Chris Mortenson suggests Jerry Jones could be interested in Bob Stoops: ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen says Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops could receive a phone call from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones if the Cowboys part ways with current head coach Wade Phillips. On ESPN Radio, Mortensen said Jones would have Stoops in mind if he decides to fire Phillips, who is under fire despite coaching the Cowboys to a 30-13 record over the past three seasons. Mortensen is not saying Stoops would go if called. He says the interest would purely be on Jones' side at this point. (KTUL)
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
I highly doubt with 99.8 certainty. (Continue to story below)
Bradford to return in 2010? Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford spoke Tuesday about the progress he's seen from the offense since opening week and said he sees more coming. His most intriguing observation, however, was to the last question he fielded during a midday media session. Would he follow the example of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and come back for his senior season? "I don't know," Bradford replied. "Maybe." (Dallas Morning News)
Bradford ranked No. 1 on Kiper's big board: ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper recently released his first big board for the 2010 NFL draft. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is atop the board at No. 1 selection followed by four defensive players, including OU's Gerald McCoy at No. 4. The pair of Bradford and McCoy aren't the only Sooners listed, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams are also among the top 15 prospects listed for next year's draft.
Mel Kiper on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford:
Has underrated arm and great feel for position and is super-accurate.
Lee Roy Selmon set to be Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first Ring of Honor inductee: When Lee Roy Selmon was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1995 it was arguably one of his greatest honors and achievements. On Monday, Selmon was humbled by an honor that might rival his place in Canton, OH. The Buccaneers held a press conference Monday to announce the franchise's plans to induct Selmon into the team's Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium when the Bucs host the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 8. "This is a very exciting day for us, and a long time coming," said Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer. "When we bought the team in 1995, before we even went to a Buccaneer game, we didn't know much. But we were told we had to go to Canton, Ohio and represent the team at the induction ceremonies for the Hall of Fame and Lee Roy Selmon. It was a great beginning to our 15 years here, and I'm very proud to be here talking about this, the first inductee into the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. We've very pleased that person is going to be Lee Roy Selmon." (PewterReport.com)
Minnesota signs OT Phill Loadholt: The Vikings announced they have signed their second-round pick, OT Phil Loadholt, to a contract. Terms of the deal were not announced. Loadholt, the 54th pick in the draft, will have every chance to win the starting ORT job over Ryan Cook, last year's starter there. (Pro Football Weekly)
Former Sooner Manuel Johnson signs with Dallas Cowboys: Former Oklahoma wide receiver Manuel Johnson has agreed to a four-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Morning News reported on its Web site. Johnson, who finished his career at OU with 119 catches for 1,710 yards and 17 touchdowns, was a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in April's NFL Draft. (The Oklahoman) DMN web site reports, Johnson will receive four-year deals with minimum base salaries worth $310,000 (2009), $395,000 (2010), $480,000 (2011) and $565,000 (2012).(Dallas Morning News)
Harris signs with Buffalo: Rookie Nic Harris has agreed to a contract with the Bills after Buffalo chose Harris in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Harris, a defensive back at the University of Oklahoma is expected to make the transition to linebacker with the Bills. In 51 career games with the Sooners (37 starts), Harris recorded 233 tackles, good enough for 6th place all-time amongst OU defensive backs. (13WHAM) Terms of contract were not released. Details will be published when available.
Duke Robinson signs multi-year deal with Panthers: The Carolina Panthers have signed fifth-round pick Duke Robinson. The guard from Oklahoma inked a four-year deal Wednesday that includes a signing bonus of about $172,000. He's expected to provide needed depth on the offensive line after Carolina released Jeremy Bridges and lost Geoff Hangartner and Frank Omiyale in free agency. (SI/Associated Press)
Dolphins sign troubled lineman JD Quinn: As first reported by Miami Dolphins beat writer Armando Salguero's Dolphins in Depth blog, ex-Oklahoma lineman JD Quinn has signed with the Miami Dolphins.. The Dolphins (my favorite NFL team) have signed interior offensive lineman JD Quinn and will announce the addition early next week. Quinn is, um, interesting for a handful of reasons: He was at the team's rookie minicamp last weekend on a tryout basis after going undrafted out of Montana. He impressed coaches and general manager Jeff Ireland enough that they tried to get to know him and his personality more so they could feel comfortable with him on the team. (MiamiHerald.com)
Bomar discusses Oklahoma dismissal: And yesterday, ex-Sooner Rhett Bomar discussed his dismissal at Oklahoma with Newsday writer Bob Glauber.
