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
Reports indicate that procedure went as expected: Sam Bradford underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday morning in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. James Andrews, widely recognized for his work on a number of athletes, performed the procedure. The operation began at 10:10 a.m., and was completed by 10:45 a.m. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was back in his hospital room by 12:15 p.m. "Dr. Andrews said it was just as we expected," said Sam's father, Kent, who was able to witness part of the operation. "It all looked great in the end and everyone seems to feel very good about it." The elder Bradford said his son was experiencing some soreness, but was otherwise resting comfortably and had already regained his appetite. "He was hungry and he's been eating so that's a good sign," Kent said. The Oklahoma quarterback will go through a limited exercise session on Wednesday and expects to return to his home state sometime in the next 24-48 hours. "The report we got was that everything went about as well as it could and obviously we're very happy for Sam and his family," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "We look forward to getting him back in Norman so that we can assist with his recovery and rehabilitation." (SoonerSports PR)
Stoops: Both Jones and Bradford are comparable: Now that Sam Bradford is out for the year, having opted for shoulder surgery, the comparisons have returned. "He's similiar to Sam in that he's a very humble guy. He has a great passion to play. He has a calm demeanor to him," OU coach Bob Stoops said of Jones on Monday morning's Big 12 teleconference. "Those kinds of guys have a calm presence to them and relaxed look. But they’re really competitive. It just kind of resonates." (Tulsa World)
Bradford to announce he'll have surgery and go pro: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford announced today that he will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. "I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma my whole life," Bradford said. "That's the reason I came back for this season. And I came back to play, not sit on the bench. That's the reason I tried to play after the injury. I'm very disappointed that it didn't work out differently. "Under these circumstances, and after talking to several people, this is the right thing for me to do at this point." Bradford added that he intends to enter the NFL Draft if the recovery goes as anticipated. The rehabilitation time for the surgery is estimated at four-six months. "I'll be up to the challenge," said Bradford, who will work with OU's training staff during his rehabilitation. OU Head Coach Bob Stoops said he supports Bradford's decision. "We want Sam to pursue the best option for his recovery and future," he said. "We obviously feel this is best for his long-range future. "Sam has led us to two Big 12 championships and an appearance in the national title game, and has demonstrated uncommon leadership skills. He is an absolute role model as a student-athlete and loyal teammate. "We appreciate the incredible contributions he has made to this program and university." (SoonerSports PR)
No announcement on Sam Bradford planned: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has not rescheduled a press conference regarding his future for today, contrary to an ESPN report. ESPN reported that Bradford was set to speak today. But as of noon, no press conference had been scheduled and it's doubtful one will for today. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford cancels a scheduled news conference for this evening, according to an Oklahoma athletics spokesperson. Bradford hopes to gain further information on injury before decision. More to come... (10/21) UPDATE: Report: Bradford to have surgery: ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting, There is a "very good chance" Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will announce he is having season-ending surgery on his shoulder, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad on Wednesday. Coach Bob Stoops said Bradford needed to gather more information before choosing what to do about his injured right, throwing shoulder. "He just wasn't ready to fully answer everything that'll want to be asked and for sure what he wants to do just yet, until he has a few more people to visit with," Stoops said after the Sooners' practice. "That's it. I won't say another word about it." (ESPN.com)
QB Sam Bradford to discuss future plans: OU coach Bob Stoops announced quarterback Sam Bradford would speak with reporters today and provide some clarity concerning his future plan. "(Bradford) will address that for a few minutes after practice tomorrow, what the plan will be, and everyone's getting closer to that," Stoops said. "So I won't comment other than we'll wait for tomorrow and let Sam visit with everyone about that." (Norman Transcript)
Bradford will not play against Kansas: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is officially out for Saturday's football game at Kansas. The announcement was made Monday night. (The Oklahoman) Note: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said after practice on Monday "the path hasn't been determined yet" for Bradford's treatment.
Latest on Sam Bradford: ESPN.com's Joe Schad is reporting, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford had an MRI and an X-ray that revealed "no new injury," only an "aggravation" of the previous shoulder sprain, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad on Sunday night. That source also said a course of action for treatment will be determined in the "coming days." (ESPN.com)
Is Bradford's collegiate career over? Last year's Heisman Trophy winner, Bradford reinjured his right throwing shoulder in the second series of a 16-13 loss to Texas , likely ending his season and possibly his college career. "I really can't answer that," Bradford said when asked if he played in his last Oklahoma-Texas game. "I'm not sure. I'll have to make that decision at the end of this year." (SportingNews)
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)
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to start against Baylor: Sam Bradford, winner of the 2008 Heisman Trophy, will start at quarterback for Oklahoma in the Sooners' game against Baylor, Saturday. The junior has been out since the season opener (Sept. 5) when he suffered a sprained shoulder joint. "Sam has had a great week of practice and is ready to play," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops after a morning meeting with Bradford. "We're obviously excited to have him back. "We remain very pleased with the work Landry Jones did in replacing Sam and our entire program has a lot of confidence in his ability," Stoops added. (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford makes not guarantee of return: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford spoke to reporters for the first time since Sept. 7 on Tuesday and left no doubt he plans to play again this season. "I don't know if I can give you a definite answer. But right now, I do feel like yes, I will be back at some point," he said. The Sooners face Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field. Bradford practiced Monday and said his arm feels better than the week before. But he still doesn't know if he'll be ready by Saturday. "That's part of the whole process, being able to make all the throws. All the throws don't happen in the pocket. They happen outside the pocket, off balance, you know, where there's more stress put on your arm. I think as the week goes along, I'm gonna have to figure out what throws I can and can't make." (Norman Transcript)
Latest on Bradford: No timetable given for return: On Monday, Bob Stoops said Sam Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner won't play until he's "fully capable." "We'll see," Stoops said during Monday's teleconference. "It's too early. I'm not getting into how close or far [he was to playing Saturday against Miami]. The bottom line is he wasn't where he needed to be." Stoops was asked several times about Bradford's availability and wouldn't budge. "Everyone wants me to give them an answer I can't give," Stoops said. "Until you can see a guy progress, how do you know? Until you get out and work it, you don't have any idea." (ESPNDallas.com)
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced on Thursday afternoon backup quarterback Landry Jones will start against Miami on Saturday night. It ends a week of speculation Sam Bradford, who suffered a sprained AC joint on Sept. 5, might return against Miami.
