released yesterday, Kiper ranked three Sooners on his board, Nebraska's DT Ndamukong Suh topped Kiper's rankings.
Here's look at rankings of Sooners and Big 12 players on Kiper's latest draft board:
Ranking, Player, Position, Team and Last week's ranking
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska - Same 2. Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma - Up One
3. Eric Berry, S Tennessee - Down One
4. Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida - Same 5. Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma - Same
6. Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State
7. Jake Locker, QB Washington
8. Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame
9. Taylor Mays, S USC
10. Joe Haden, CB Florida
11. Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State
18. Sean Wetherspoon, LB Missouri
20. Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB Texas 21. Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma
22. Colt McCoy, QB Texas
TE Jermaine Gresham to enter the 2010 NFL Draft: Bob Stoops said Tuesday that injured tight end Jermaine Gresham will enter the NFL Draft after this season. "Jermaine's going to go into the draft," Stoops said. The discussion arose during Stoops' weekly press conference. He was asked if he regrets not encouraging Sam Bradford and Gresham to enter the draft after last season. "I don't get that and I don't think most people do," Stoops said. "For me to force a guy out ... What if it isn't the right decision? I don't need to tell you how things can always go in a draft, so in the end it's not my job to force a guy to come out." (OKBlitz.com) Note: On Mel Kiper's preseason big board, Jermaine Gresham was ranked at No. 15 overall prospect in college football.
ESPN's Todd McShay's early mock draft: Oklahoma Sooners could have as many as four prospects in top seven picks in next year's NFL Draft, according to McShay's Scouts Inc. 2010 mock draft. Most notably the Big 12 dominates the top 10 with nine of the ten prospects from Big 12 schools.
McShay's projected top 10: 1. St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 2. Cleveland Browns -- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska 3. Detroit Lions -- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State 4. Oakland Raiders -- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma 5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma 6. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) -- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas 7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma 8. San Francisco 49ers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC 9. Green Bay Packers -- Adam Ulatoski, OT, Texas 10. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) -- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Sooners in early 2010 NFL mock drafts: Here's a look at early 2010 NFL mock drafts. Sooners have a consensuses of four possible first-rounders -- quarterback, Sam Bradford, defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy, Tight end, Jermaine Gresham, and offensive tackle, Trent Williams.
SI.com's Andrew Perloff's mock draft here. 1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT 10. Green Bay Packers: Trent Williams, OT 24. Tennessee: Titans Jermaine Gresham, TE 32. San Diego: DeMarco Murray, RB
SI.com's Tony Pauline's top prospects here. 3) Jermaine Gresham, TE 4) Sam Bradford, QB 6) Gerald McCoy, DT 11) Trent Williams, OT 20) DeMarcus Granger, DT 36) Auston English, DE
Sportsline.com's Chad Reuter's top prospects here. Mid-first rounders Jermaine Gresham, TE Trent Williams, OT
Top Underclassmen Sam Bradford, QB DeMarco Murray, RB Gerald McCoy, Dt
Bears speak highly of Iglesias: The Bears said Iglesias runs good routes and had some of the best hands in the draft. ''Every great team has role players,'' Iglesias said. ''I was a big role player. I had a big part of the offense, but like you said, it's a big program and other people overshadow other people. That's just how the game is, and that's how it was at Oklahoma. But it ended up good for me because I'm a strong player.'' (Chicago Sun-Times)
Dallas Cowboys select Manuel Johnson 229th overall: Cowboys selected Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson with the No. 229 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Basically the Sooners' third receiver behind SE Juaquin Iglesias and TE Jermaine Gresham last season, Johnson finished up with nine touchdowns and a 17.0 YPC average on 42 grabs. Johnson is lanky at 6'0/183 and lacks great speed, though, and has some of the draft's smaller hands at 8 3/4'. (Rotoworld)
Panthers select Duke Robinson No. 163 overall: Carolina Panthers drafted Duke Robinson a 6-5, 329-pound guard in the fifth round. Robinson on what position he'll play, "I think I can play any position [guard or tackle] wherever they need me."