Rhett Bomar, who was picked by the Giants in the fifth round, refers to the issues that led to his expulsion from Oklahoma's football program as his "situation," choosing not to review the details during an interview Friday.
"There's no doubt I've grown up a lot since then," Bomar said after a morning rookie minicamp practice, his first in the NFL. "That's a tough thing to go through. Not a lot of people have been through that."
"I made a mistake. I was young," the 23-year-old Bomar said. "I moved on from there."
Bengals sign safety Roy Williams: After being cut by the Dallas Cowboys, former Sooner Roy Williams finally has found a new team. Williams' agent confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer on Wednesday that the Bengals have signed Williams. Terms have not been finalized. (The Oklahoman) I've been told its a 1-year contract.
Former Sooner Braxton sign with Cleveland: Former Sooner offensive tackle Branndon Braxton has signed a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. Braxton started at right tackle for OU in 2007, but lost his starting job to Trent Williams last season. He also battled various injuries that kept him from playing much in 2008. (The Oklahoman)
Ex-Sooners sign free-agent deals: Four former Sooners signed as undrafted free agents.
DB Lendy Holmes signed with Washington Redskins. Center Jon Cooper signed with Minnesota Vikings. WR Quentin Chaney signed with St. Louis Rams. G Brandon Walker was signed by the Houston Texans.
Dallas Cowboys release safety and former Sooner R. Williams: The Dallas Cowboys released safety Roy Williams, according to the Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys former 2002 first round draft pick was named to the Pro Bowl from 2003 to 2007 and considered among the league's hardest hitters. Williams gained his reputation during his tenure at Oklahoma (1999-2001), best known for "The Play" during 2001's Red River Shootout.
Bob Stoops among Denver coaching candidates: High atop the Broncos' wish list is believed to be Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who is preparing his second-ranked Sooners to face No. 1 Florida in the BCS championship game in Miami on Thursday. It will be his fourth shot at the national title in a decade at the school.Another intriguing possibility is Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who turned down offers last winter from Baltimore and Atlanta after the Cowboys made him the highest-paid coordinator at $3 million with the promise he'd be head coach Wade Phillips's successor.Denver is planning to interview Garrett at some point next week, the team said Friday. (Associated Press)
DB Will Ford commits to Oklahoma: Defensive back Will Ford of Abilene Cooper (Texas) High School confirmed that he committed to Oklahoma on Monday, bringing the Sooners' 2009 commitment total to 11. Ford (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) also had scholarship offers from Baylor, Texas Christian and Texas Tech. (The Oklahoman)
Dotson and Baker the latest OU free-agent signees: Former Oklahoma defensive end Alonzo Dotson has agreed to terms on a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins. Dotson is the sixth undrafted Sooner to be picked up by an NFL team. He joins Lewis Baker (San Francisco), Joe Jon Finley (San Francisco), Garrett Hartley (Denver), Marcus Walker (Minnesota) and D.J. Wolfe (Atlanta). (The Oklahoman)
Kelly, Smith among others participating in pro work out: Today at OU's Everest Indoor Training Center in his first and only workout before NFL scouts, Kelly will have the opportunity to silence the questions about his health for good. "I just have to show them with my drills, my change of direction, that I have no knee problems," said Kelly, speaking publicly for the first time about the rumors, which likely started with Kelly tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in junior high and later having arthroscopic knee surgery after his sophomore season at OU. "I've been working so that tomorrow morning I can come out here and prove them wrong and shut everybody up. I guarantee they won't be saying I have knee problems (anymore)." Former Sooner defensive back Reggie Smith, who's been recovering from a broken big toe, will also be working out in front of scouts for the first time. (The Oklahoman) Joe Jon Finley and Allen Patrick will also participate in today's work out.