Bradford, who returned to practice in full pads this week, seeked the opinion last weekend of sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Stoops said Tuesday evening on his weekly radio program, quarterback Sam Bradford "looked good," although, he wouldn't commit to starting Bradford in Saturday's game.
Indications are Miami could very well play against Sam Bradford this weekend, the Oklahoma quarterback has split snaps with Landy Jones on the first-team offense this week, according to published reports.
The Oklahoman cited an unnamed source close to the program.
On Monday, Bradford rejoined the team in his first practice in full pads since suffering a sprained AC joint on Sept. 5 against BYU. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday evening on his weekly radio program, quarterback Sam Bradford "looked good," although, he wouldn't commit to starting Bradford in Saturday's game.
One reason Bradford is probable to start this weekend, Bradford has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.
"That's positive in that everything to this point that he has done he has handled in a positive way and he has made daily progress," Stoops said. "That part is encouraging. But it's just too early to determine his status for Saturday. I'm not able to give the answer yet, until we see what Sam's capable of throughout the week. Is he able to make all the throws? Is he able to do it without too much soreness? How does he react the next day?
"All of those things need to be determined, and they won't be determined until we get later in the week, probably sometime Thursday or Friday, and maybe Saturday, depending on how it goes."
Bradford in his only start against Miami (9/07) threw five touchdowns in OU's 51-13 victory.
No decision on Bradford: On Tuesday, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wouldn't say if Bradford's separated throwing shoulder is healed enough for him to start Saturday. "I'd love to give you an answer so I don't have to answer it the entire week," Stoops said of Bradford's status, "but it's too early in the week and I'm not able to give the answer yet." Stoops said he wouldn't announce the quarterback until "Thursday or Friday [or] maybe Saturday." (Miami Herald)
Broyles receives no punishment after leaking practice details: Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles wasn't assigned any extra conditioning as punishment for releasing details of quarterback Sam Bradford's return. After Bradford returned to practice last Monday, Broyles said he saw the Heisman Trophy winner throwing short passes, prompting coach Bob Stoops to say he was "disappointed" some of his players had so much to say about the return. "I can't say anything now, I learned my lesson," Broyles said. "But he didn't address anybody by name, he just said overall." (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford continued to practice with OU's first team offense Monday, furthering speculation Bradford might play Saturday against No. 17 Miami, although no decision has been made about Bradford's status, coach Bob Stoops said.
"It will be determined on how we go through the week, on how he performs, on how he feels," Stoops said.
Last weekend, Sam Bradford, the Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winning quarterback seeked the opinion from world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Meanwhile, Miami coach Randy Shannon said they will prepare for the Oklahoma offense and not either Sam Bradford or Landy Jones.
The No. 8 Sooners travel to Miami play the Hurricanes Saturday 7:00 p.m./CT on ABC.