Buffalo Bills select Nic Harris No. 147 overall: Oklahoma safety Nic Harris was viewed as a linebacker by some NFL talent evaluators and a safety by others. The Bills see him as a linebacker and that's where he'll play after the Bills made him their fifth-round pick (No. 147) on Sunday."He's a linebacker for us," said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. "He's a very versatile player. He's played safety, corner and started at middle linebacker in an emergency role against Kansas State. He played outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl and I think that's where we see him best fitted for our defense." For Harris, who has played cornerback, free safety, strong safety and linebacker in college, moving to linebacker full time is not seen as a problem. "It's doesn't bother me at all," said Harris. "It's a great opportunity to come out and play and whatever the coaches want me to do I'm willing to take a shot at it. I'm extremely elated for the opportunity to come out and play." (BuffaloBills.com)
Juaquin Iglesias taken in 3rd round, 99th overall: The Bears on Sunday selected Oklahoma wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias with the 99th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. Iglesias was a four-year contributor and three-year starter for the Sooners. The 6-1, 210-pounder started all 14 games last season as a senior, catching 74 passes for 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns. He played in all 14 games in 2007 as a junior, starting 10, and catching 68 passes for 907 yards and 5 TDs. (ChicagoBears.com)
Phil Loadholt taken No. 54 overall: Offensive tackle Phil Loadholt never got the chance to block for Adrian Peterson at the University of Oklahoma. But he'll get that opportunity in the pros. Loadholt will be joining Peterson in Minnesota, as the Vikings selected Loadholt in the second round with the No. 54 overall pick during Saturday’s NFL Draft in New York City. Even though many analysts believed guard Duke Robinson and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias had the chance to also be second-round picks, Loadholt was the only Sooner taken on the first day of the draft, which will resume today. Some analysts speculated before the draft that Loadholt had the chance to go late in the first round. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners to watch in NFL Draft: Jon Cooper - Center Nic Harris - Safety Lendy Holmes - Safety Juaquin Iglesias - Wide receiver Manny Johnson - Wide receiver Phil Loadholt - Offensive tackle Duke Robinson - Offensive guard Brandon Walker - Offensive guard
Former Sooner prepares for NFL Draft: Former Oklahoma Sooners and most recently Sam Houston State Bearkats quarterback Rhett Bomar is anxiously awaiting to find out where he will be playing pro football next season. Bomar visited Callisburg on Friday to throw with some of the Wildcat players. His father, Jerry Bomar, is the head coach at Callisburg. (KXII)
Several Sooners are likely 1st rounders next year: The four Sooners who are almost solid, perfect locks a year from now include quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams. "They (Sooners) have an incredible class for 2010," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper in a teleconference. "They're loaded. I mean, they are just loaded." Since tackle J.W. Wheeler became the first OU player drafted when he went in the second round to Green Bay in 1936, the Sooners have twice had three first-round selections in the same draft. (Tulsa World)
Report: Bradford expected to return for junior season:Quarterback Sam Bradford is expected to announce that he will return to Oklahoma next season, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad. Bradford was expected to announce his decision at a 5:30 p.m. ET press conference Wednesday. Offensive tackle Trent Williams, who said Wednesday that he would return to the Sooners next season, said he believes Bradford will return. "My gut feeling is that Sam is coming back," said Williams, who spoke with Bradford. "The entire state may be very happy."(ESPN.com) UPDATED: Sources confirmed to the Tulsa World that Bradford isn't the only player returning. All the Sooners' underclassmen considering leaving early for the NFL are expected to be back, according to sources.(Tulsa World)
News9.com will provide live streaming video of Sam Bradford's press conference.
Williams to return in 2009: Offensive tackle Trent Williams said Wednesday he will return to Oklahoma for another season. "I just want to win," Williams said. "I have been left with a sour taste in my mouth. Not a lot of people win a championship and I want to win a championship. I also promised my mom I would graduate. And I think I can improve my draft stock." It will be interesting to see if Williams' return influences quarterback Sam Bradford's decision. Some members of the Oklahoma coaching staff feel Bradford is seriously considering returning to school. (ABC11.com)
Related: OU has scheduled a 4:30 press conference today... Sam Bradford is expected to announce his future plans.