Results will be posted later this afternoon. (UPDATED)
OU holds annual Pro Day: Fourteen former Sooner players participated in the event along with a pair of former team members, Tommy Grady, who transferred to Utah, and wide receiver David Robinson, who finished his collegiate career at South Dakota. Neither Malcolm Kelly nor Reggie Smith participated. (SoonerSports PR)
Top 5
Vertical Jump: Marcus Walker: 37.0 Allen Patrick: 36.0 D.J. Wolfe: 35.5 Darian Williams: 35.0 Lewis Baker: 33-0
Broad Jump: Allen Patrick: 10-0 Marcus Walker: 10-0 Lewis Baker: 9-11 Joe Jon Finley: 9-10 Ian Pleasant: 9-9
40 Yard Dash: D.J. Wolfe: 4.57, 4.57 Marcus Walker: 4.58, 4.55 Allen Patrick: 4.60, 4.55 Ian Pleasant: 4.63, 4.71 Curtis Lofton: 4.67, 4.67
Short Shuttle: Marcus Walker: 4.17, 4.18 Lewis Baker: 4.22, 4.14 Joe Jon Finley: 4.24, 4.16 D.J. Wolfe: 4.24, 4.34 Allen Patrick: no time, 4.51
Three Cone: Lewis Baker: 6.88 Marcus Walker: 7.08 Joe Jon Finley: 7.10 D.J. Wolfe: 7.16 Darien Williams: 7.20
Long Shuttle: Lewis Baker: 11.22 Marcus Walker: 11.35 D.J. Wolfe: 11.68 Joe Jon Finley: 11.69 Darien Williams: 11.90
Bench Press reps at 225lb: Steven Coleman - 21 Alonzo Dotson - 20 Tommy Grady - 18 Allen Patrick - 17 Lewis Baker - 16 Ian Pleasant - 16
Bowers still on team: Sooner reserve safety Brett Bowers is not listed on the team's official online roster. OU sports information Kenny Mossman confirmed that the omission is no mistake, but that Bowers remains on the team. Mossman said coach Bob Stoops might clarify at the first day of spring practice as to why Bowers is not listed on the roster. Bowers will be a senior next season. (The Oklahoman)
OU Pro Day March 11: OU will have its pro testing day the morning of March 11 in the Everest Indoor Training Center. The event will be open to the media but closed to the public. (The Oklahoman)
Backup center Beeler quits the Sooners: Backup center Chase Beeler has left the Oklahoma football team, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday night. "Chase wants to concentrate on his academic interests. He just decided that he did not want to play any more," Stoops said in a statement. "We respect his decision. We're all for Chase. He was a good, strong student-athlete while he was with our program and we wish him the best." (AP/SportingNews)
New Oklahoma Sooners Football book available: For the Sooner fan who can't soak up enough facts about OU football, "University of Oklahoma Football: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports" might be a solution. The book -- written by authors Daniel Brush, David Horne and Marc Maxwell, all who are attending graduate programs at OU -- has 10 chapters, with 100 facts, statistics or short stories in each chapter about Sooner football. Bob Stoops has written the foreword, and part of the proceeds will go to the Bob Stoops Champions Foundation, which helps sick children. The book can be found at most bookstores or on the authors' Web site, www.sportsbythenumbers.com (NewsOK.com)
Allen Patrick featured on SI Cover: Oklahoma senior running back Allen Patrick will be featured on one of five regional covers of Sports Illustrated scheduled to be released today. Patrick, who is expected to start at running back, hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, when he sprained his right ankle during workouts. Patrick has been walking around on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot. Patrick posed for the Sports Illustrated photo July 30 in Norman. (Dallas Morning News)
Barry Switzer joins NFL on FOX pregame crew: Fox Sports announced Tuesday that [Barry] Switzer will be joining its NFL pregame show this season where he will work a weekly "Coaches Corner" show alongside Johnson, who is entering his eighth season with the network. No further details were immediately available. (Dallas Morning News)
Adrian Peterson expected to remain unsigned after start of camp: The Vikings' contract negotiations with the top of their draft class intensified on Monday, but it seemed unlikely that first-round pick Adrian Peterson would be among the players reporting to training camp Wednesday at Minnesota State Mankato. Talks with cornerback Marcus McCauley, the Vikings' third-round pick, and second-round receiver Sidney Rice were more advanced as of Monday evening. At the very least, both players seem on track to participate in the Vikings' opening practice Friday morning. Players are due in Mankato for a full day of meetings Thursday. (Star-Tribune)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Rufus Alexander signs with Minnesota: The Minnesota Vikings have signed 6th-round pick (#176 overall) LB Rufus Alexander. He becomes the 3rd of the Vikings' 8 selections from the 2007 NFL Draft to sign, joining 7th-round selections QB Tyler Thigpen and WR Chandler Williams. Alexander was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at Oklahoma in 2006 and was a 2-time All-Big 12 selection. He was a teammate of 1st-round selection RB Adrian Peterson with the Sooners. (Vikings.com) Details are not available at post time. Former Oklahoma running back and first round selection, Adrian Peterson remains unsigned with Minnesota.