Stoops: Sam Bradford's recovery is "progressing": Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops refused to discuss the chances of quarterback Sam Bradford playing against Miami Saturday, but gave a rosy outlook Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. "Progressing," the Sooner coach said when asked about his quarterback's recovery since suffering a separated shoulder Sept. 5. "All his rehab to this point has been positive." Stoops confirmed Bradford had gone to Birmingham, Ala., over the weekend to visit renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The physician's opinion wasn't any different from the ones the quarterback has received from OU's medical staff. "It was an extra opinion as much as anything. Our guys have been awesome in their evaluations," Stoops said. (Norman Transcript)
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to meet renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews: Television station WAPT, is reporting... Late Friday night, 16 WAPT Sports can confirm that Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is on his way to Birmingham, Ala., to meet with world renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Bradford sprained his AC joint in his throwing shoulder before halftime in Oklahoma's 14-13 loss to BYU in their first game of the season on Sept. 5. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said the initial evaluations by doctors showed that Bradford did not suffer any damage to his collarbone, rotator cuff or other parts of his shoulder. There is no indication that surgery is now needed, but Bradford will be in Birmingham this weekend to receive further evaluation on his injury. (WAPT)
Coach Stoops will not update Bradford's status 'day-to-day': Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops swears he's not "trying to be coy," but during his weekly press luncheon, he was having nothing to do with questions about quarterback Sam Bradford. "I just don't want Sam to have to deal with the pressure of everybody's expectations. It's just not fair," Stoops said. "The bottom line is it'll be day-to-day as he improves. "I'm not gonna detail day-to-day." After practice on Monday, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and wide receiver Ryan Broyles each revealed that Bradford had begun practicing, suiting up and going through drills, albeit with short throws only. "I'm a little disappointed our players had so much to say," Stoops said. "Not that we're at all trying to be coy or anything that's behind the scenes." (Tulsa World)
QB Sam Bradford sees limited action in practice: Sam Bradford was a partial participant in Monday afternoon's football practice, throwing short passes during quarterback drills. "I didn't really see him all the way extend, but I've seen him throwing some little 5-, 10-yard passes," said sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles. "It's promising." Bradford sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of the Sooners' opening-game loss to BYU on Sept. 5. Doctors initially ruled the Heisman winner out two-to-four weeks. Broyles said Monday was the first day he saw Bradford at practice. (The Oklahoman)
Speculation Bradford may return for Miami game: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said there's no update on whether quarterback Sam Bradford might return for the Miami game but on the weekly Big 12 teleconference his response indicated Bradford might be available next week. Stoops was asked whether he's confident Landry Jones could lead the Sooners to a road win at Miami. "If it is Landry he's handling it really well," Stoops said. "He's been nothing but consistent and solid. More than anything it's the players around him the past couple of weeks have played better. Regardless of who's in that position the players around him have to support that position. "You have to protect him. You have to be able to run the ball. You have to be able to get open and catch it when you have your opportunities. As far as his part, he's doing a good job." (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford out for Tulsa game: Bob Stoops dismissed any chance Sam Bradford might return to quarterback Oklahoma against Tulsa on Saturday - a date that falls two weeks after Bradford separated his shoulder against BYU - after the Sooners' practice Wednesday. Two days after OU's 14-13 loss to the Cougars, Stoops speculated that "two to four weeks is what most of these (injuries) have been, and that's what we're looking at in his case." Tulsa orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brad Boone called Bradford's return for the TU game "probably early" after visiting with OU's medical staff at the time and confirming the two-to-four-week prognosis. (Tulsa World)
Owens out: Sophomore receiver Jameel Owens did not dress for the game. Owens had missed practice earlier in the week. Rumors of his transfer leaked earlier in the week, but Owens' family said on Friday he has no plans to do so. Owens was still on the team as of Saturday. (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford talks about injury: Injured Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford gave a live telephone interview to the ESPN pregame show "College Gameday" on Saturday morning. Although the projection for his return is two to four weeks, Bradford reminded viewers that it could be slightly shorter or much longer. "Everyone I talk to, there's really not a certain timeline for as soon as I'll be back," Bradford said. "There's been so many different numbers. I think the main thing is I have to get healthy before I can play again." (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford to miss 2-4 weeks due to injury: Injured Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford said Monday he hopes to be back on the field in 2-4 weeks and has ruled out surgery as an option to mend a third-degree separated shoulder in his throwing arm. "It feels a lot better," he said. "It's not nearly as painful as it was Saturday. "Hopefully it can keep progressing like this." For the Sooners, the timing couldn't be any better. OU plays Football Championship Subdivision school Idaho State this weekend, then unranked Tulsa at home, followed by a bye week. "Most people with these AC sprains have been 2-4 weeks in recovery," coach Bob Stoops said Monday evening. (The Oklahoman)
Coach stoops confirms QB Sam Bradford's sprain: From Sportsline.com ... Sam Bradford has a Grade 2 or 3 shoulder sprain and evaluation of the injury could be "fairly long process, probably a week or two," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said on Monday's Big 12 conference call. One medical web site describes a Grade 2 spain as "partial tearing of ligament and capsular tissue" with mild instability in the joint. Grade 3 is described as, "severe or complete tearing of ligament and capsular tissue," with significant instability of the joint. "A lot depends on how he heals," Stoops added. "It's going to be a while before we know what the plan will be." Treatment options include rest, icing of the injured area, followed by rehab. The web site stated that surgery is "rarely needed" in such cases. Stoops' revelation is the most detailed description of Bradford's injury since he went down Saturday night against BYU. (Sportsline.com)
The latest on Sam Bradford: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday there has been no update to the shoulder injury suffered by quarterback Sam Bradford since Saturday night's loss to BYU in Arlington, Texas. "We're pursuing every option of rehab and timelines and estimates of what's in their best interest," Wilson said. Bradford suffered a Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain late in the first half Saturday when he was driven to the turf by BYU linebacker Coleby Clawson. Bradford was knocked out of the game and spent the second half with ice on his shoulder and his right arm in a sling. (Norman Transcript)
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.
CBSSports.com announces preseason All-America Team: CBSSport.com announced their annual preseason first and second team All-Americans today with the glaring absence of reigning Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. Florida's Tim Tebow was named first-team All-American quarterback and Texas' QB Colt McCoy was named second-team All-American. The only Sooner named to first-team All-American was senior tight end Jermaine Gresham. Gerald McCoy was the lone Sooner named second-team All-American by CBSSports.com.