Gerald McCoy opts to return for junior year: Oklahoma defensive lineman Gerald McCoy told ESPN.com Monday he will return to school instead of entering the NFL draft as an underclassman. "I've decided to stay," the redshirt sophomore McCoy told the Web site. "I talked it over with my family and I just don't feel like right now is the time for me to leave. I feel another year would benefit my speed, strength and overall knowledge of the game."(Tulsa World)
NFL Scouts comment on Bradford: One N.F.L. scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to talk publicly about draft prospects, said Bradford was a "no-brainer" overall No. 1 pick and compared him to Troy Aikman, the first pick in the 1989 draft. "When you've watched him at Oklahoma over the years, he sticks out like a sore thumb," the scout said. "He's not a nickel-dime, dink-and-dunk guy. He throws those deep balls as good as anyone I've ever seen." Scouts express few doubts about Bradford's readiness, but Gil Brandt said Bradford's value would be even higher in next year's draft. "This is a guy that needs to stay in school," Brandt said. "He's really started to develop in the last year." (New York Times)
ESPN's Mel Kiper praises Sam Bradford:From ESPN SportsNation chat, NFL Draft guru, Mel Kiper talks about Sam Bradford's potential.
Q: Rob (Omaha, NE): Better QBs: Big 12 or NFC West? Mel Kiper: Oh boy... in the NFC West, you have (Matt) Hasselbeck, Trent Green, JT O'Sullivan and Kurt Warner. But you can't compare the two. The Big 12 has some great college QBs. The best is Sam Bradford. By far. It's not even close when you project to the NFL. He's tremendously accurate. Unbelieveable smarts and intelligence. He's tall. Makes great decisions. Excellent talent around him. He's going to have a decision to make in January. (Missouri's) Chase Daniel could win the Heisman, but he's not going to project highly in the NFL. (More at ESPN.com)
More Bradford & ESPN...
ESPN College GameDay to feature Sam Bradford: ESPN College Gameday's Desmond Howard was in Norman Wednesday filming a piece on Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford against the backdrop of Bradford's favorite hobby, golf. The two talked while hitting putts and sand shots at the Charlie Coe Golf Center on the University of Oklahoma campus. During the interview, which lasted 45 minutes, Howard asked Bradford about the similarities of golf and football, and a myriad of other topics. The segment will air this Saturday during the Gameday show. ESPN College Gameday runs from 9-11 a.m. CT. (SoonerSports PR)
Baltimore Ravens select Allen Patrick 240th overall: The Baltimore Ravens selected Allen Patrick, former Oklahoma running back 240th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Reggie Smith selected 75th overall by SF. 49ers: The 49ers started off Sunday morning with their third-round selection of cornerback Reggie Smith out of Oklahoma. Unlike the 49ers first two picks who had large gatherings to celebrate their selections on Saturday, Smith received the news while still in bed. "I was in bed still," admitted Smith. "I just rolled out. I was just waiting. I didn’t know when I would get drafted. I had heard anything from second to third." (49ers.com)
Redskins draft Malcolm Kelly 51st overall in NFL Draft: The Redskins selected Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly with their third second-round draft pick on Saturday. Kelly was the 51st overall pick in the draft. Kelly, 6-3 and 219 pounds, made the most of his opportunities at run-oriented Oklahoma and ended up becoming one of the elite wide receivers in Sooners history. (Redskins.com)
Travis Wilson and Clint Ingram featured in documentary Two Days in April: Every boy who has ever played football, from Pop Warner, to high school, or in the backyard with their buddies, dreams of being the star player who leads their team to Super Bowl victory. Very few are lucky enough to have the talent to even compete at a college level, let alone make it to the pros. However, for a select few, their dreams have the chance to come true over two days in April at the NFL draft. Each year, the National Football League has football fans and players, alike, holding their collective breath to see out of the thousands of eligible college players, who will be the lucky 255 to have the opportunity to play? TWO DAYS IN APRIL follows four young men and their journey to be drafted into the NFL. Signed by super sports agent, Tom Condon, they are brought to the exclusive IMG academy to elevate their game before crucial draft benchmarks. For the next 16 weeks, they will be trained, both mentally and physically, by some of the top professionals in the world of sports and football. Their job is to help prepare these players for what equates to the most daunting job interview ever imagined - the NFL combine, where the slightest error can cost a player millions of dollars, or even worse, the opportunity to play professional football. With unprecedented access, TWO DAYS IN APRIL reveals the never-before-seen side of what it truly takes to make it in the NFL. Much more than a sports movie, TWO DAYS IN APRIL chronicles the human spirit of commitment in the face of huge odds and enormous competition. It’s about hope, dedication, success and disappointment. We follow the dream of two parents, who have sacrificed much, to see their sons succeed. We meet a grandmother hoping to stay alive long enough to see her devoted grandson reach his goals. We feel the desperation of a soon-to-be wife showing her love and support while her future husband grasps on to hope. In two excruciating and anxiety ridden days in April, will all of their dreams finally come true? (twodaysinapril.com) "Two Days in April" documentary is available to through Netflix.com.