Peterson expects to arrive at camp on time: Adrian Peterson recently discussed the status of his contract, and arriving on time at camp.: "I feel like I'll be in camp on time. My agent, Ben Dogra, he does a great job. I hope there's no problem. I don't see any problem coming," Peterson said. "It's very important for me to go out and help my team. And help us reach our goals." (KSTP.com)
Adrian Peterson takes questions as a Viking: Q: Well has it hit you that this is your first practice as a pro? Peterson A: Yeah, it's all sinking in. Just being out here and having that purple helmet on, representing the Vikings, it's tangible. It's finally here. Q: Have you had any contact with Coach Childress about your role in the offense yet? Peterson A: No, we already talked, but basically I'm another contributor to the team. I'm going to go out there and in whatever way help my team win championships and the Super Bowl. I'm just willing to take that and go with it. (More at SoonerSports.com) Sad News; Ex-Sooner Clayton's Uncle shot and killed: The uncle of former OU football player Mark Clayton was killed this weekend in what police believe was a gang-related shooting outside a northeast Oklahoma City club. About 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a group of men fired shots into the west parking lot of Boots and Saddles Club at NE 23 and Bryant Avenue. The shots killed Donald Lee Austin Jr., 46, Oklahoma City police Sgt. Paco Balderrama stated in a news release. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Questions about Peterson's collarbone remain: Peterson told reporters he was "pretty sure, eventually" a decision will have to be made regarding possible surgery to insert a plate in his left collarbone, which he broke October 14 and reinjured in Oklahoma's Fiesta Bowl loss Jan. 1. "Right now I'm just focusing on getting these plays in," Peterson said. "It's something you really have to study and put time in for to get these plays and the different terminology, the language. "(The collarbone) hasn't given me any problems so I'm just going to push right ahead." Vikings coach Brad Childress was pleased with Peterson's on-field performance, including his pass-catching and kickoff returns. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Vikings issues rookies jersey numbers: The Vikings' draft picks all have been issued uniform numbers, some of which could eventually change. The number assignments: Running back Adrian Peterson, No. 28; linebacker Rufus Alexander, No. 57; (Star-Tribune)
OU's Thompson signs as free agent with NY Jets: Oklahoma's Paul Thompson agreed to a free-agent deal Sunday night. [Zac] Taylor signed with Tampa Bay, Thompson with the New York Jets. This means they get a shot -- a very long shot -- at making it in the NFL. With signing bonuses of several thousand instead of several million, they won't be going on spending sprees. But at least they're going somewhere. "It just comes down," Thompson says, "to having the opportunity to prove yourself." (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Latimer signs with Redskins: Washington Redskins agreed to terms with former Oklahoma linebacker Zach Latimer, who made 180 tackles for the Sooners. Redkins rookie camp begins Friday. Signing bonus undisclosed. Packers pickup Larry Birdine: The former Oklahoma Sooner and Lawton Ike Eagle [Larry Birdine] signed a free agent contract with the Packers after not getting picked in last weekend's NFL draft. That's according to Birdine. The Packers have not officially commented on it yet. (KSWO) Signing bonus undisclosed.