Preseason All-America Team - First Team
Offense Pos Player, School QB Tim Tebow, Florida RB Jahvid Best, California RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State OT Ciron Black, LSU OG Mike Johnson, Alabama OG Jeff Byers, Southern California C Kris O'Dowd, Southern California
Defense DE Jerry Hughes, TCU DE George Selvie, South Florida DT Terrence Cody, Alabama DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska LB Brandon Spikes, Florida LB Sergio Kindle, Texas LB Rolando McClain, Alabama CB Syd'Quan, California CB Joe Haden, Florida S Eric Berry, Tennessee S Taylor Mays, Southern California
Special Teams P Derek Epperson, Baylor K Kai Forbath, UCLA KR Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State PR Brandon James, Florida
Team captains chosen for 2009 season: Oklahoma announced its team captains today for the 2009 football season. The captains were selected in a vote by the team. The four players accumulating the most votes were quarterback Sam Bradford, tight end Brody Eldridge, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Ryan Reynolds. According to head coach Bob Stoops, enough other players received considerable votes that another captain roles will rotate among a group comprised of defensive end Jeremy Beal, running back Chris Brown, fullback Matt Clapp, linebacker Keenan Clayton, Auston English, Jermaine Gresham and Trent Williams. "I appreciate the four who received the most votes and they will represent the team well," Stoops said, "but I also think it says a lot about our program that so many other players were mentioned on the ballots. We have a large pool of players who fit the role of captain and that tells me that we have a healthy and cohesive locker room." (SoonerSports PR)
1st week of ESPN's Heisman Watch: ESPN.com debuted their annual Heisman Watch last week, Oklahoma QB and defending Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll. The ESPN 'panel of experts' didn't give Bradford one 1st place vote! And to top it off, Bradford received fewer second place votes than Texas' QB Colt McCoy.
Here's a look at their poll.
Rank: Player - 1st place votes, 2nd, 3rd, (total points) 1. Tim Tebow - 11, 4, 0 (71) 2. Colt McCoy - 4, 8, 3 (61) 3. Sam Bradford - 0, 3, 12 (48)
Other notable players: Jahvid Best (15) Eric Berry (11) Dez Bryant (5)
Backup QB position still undetermined: With only a week and a half until the opener, Sooners coaches still aren't ready to reveal who quarterback Sam Bradford's backup will be. Both true freshman Drew Allen and redshirt freshman Landry Jones continue to compete for the spot. So far, neither has outshined the other. "They are doing well, but they still need work, and you still go back and appreciate how good Sam was as a second-year guy," Wilson said. "We need them to heighten their sense of urgency, because there is a chance that they will play." (The Oklahoman)
OU Quarterback Sam Bradford on another pre-season watch list: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson are among seven quarterbacks in the Big 12 named to the watch list for the Manning Award, given annually to college football's best quarterback. (The Oklahoman) Note: Ten semifinalists for the Manning Award will be announced Nov. 30. The 2009 Manning Award winner will be presented Jan. 14, 2010. The Manning Award is the only award that takes bowl game performances into consideration.
Bradford, Brown, Gresham and Murray named to Maxwell watch list: Four Oklahoma players are on the preseason watch list for the 73rd Maxwell Award. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement today. There are a total of 55 players on the list. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top player in college football. Quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Chris Brown, tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back DeMarco Murray are all on the list. Bradford won the Heisman Trophy last season, while Gresham was a first-team All-American. Brown and Murray both eclipsed 1,000 yards for the season with 1,220 and 1,002 respectively. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest football club in the United States. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 4th and three finalists for each award will be announced November 23rd. The winner of the 2009 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 10, 2009. (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford, Gresham on Walter Camp watch list: Two Sooners were named on the Walter Camp Award preseason watch list on Friday. OU quarterback Sam Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham are among those named to the list. Last year's winner Colt McCoy of Texas is also on the list. The Camp award goes to college football's top overall player and is voted on annually by the 119 FBS head coaches. The last Sooner rewarded the Walter Camp Award was Josh Heupel in 2000, overall four Sooners have won the prestigious award.