Smith to forgo senior season: Oklahoma junior cornerback Reggie Smith has joined teammates Malcolm Kelly and Curtis Lofton in deciding to enter his name in the NFL Draft. OU head coach Bob Stoops confirmed that decision today. "Reggie was a good player for us and we wish him the best," Stoops said. Smith, who missed the Fiesta Bowl with a toe injury, started 13 games in 2007. He ranked No. 4 on the team with 78 tackles. He logged three interceptions and one fumble recovery, which he returned 61 yards for a touchdown against Miami. He was a first team All-Big 12 selection by the league coaches and the Associated Press. The Edmond, Okla., native played in 39 games at OU with 36 starts. He finished with 165 career tackles and eight interceptions. (SoonerSports PR) Teammates and underclassmen Curtis Lofton and Malcolm Kelly have already announced NFL Draft intentions.
Curtis Lofton to enter NFL Draft: Oklahoma linebacker Curtis Lofton has decided to enter his name in the National Football League Draft. He becomes the second Sooner junior this year to do so. Junior receiver Malcolm Kelly made a similar announcement last Thursday. "Curtis made a lot of big plays during his time here," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "We wish him all the best in the NFL." Lofton said he reached the decision Sunday. "I'll definitely miss my coaches and teammates," he said. "I came in with my class three years ago and those guys are like brothers to me. And I'll miss playing in front of those 85,000 fans." Lofton said the atmosphere at Oklahoma readied him for the next step. (SoonerSports PR)
Kelly to enter NFL Draft: Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly has decided to bypass his senior year of college eligibility to enter the National Football League Draft. OU head coach Bob Stoops confirmed Kelly's decision Thursday afternoon. "We're excited for Malcolm and his family," Stoops said. "He was an oustanding player in our program and we appreciate all of his efforts. We look forward to watching him in the NFL. He is well-suited to professional football in many ways and we are sure that the attributes that made him such a success for us will serve him equally well on that level." Last season, Kelly, a Longview, Texas native, was the Sooners' second-leading receiver in catches, yards and touchdowns with 49 grabs for 821 yards and nine TD. Among the OU regulars, he was tops with 16.8 yards per reception. "I felt like the time was right to make this decision," said Kelly. "My family and I have talked it over for the last few days and decided this was the way to go. I've talked to a lot of guys who I trust who are playing in the NFL and I value their input. "OU and the coaches there gave me the best opportunity to reach the pro level. Going to OU was really the thing that put me in the position to be able to make this decision." (SoonerSports PR) Oklahoma needs to get over itself and its Fiesta Bowl fiasco ASAP: Tulsa World
Stoops defends his decision to play Peterson: Oklahoma's football coach shot back at critics who questioned his decision to play Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl, and a national newspaper that Stoops feels has misrepresented the facts about Rufus Alexander. The Minnesota Vikings selected both OU players in last weekend's NFL draft. But not before they were scrutinized by the media. Four days before Peterson was the seventh overall selection, SI.com reported that the former Sooner running back had reinjured his right collarbone in OU's loss to Boise State last January. That news brought questions about if Stoops should have held Peterson out of the Jan. 1 bowl game. "He was ready to play, according to the doctors and everybody else," Stoops said. "And he wanted to play." Stoops said he didn't learn until weeks later that Peterson had been hurt in the Fiesta Bowl. On the second day of the draft, Minnesota selected Alexander in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. The OU linebacker had been projected as a second- or third-round selection by some NFL draft rating services. Stoops said there could be a variety of reasons why Alexander's stocked dropped. But he said Alexander's slide had nothing to do with questions about his character. In a second story about off-the-field issues hurting some players in the draft, a national newspaper reported Tuesday that a study of its list of those "100 prospects who drew scrutiny because of conduct issues indicates a couple (Rufus Alexander and Tarrell Brown) slipped significantly." (In parts and more at Tulsa World)
Discount for AD? Nelson Peterson, father of Vikings first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson, sells BMWs for an auto dealership in Oklahoma City. "I might give Adrian the 8 percent discount if he wants to buy one," Nelson said. Adrian can expect signing bonuses totaling nearly $15 million. (Pioneer Press)