Peterson surgery to be determined; insist he'll be in minicamp next week: The Vikings are expected to determine in the coming days whether they want top draft pick Adrian Peterson to have a plate inserted into his collarbone to aid healing. Peterson and Vikings coach Brad Childress have insisted the running back will be ready for training camp and will participate in next weekend's rookie minicamp. But they have been less resolute on how they will handle Peterson's collarbone, which he re-injured during the Fiesta Bowl. "The situation is that my collarbone is healing, and it's not going to hold me back from anything," Peterson said Sunday. "I'm looking forward to being ready when the season starts." (Pioneer Press)
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)
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.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Bob Stoops on the list of Cowboys' candidates: After two weeks of speculation by outsiders, Parcells -- the sixth head coach in Dallas Cowboys history -- announced that he was finished with football, ending a 20-year NFL career that included three Super Bowls, two of which he won. Media outlets and those close to the Cowboys organization have already discussed several familiar names as possible successors. University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and former Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner are considered instant candidates. Other possible replacements include New Orleans coach Sean Payton, Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Arkansas coach Houston Nutt. (Austin American Statesman)
Might Jerry Jones prefer NFL experience? You want to know who the next head coach is going to be. Well, if you have listened to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, then you can probably rule out any college head coach lacking NFL experience. That probably means no Bob Stoops, no Tommy Tuberville, no Houston Nutt, no Les Myles, no Mack Brown. Jones thinks the learning curve is not conducive to picking up where Parcells has left off. (DallasCowboys.com Blogger)
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)
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)
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 Sooner Football Articles and Notes 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)
Stoops high on Falcons head coaching list: Last week, ESPN's NFL Insider Chris Mortensen, reported it on ESPN NFL Sunday Countdown.. Now FOXSports is reporting it.. NFL on FOX Insider John Czarnecki reported that Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops supposedly is high on Atlanta's wish list.
Stoops a candidate for NFL Falcons job? ESPN's NFL Insider Chris Mortensen, reported on Sunday NFL Countdown that Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is among the three candidates the Falcons owner, Arthur Blank is looking to replace current head coach Jim Mora. Remember in 2003, Stoops was also rumored for the job. We'll see...
Closing the roof: The retractable roof at the University of Phoenix Stadium will be put to use Monday. The roof will be open for parachutists to descend through the opening shortly before kickoff, then close for the game. "We're doing it for fan comfort," said Shawn Schoeffler, Fiesta Bowl media relations liaison. "The game will kick off at 6:50 (7:50 central) and probably won't be over until after 10."(NewsOK.com)
OU's Ah You Continues Fiesta Bowl Family Tradition: C.J. Ah You is carrying along a family tradition he didn’t even know about. The Oklahoma defensive end will be the third member of his family to play in the Fiesta Bowl. His uncle, Junior, won defensive MVP in the inaugural Fiesta Bowl in 1971 playing for Arizona State. His father, Charles, was a backup running back for BYU in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl. (East Valley Tribune)
Birdine keeping it closed too: The last time Oklahoma defensive end Larry Birdine spoke out before a BCS game, he gave USC several bulletin boards worth of material. Two years later, he revisited reporters in the University of Phoenix Stadium stands as part of Fiesta Bowl media day Saturday. "I don't want another Orange Bowl incident happening," Birdine said. "Let's just say it wasn't pretty." (Tulsa World)
Stoops: Same schedule, Different days: OU has tried to keep its practice routine like it would for a normal game during Fiesta Bowl preparations. OU coach Bob Stoops said doing that can cause some confusion. Saturday, he wasn't even sure what day of the week it was. "I look at it as Thursday," he said. "You kind of go through your game week, getting prepared for the game, what you emphasize in practice. Today for us is like a Thursday practice. It's kind of how you mentally go into it." (Norman Transcript)
Switzer and Johnson reunite: Former Sooners coach Barry Switzer will be one of Fox's Fiesta Bowl analysts during the game and will sit on a sideline studio platform next to Jimmy Johnson for pregame, halftime and postgame analysis. Switzer, who was an assistant coach at Arkansas when Johnson played there, and Johnson are old rivals, including Johnson's days at Oklahoma State (he lost every game to Switzer's Sooners) and Miami (he was 3-0 against OU). But their rivalry heated up even more when Switzer replaced Johnson as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. "I've seen him every once in a while through the years," Switzer said. "We've had a couple conversations." (Tulsa World)
Something they like to have: Oklahoma players took a liking to the Fiesta Bowl trophy, taking turns shooting photos of teammates posing beside it. Some might consider the trophy gaudy, with diamonds and gold and even a stained-glass window effect on a dome that serves as the base to a football topper. Not the Sooners. "We gotta have it," said offensive lineman George "Duke" Robinson. (NewsOK.com)