2009 Walter Camp Award preseason watch list: Jahvid Best, RB, Jr., California Arrelious Benn, WR, Jr., Illinois Eric Berry, DB, Jr., Tennessee Sam Bradford, QB, Jr., Oklahoma LaGarrette Blount, RB, Sr., Oregon Dez Bryant, WR, Jr., Oklahoma State Daryll Clark, QB, Sr., Penn State Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Jr., Georgia Tech Mardy Gilyard, WR, Sr., Cincinnati Jermaine Gresham, TE, Sr., Oklahoma Max Hall, QB, Sr., Brigham Young Tim Hiller, QB, Sr., Western Michigan Jerry Hughes, DE, Sr., TCU Kendall Hunter, RB, Jr., Oklahoma State Taylor Mays, DB, Sr., USC Colt McCoy, QB, Sr., Texas Kellen Moore, QB, So., Boise State Todd Reesing, QB, Sr., Kansas Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, So., Oregon State George Selvie, DE, Sr., South Florida Jordan Shipley, WR, Sr., Texas Rusty Smith, QB, Sr., Florida Atlantic Jevan Snead, QB, Jr., Mississippi Brandon Spikes, LB, Sr., Florida Golden Tate, WR, Jr., Notre Dame Tim Tebow, QB, Sr., Florida Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Sr., Missouri
OU's Sam Bradford highlights O'Brien Watch List: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford will get the chance to defend his Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award title. And Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson is one of the quarterbacks he'll have to fend off. Both in-state stars were named to the Davey O’Brien watch list released Monday afternoon. The Davey O'Brien annually is awarded to the top quarterback in college football. In all, 33 quarterbacks were placed on the watch list, which included six from the Big 12: Bradford, Robinson, Robert Griffin (Baylor), Colt McCoy (Texas) Taylor Potts (Texas Tech) and Todd Reesing (Kansas). (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford named 2008-2009 Big 12 Athlete of the Year: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been named the Big 12 Conference's male athlete of the year. As a redshirt sophomore in 2008, Bradford won the Heisman Trophy, given to the nation's best college football player, and the Davey O'Brien Trophy, awarded to the nation's best quarterback. The Big 12 award is selected by a panel of media based solely on an athlete's performance in the 2008-09 season. This year, for the first time, fan voting on Big12Sports.com was included in the award's final tally. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham and Bob Stoops video from various media outlets at Big 12 media days in Irving, TX.
From ESPN.com
From FOXSports.com
<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=1dfc268f-79eb-4f81-a4f5-037f35e509db&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral" target="_new" title="Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma">Video: Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma</a>
Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy met Saturday at the Cotton Bowl for an interview segment with ESPN's Wendy Nix. The footage will be part of ESPN's coverage leading up to this year's OU-Texas game.
Eight Sooners on All-Big 12 team; Bradford named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) and Phil Taylor (Baylor) highlight the 2009 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, chosen by media representatives who cover the Conference. Bradford was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and selected the preseason squad's quarterback. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Bradford was also a consensus All-America while winning the Davey O'Brien and Sammy Baugh awards. Suh garnered honors as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and as a defensive linemen on the preseason team. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team a year ago after leading the Conference linemen with 76 tackles. Taylor, a transfer from Penn State, was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year. The defensive tackle will have two years of eligibility remaining after playing in 18 games as a freshman and sophomore at PSU. He sat out the 2008 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. (Big 12 Sports PR)
2009 Media Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (QB, 6-4, 223, Jr/2L, Oklahoma City, Okla.) Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (DT, 6-4, 300, Sr/3L, Portland, Ore.) Newcomer of the Year: Phil Taylor, Baylor (DT, 6-4, 355, Jr/TR, Clinton, Md.)
Offense Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown WR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas TE Jermaine Gresham* Oklahoma 6-6 258 Sr/3L Ardmore, Okla. OL Russell Okung* Oklahoma State 6-6 305 Sr/3L Fort Bend, Texas OL Trent Williams* Oklahoma 6-5 318 Sr/3L Longview, Texas C Chris Hall# Texas 6-4 295 Sr/3L Irving, Texas OL Adam Ulatoski* Texas 6-6 310 Sr/3L Southlake, Texas OL Brandon Carter Texas Tech 6-7 354 Sr/3L Longview, Texas WR Dezmon Briscoe# Kansas 6-3 202 Jr/2L Dallas, Texas QB Sam Bradford* Oklahoma 6-4 223 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla. RB Kendall Hunter* Oklahoma State 5-8 190 Jr/2L Tyler, Texas RB DeMarco Murray^* Oklahoma 6-1 214 Jr/2L Las Vegas, Nev. PK Alex Henery Nebraska 6-2 175 Jr/2L Omaha, Neb. KR Perrish Cox Oklahoma State 6-0 195 Sr/3L Waco, Texas
Defense Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown DL Ndamukong Suh# Nebraska 6-4 300 Sr/3L Portland, Ore. DL Gerald McCoy* Oklahoma 6-4 297 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla. DL Jeremy Beal# Oklahoma 6-3 261 Jr/2L Carrollton, Texas DL Sergio Kindle Texas 6-4 255 Sr/3L Dallas, Texas LB Sean Weatherspoon*^ Missouri 6-2 245 Sr/3L Jasper, Texas LB Joe Pawelek*^ Baylor 6-2 240 Sr/3L San Antonio, Texas LB Travis Lewis Oklahoma 6-2 232 So/1L San Antonio, Texas DB Darrell Stuckey* Kansas 6-1 205 Sr/3L Kansas City, Kan. DB Jordan Lake*^ Baylor 6-1 215 Sr/3L Houston, Texas DB Dominique Franks# Oklahoma 6-0 192 Jr/2L Tulsa, Okla. DB Earl Thomas Texas 5-10 197 So/1L Orange, Texas P Derek Epperson Baylor 6-3 235 Jr/2L Southlake, Texas PR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas ^ 2008 Preseason Team * 2008 All-Big 12 First Team selection # 2008 All-Big 12 Second Team selection
Sooners announce team representatives for Big 12 media days: Coach Stoops will take Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy and Jermaine Gresham to Arlington as OU's representatives for the annual Big 12 media days on Tuesday, July 28.(SoonerSports.com)
Big 12 Media Days Lineup
Day 1: Monday, July 27
* Nebraska: Head Coach Bo Pelini, RB Roy Helu Jr., C Jacob Hickman, DT Ndamukong Suh
* Oklahoma State: Head Coach Mike Gundy, Assistant Head Coach Jason Jones, QB Zac Robinson, LB Andre Sexton, WR Dez Bryant
* Iowa State: Head Coach Paul Rhoads, QB Austen Arnaud, OL Reggie Stephens, DL Nate Frere
* Texas A&M: Head Coach Mike Sherman, players TBA
Day 2: Tuesday, July 28
* Missouri: Head Coach Gary Pinkel, LB Sean Weatherspoon, NT Jaron Baston, OG Kurtis Gregory
* Baylor: Head Coach Art Briles, Defensive Coordinator Brian Norwood, QB Robert Griffin III, FS Jordan Lake, LB Joe Pawelek, C J.D. Walton
* Kansas: Head Coach Mark Mangino, QB Todd Reesing, WR Kerry Meier, DE Max Onyegbule
* Oklahoma: Head Coach Bob Stoops, QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham
Day 3: Wednesday, July 29
* Kansas State: Head Coach Bill Snyder, players TBA
* Texas Tech: Head Coach Mike Leach, OL Brandon Carter, CB Jamar Wall, DL Colby Whitlock
* Colorado: Head Coach Dan Hawkins, Associate Head Coach Brian Cabral, TE Riar Greer, LB Marcus Burton, LB Jeff Smart
* Texas: Head Coach Mack Brown, players TBA
Sam Bradford interview: On Monday's edition of College Football Live, ESPN aired Kirk Herbstreit's conversation with Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Take a look...