No worries here: Vikings top draft pick running back Adrian Peterson, asked whether his tender collarbone affects him psychologically: "There's no worries in my head.". (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Rufus Alexander on being drafted by the Vikings with Peterson: "I wish I had gone earlier, but it's a good situation," Alexander said. "It's good going up there with Adrian. At least there will be somebody up there that I know." (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes C.J. Ah You Selected in the Final round by Buffalo; Interesting note: Oklahoma defensive end C.J. Ah You was taken with Buffalo's final pick. Levy actually coached Ah You's uncle Junior Ah You who was an accomplished defensive end in the CFL in the mid-1970's. (BuffaloBills.com)
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT AH YOU: Bills GM Marv Levy on Ah You's character: "We've examined things extremely carefully with six or eight different people regarding his character and we found nothing that would lead us in that direction. What we got from Oklahoma was all very positive." (BuffaloBills.com)
Bob Stoops on the Bills selecting C.J. Ah You: "Just like we were for Adrian and Rufus we're proud and happy for C.J., and his family," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "His family got close to our entire program and we were able to develop a special relationship with them in a short period of time. "C.J., was a big, physical presence for us off the edge. He was able to get a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and he was able to do so without losing his containment responsibilities. He was a smart player that was able to overwhelm a lot of offensive tackles with his strength. He has a good build from head to toe and is able to generate a lot of drive." (SoonerSports.com) Bob Stoops reaction to Vikings selecting Rufus Alexander: Bob Stoops telling SoonerSports.com... OU head coach said he thought the fact that Peterson and Alexander had gone to the same franchise might make for a smoother transition. "We're real happy for Rufus and his family, and it's great that he and Adrian are going to the same team," he said. "I would think that would make things more comfortable for both of them." Stoops said he liked Alexander's sudden play. "Rufus made a lot of plays for us," Stoops stated. "He is a sure tackler with very good closing speed. He got to a lot of ball carriers here and I don't remember very many of them getting away. "I also just enjoyed being around him. He grew a lot as a player and a man over the course of his time here and I think that's very gratifying for him and for our coaches. He became a leader that we depended on." (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Vikings select Rufus Alexander #176 selection: It took till the sixth round for Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander to hear his name selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. From Vikings.com... The Vikings bolstered their linebacker corps in the sixth round by selecting a talented linebacker out of Oklahoma. Rufus Alexander was the pick, the 176th overall in 2007 and he is a playmaker with great instincts and ball-hawking ability. He measures in at 6-1, 228 pounds and he registered a 4.69 40-yard dash. (Vikings.com) Yesterday, The Minnesota Vikings selected Adrian Peterson at the 7th selection. Rufus Alexander Profile: CBS Sportsline.com
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Stoops Quote on Peterson: Oklahoma's head coach Bob Stoops telling SoonerSports.com.. "We're very happy and proud for Adrian and his family," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "He is such a competitive player and I appreciate so much what he brought to our program. He has great pride in the way he plays and he's extremely tough. "Those qualities rub off on the people around him. He has the kind of competitive spirit that elevates those around him. It means an awful lot to him that the entire team does well and I think that is probably his most under-appreciated quality. As much attention as he garnered here, he was always more concerned with being respected in the locker room. Being a good teammate matters a lot to him. He genuinely cares about the people around him." (SoonerSports.com)
Peterson Q&A: Q: Are you relieved that this process is over? Peterson A: I'm happy it's over. It's a dream come true no matter what. I keep thanking God. (NFL.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson falls to the Vikings at the seventh selection: After the Arizona Cardinals chose Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown with the fifth pick and then the Washington Redskins selected LSU safety LaRon Landry, the Vikings pounced on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. The reaction from the 2007 Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party was emphatic and positive. After the Cardinals surprised a few people with the Brown pick and then Washington chose Landry, fans were chanting "AP! AP!" and went crazy when the pick was announced. Peterson is the best running back in this class and is perhaps the draft's most intriguing prospect. He has a tremendous combination of power and speed, affording him the ability to both run over and around defenders. He punishes defenders and scouts describe him as a violent runner. The knock on Peterson is his durability. (Vikings.