Bradford featured on ESPN today: Next week's "College Football Live," 2:30 p.m. weekdays on ESPN, will feature Kirk Herbstreit's quarterback road tour. Herbstreit will interview a top returning quarterback each day: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Monday; Mississippi's Jevan Snead, Tuesday; Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor, Wednesday; Florida's Tim Tebow, Thursday; and Texas' Colt McCoy, Friday. (The Oklahoman)
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' Bradford and Paris honored for scholarly and athletics achievements: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Ashley Paris were among the finalists named for the 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award. Ten male and female student-athletes were announced as finalists. The winners will be announced in the May 28, 2009, edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. Nominees must have compete in intercollegiate athletics, maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 and be active on their campuses or in their communities. Approximately 600 male and female student-athletes were nominated for the awards this year. The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award was established in 1992 to honor minority undergraduate students who exemplify the standards of tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. (SoonerSports PR)
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
PC North honors QB Sam Bradford: Sam Bradford, who wears No. 14 for the Sooners, also had his No. 16 jersey retired by the Panthers. It's the first Putnam North jersey to be retired. "It's in recognition of your accomplishments but more because of the way you live your life," Wilson said. "The role model you are for our young people is unsurpassed by anybody -- athlete or movie star -- that I've seen in decades. That's what I'm most proud of." The celebration included Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett presenting Bradford with a street sign for "Sam Bradford Drive." The street turning into the school parking lot on the school's north side has been named in Bradford's honor. "When you're mayor, you get to do a lot of fun things, but this just about tops them all,"Cornett said. (More at The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford to be honored by Putnam City North: Putnam City North will hold Sam Bradford Day on April 24 to honor the former Panthers quarterback. The event will begin with a reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Putnam North coaches, teachers and former players. Following the reception is a ceremony in the school's Performing Arts Center that will include an appearance by Mayor Mick Cornett and the retirement of Bradford's No. 16. While there is no admission charge, tickets are required. As of Thursday afternoon, most of the tickets were already gone. Any remaining tickets are available through the Putnam North activities office. "It's mainly for the community here, the people that know Sam and his family, to honor him," Putnam North coach Bob Wilson said. "We wanted to wait until spring ball was concluded and then have something like this." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford set to be honored by Cherokee Nation: University of Oklahoma quarterback and Cherokee Nation citizen Sam Bradford will be honored during a special ceremony on Friday, April 17, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Place Where They Play activity center, located on the campus of Sequoyah Schools in Tahlequah. "Leadership is an attribute we seek to identify in our young people, and we witnessed the accomplishments of one such Cherokee leader, Sam Bradford," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "Sam has graciously and quietly assumed the leadership of his team and led them to the national championship game. He also received several awards along the way, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy, yet in doing so he never ignored this team or his teammates." Bradford is the first Cherokee Nation citizen to win the Heisman Trophy. His style and skill in leading the Oklahoma Sooners football team have made him a positive role model and an inspiration to Native American youth across the nation. Representatives of several Native American tribes, dignitaries and tribal elders will be on hand during the event to help honor Bradford, and the event will begin with a grand entry of tribal flags, complete with a flag song and posting of colors. Following a brief welcome, Smith will interview Bradford, discussing areas of the importance of leadership, setting goals, living a healthy life and more. There is no cost to attend the special honoring ceremony and the public is invited. Due to the size and nature of the event, seating is limited. As per University of Oklahoma and NCAA guidelines, no autographs or personal photos with Bradford will be available at this event. For more information, contact Diana Turtle at (918) 453-5289. (Cherokee Nation PR)
Bradford picks up more awards: After staying up late Monday evening to receive the Headliner Award, Sam Bradford was up early Tuesday morning for more hardware during OU's Max Weitzenhoffer Scholar Athlete Breakfast. The Oklahoma quarterback was one of the recipients of the Athletic Director's Leadership Award and the Dan Gibbens Outstanding Scholar Athlete of the Year. (The Oklahoman)
Bradford and Horton named Sullivan Award semi-finalist: Former Oklahoma gymnast Jonathan Horton and current Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford are among the semi-finalists for this year's Sullivan Award, which is presented annually by the Amateur Athletic Union to the nation's top amateur athlete. Bradford was the winner of the 2008 Heisman Trophy after leading Oklahoma to a third straight Big 12 Championship and an appearance in the BCS Championship Game. The '08 Sooner offense was perhaps the most prolific in college football history with more than 716 points and five consecutive game of more than 60 points. (SoonerSports PR) Fans can vote in the process at aausullivan.org.
Darius Jones switches commitment from OU to Baylor: Three-star athlete Darius Jones of Marshall, Texas, told the recruiting Web site Rivals.com Tuesday that he has switched his commitment from OU to Baylor and intends to sign with the Bears. "My heart was never into Oklahoma," Jones said. "I've been down to Baylor a lot of times this past summer, and every time I went down there it got better and better." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford knew he was coming back: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was never close to leaving college. "He wanted to come back to OU for at least one more year all along," said Sam’s father, Kent Bradford. Sam Bradford’s decision caught some by surprise. He was being touted as one of the top two quarterback prospects, along with Georgia's Matthew Stafford, and depending on his draft position would have signed a contract with a set-for-life guarantee. Father and son had lunch together just before the end of the regular season to discuss options, and that's when Sam said he would go through the NFL evaluation process, but "felt he still had plenty of room to improve his game and get bigger and stronger before he made the jump," Kent Bradford said. (KC Star)
Box expected to miss spring practice: Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box is expected to miss spring practice due to elbow surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. Box dislocated the elbow as a senior at Enid High School, and injured it again last year causing him to miss most of spring practice. Box, a rising sophomore, has battled several injuries since coming to Norman. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops reaction to Williams, Gresham, Bradford return: In addition to Sam Bradford's announcement that he plans to remain at Oklahoma, two other Sooners also announced that they plan to play for the Sooners next year. Both tight end Jermaine Gresham and Trent Williams said they will return for the 2009 season. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy announced earlier that he also will return. "We are pleased that these players are returning to our program," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "They understand the value of gaining another year of experience and improving their position in the draft along with the value of either finishing their degree or being within a few hours of completing it. "I also think our players recognize the opportunities we have as a program to pursue more championships and that's something that means a lot to all of us." (SoonerSports.com)
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.
Minnesota no longer interested in Heupel: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Gophers head coach Tim Brewster has denied an Internet report that he offered Heupel the job, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Heupel is no longer a candidate. Heupel on Tuesday replied to a Tulsa World text message query by saying, "turned down opportunity." (Tulsa World)
Bradford back wearing a cast: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is again wearing a cast on his injured left thumb. Bradford suffered torn ligaments in the thumb and underwent surgery before the BCS championship game. (AP/KFSM)
Ward switches commitment from OU to Texas Tech: Wichita Falls Rider senior wide receiver Eric Ward has switched allegiance within the Big 12 South, opting to play football next year at Texas Tech instead. "I felt like I could do better at Tech," said Ward, who was named the Times Record News' Large School Red River 22 MVP in 2008. "I just wanted what was best for me. I'm happy with my decision, and I hope people will support me with my decision." Ward caught a team-high 46 passes for 737 yards and five touchdowns, and was Rider's second-leading rusher with 356 yards. He also earned the District 5-4A MVP for the district-winning Raiders. (Times Record News)
Sam Bradford Day in Oklahoma City: Mayor Mick Cornett will declare Jan. 13 "Sam Bradford Day" in Oklahoma City at the city council chambers at 8:30 a.m. today. The proclamation is to recognize the Oklahoma quarterback's winning of the Heisman Trophy. Bradford is a 2006 graduate of Putnam City North High School. (The Oklahoman)
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)
Bradford back taking snaps in practice: Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is still wearing a trimmed-down cast on his non-throwing left hand, but has progressed to taking snaps under center Monday and Tuesday at practice. "And he didn't drop one," OU coach Bob Stoops said. (Dallas Morning News)
Sam Bradford named Associated Press player of the year: Sam Bradford of Oklahoma was voted The Associated Press college football player of the year Monday. He beat out the same two quarterbacks he did in capturing the Heisman Trophy -- Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida. Bradford received 27 votes from the AP media panel that votes in the weekly poll. The sophomore quarterback was followed by McCoy with 17 votes. Tebow won the award last year and had 16 votes this time. Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree had two votes. Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to win the AP award, which began in 1998. The others were Josh Heupel in 2000 and Jason White in 2003. (AP/USA Today)
Bradford, Gresham, McCoy, Robinson earn All-American honors: Sophomore defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and junior tight end Jermaine Gresham (Ardmore, Okla.) joined sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and senior offensive guard Duke Robinson (Atlanta, Ga.) as All-Americans for OU in 2008. This marks the seventh time in Bob Stoops' 10 seasons at Oklahoma that the Sooners have produced multiple All-Americans in the same season. Oklahoma has now produced 148 First Team All-Americans overall since Claude Reeds first earned the honor in 1913. Under Coach Stoops, 28 Sooners have earned All-America honors. The NCAA officially recognizes the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America teams in determining consensus (listed by at least half) and unanimous (listed by all) selections. (SoonerSports.com)