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson's collarbone wasn't healed for the Fiesta Bowl? Peterson's father, Nelson, told the World in a phone interview Thursday the injury was a matter of semantics. "I wouldn't say reinjured," Nelson Peterson said. "I would just say it wasn't healed like it should have. And it's still in the healing process. "The way I look at that situation is that Adrian really shouldn't have played in that bowl game. But he wanted to play." (Tulsa World) Before they were stars: Rufus Alexander: Yahoo! Sports Dodds: Tradition kept Texas -OU in Dallas: Austin-American Statesman
Peterson reinjured collarbone but has rehealed: Newsday reports... Peterson acknowledged that he re-injured his collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl in January, but he insists there's nothing to be alarmed about."I got it checked out, and no one gave me any bad indications," he said. Even if Peterson requires a surgical procedure to insert a plate in his collarbone, it likely would not affect his availability for training camp. (NY Newsday)
Browns: Injury not a factor in Draft Status: General Manager Phil Savage said Thursday that the Browns don't think Adrian Peterson needs surgery at this time, and the fact he reinjured his broken collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day does not hurt his status with the team. "This has not affected our opinion of him for the draft," Savage said in an e-mail response. Peterson, the Oklahoma running back, is one of five players the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, said Thursday that it's up to individual teams to determine whether or not Peterson will need surgery to insert a plate into the collarbone. If he does, Peterson will be out only four to six weeks, Dogra said. (Cleveland.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson reinjured shoulder not confirmed: The Oklahoman reports.. A source close to NFL personnel told The Oklahoman that he had not heard of a re-injury, but did acknowledge that there were issues concerning X-rays of Peterson's collarbone. (NewsOK.com) Follow-up from the prevously reported Report: Peterson's Re-Injured Shoulder, Could Be Out For NFL Off-Season.
University of Oklahoma football student season tickets on sale Tuesday: OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. Student season tickets are $145 and will be charged to the student's bursar account. Tickets will be sold online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1 and lasting through midnight on May 13 while supplies last. A $5 non-refundable fee will be associated with utilizing this service. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. Walk-up windows sales begin at 10 a.m. on May 1 and will continue every business day through May 13 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (SoonerSportss PR)
Peterson has re-injured shoulder? The first, I have heard this.. If true, its been quiet.. the past few weeks and month... Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, an almost certain top-10 pick in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft, re-injured his collarbone in the Sooners' loss in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day -- an injury that has not been previously disclosed except to NFL teams. A high-level source on one team said the evaluation of his team's medical staff was that Peterson will require a surgical procedure, which would delay his availability at the start of training camp and perhaps longer. That team estimated Peterson would be sidelined after the procedure for "two or three months." That would likely mean Peterson would miss the entire offseason workouts of the team that drafted him and make him questionable for the early part of the preseason. (SI.com)
SI's Mandel Spring Top 25: Sports Illustrated College Football writer, Stewart Mandel's spring college football power rankings. 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Florida 4. West Virginia University 5. Louisville 7. Texas 9. Oklahoma Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford appeared to separate himself from fellow contenders Joey Hazle and Keith Nichol in the QB race. OU is a veteran team, but several impressive youngsters emerged, including WR Adron Tennell, DB Dominique Franks and DT Gerald McCoy 13. Arkansas 18. Nebraska
ESPN.com SportsNation ask: Which NFL top prospect is likely to be a bust. Calvin Johnson: 4% Adrian Peterson: 12% Brady Quinn: 40% JaMarcus Russell: 34% Joe Thomas: 10% Nearly 6700 Votes
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Adrian Peterson agent charged with bribery and theft: A marketing agent representing former Oklahoma Sooner running back Adrian Peterson is facing felony charges of commercial bribery and theft. Bill Henkel, managing director of 10 Sports Marketing, turned himself in to the Johnson County, Kan., sheriff's office on Friday, deputy Tom Erickson said. Henkel posted $10,000 bond and was released the same day. The charges are related to a sports memorabilia deal that Henkel, the former football marketing director of International Management Group's football division, negotiated involving San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson, the Johnson County prosecutor's office said. In August 2005, Henkel allegedly solicited a kickback for a marketing deal involving the Pro Bowl running back, then received a portion of the kickback without the knowledge of Tomlinson or IMG. A complaint issued by the district attorney's office places the value of the theft between $1,000 and $25,000. "To make it clear, there are no charges against LaDainian Tomlinson," said Brian Burgess, a spokesman for the district attorney's office. (AP/SI.com)
AD on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is featured on the cover of the April 30 issue of Sports Illustrated. The magazine will be available on newstands April 25. Peterson is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Oklahoma has produced a first-round pick in the last five drafts beginning with Roy Williams in 2002. (SoonerSports PR)
Did you know? The Sooners have had some terrific running backs through the years. But only Greg Pruitt (5,672) and Billy Sims (5,106) surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards as a pro, with Joe Washington finishing at 4,839. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes OU Pro Day today: Former University of Oklahoma and NFL draft prospects will conduct Oklahoma Pro Day, today before NFL scouts on the campus. Adrian Peterson is expected to partcipate. The Sooners football team is off, before tomorrow's scheduled scrimmage.
Practice #4 in the books: The two-hour, 15-minute closed in an 11-of-11 drill with the offense working extensively on both the rushing and pass attacks. "I continue to be pleased with the way our offensive players are taking care of the ball," said Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. "We have been able to keep mistakes to a minimum and that is encouraging to us as a staff." (SoonerSports.com)
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.
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)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Broyles to reconsider Oklahoma? Reports surfaced Monday morning that Norman High standout Ryan Broyles had decommitted from Oklahoma State and orally committed to OU. Various recruiting services reported the four-star defensive back had informed the OU coaching staff, as well as OSU receivers coach Gunter Brewer, that he was accepting an offer to join the Sooners. Norman coach Butch Peters confirmed the report Monday afternoon, adding the four-star prospect was going use the day to "let things sink and settle in.” (More at NewsOK.com)
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)
Ex-Sooner Thompson convicted on misdemeanor charges: The attorney for a former University of Oklahoma quarterback planned to appeal his municipal court conviction on a misdemeanor charge of public drunkenness. Judge William Manger dismissed a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace after witnesses failed to appear at the trial Monday in Oklahoma City Municipal Court. Manger found Charles Thompson guilty after about two hours of testimony, saying consistent testimony from three police officers proved the case. The officers testified they responded about 1 a.m. Nov. 18 to the Residence Inn in west Oklahoma City after hotel managers claimed they received multiple noise complaints about Thompson's room. Thompson most recently worked as a color analyst covering high school football games for Oklahoma City sports radio station WWLS. (AP/ESPN.com)
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)
Adrian Peterson Time:1/3/04 - One of the most touted recruits in recent history. The Texas native declares at U.S. Army All-American Bowl he's crossing state lines, committing to Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners. Peterson picked Oklahoma over Miami, USC, UCLA, Texas and Texas A&M. 11/20/04 - Peterson back at it. Carried 32 times for 240 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Sooners rolled past the Baylor Bears 35-0. Peterson remained atop ESPN.com's Heisman Watch. 9/24/05 - Peterson injured his ankle late in the first half, resulted in Peterson only rushing 51 yards on 8 carries and one TD. The ankle injury would effect his play for a third of the season... Meanwhile, Peterson watch is on in Sooner Nation. 1/1/07 - Adrian Peterson entered the Fiesta Bowl 151 yards away from breaking Billy Sims' Oklahoma career rushing record of 4,118 yards. Complete Adrian Peterson Timeline.
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)