Bradford edges McCoy, Tebow in Heisman vote:Sam Bradford was walking out of the Nokia Theatre following a rehearsal for the Heisman Trophy ceremony Saturday morning when he looked up at the portraits of the past winners from Oklahoma hanging from the ceiling. "When I looked up at all those Oklahoma guys, it really got to me," Bradford said. "I can't even imagine what it would be like to be up there." Bradford captured college football's most prestigious honor, edging Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in one of the most anticipated votes in the 74-year history of the award.(AP/Houston Chronicle)
Total Votes Sam Bradford -1,726 points Colt McCoy - 1,604 points Tim Tebow - 1,575 points
Heisman advice: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford received a text message this week from ex-Sooner QB Jason White, who won the Heisman in 2003. "He said, ‘Relax, have fun, there's nothing you can do now that will change the outcome,' " Bradford said of White's text. "Winning, that's probably the least important thing. "The most important thing is getting to meet all the past winners and enjoying the week." Florida QB Tim Tebow has also been talking with a past Heisman winner, ex-Ohio State running back Archie Griffin. Tonight, Tebow hopes to join Griffin as the only players to win the Heisman twice. "I had a chance to talk with him a few times," Tebow said. "He's a man who's really strong in his faith, too. So we have a lot in common. (The Oklahoman)
The Heisman Trophy presentation will be televised live on ESPN 8:00 ET/ 7:00 CT.
Sam Bradford named Quarterback of the Year: Sam Bradford was honored with the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show Thursday night in Orlando, Fla. The O'Brien Award, given annually to the top quarterback in college football, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious quarterback award. Leading the most explosive offense in college football this season, Bradford completed 302 of his 442 pass attempts for 4,464 yards with 48 touchdowns and six interceptions. He led the nation in passing efficiency and also scored five rushing touchdowns on the year. (SoonerSports PR)
Sam Bradford receives NYC Heisman invitation: Tim Tebow will go for two against a pair of talented quarterbacks from the Big 12 when the Heisman Trophy is handed out Saturday night. Sam Bradford from Oklahoma and Colt McCoy from Texas joined Tebow as Heisman finalists announced Wednesday. The last time all the Heisman finalists were quarterbacks was 2001, when Nebraska's Eric Crouch won the award and QBs held the first six spots. Tebow's Gators will play Bradford and the Sooners in the BCS national championship game Jan. 8 in Miami. "It's a good thing I don't have a vote," Bradford said while attending an event with Tebow and McCoy in Orlando, Fla., where numerous college football awards will be handed out Thursday night. "I couldn't decide. It's just an honor to be one of the guys going up to New York." (Associated Press)
Sam Bradford weighing pro options: The Oklahoma quarterback plans to consider every bit of information available about his NFL Draft prospects before making a decision. "It's something me and my dad talked about -- in order to make a decision, in order to make the best decision, you need as much information as possible," Bradford said Tuesday afternoon. "So whether it's to stay or to go, we'll see." (The Oklahoman)
Stoops Coach of the Year finalist: Liberty Mutual Insurance and Archie Manning, chair of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, announced the 25 finalists for the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is among that group. The finalists represent standout college football coaches across the four NCAA divisions who best exemplify excellence in coaching - on and off the field - as determined by a combination of hundreds of thousands of fan votes at www.CoachoftheYear.com and an objective scoring model endorsed by the College Football Hall of Fame. Stoops has coached his 2008 team to OU's third straight Big 12 Championship, a 12-1 mark and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford wins Baugh Award: Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford -- who led the Sooners to a third straight Big 12 Championship while throwing for nearly 4500 yards and connecting on 48 touchdown passes -- is the winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy presented to college football's top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. The award was first presented in 1959 and has been held by legendary players including Steve Young, John Elway, Bob Griese, Kerry Collins, and last year's winner, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Bradford completed more than two-thirds of his passes in 2008, and was intercepted only six times while under center of the most powerful scoring offense in college football history. Bradford is the first Sooner ever to win the prestigious Baugh Award. (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford undergoes successful surgery: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford underwent surgery Sunday morning in Oklahoma City to repair ligament damage in his left hand. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes. Bradford was released from the hospital and attended a team function Sunday evening. "It was a clean, routine procedure, and we expect Sam to bounce back quickly," OU coach Bob Stoops of the operation. "He'll be practicing again within 10 days, and we've taken this week off anyway, so he won't miss much." (The Oklahoman)
OU duo sets rushing record: Thanks to his 122-yard effort against Missouri, tailback Chris Brown became the 20th player in OU history to rush for 1,000 yards. Brown and DeMarco Murray became just the third Sooner duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, joining Jack Mildren/Greg Pruitt in 1971 and Joe Washington/Waymon Clark in 1973. (The Oklahoman)
Nine Sooners named to All-Big 12 team; Stoops earns coaches honor: Oklahoma produced the coach of the year, the offensive player of the year and a total of nine first-team honorees on the 2008 All-Big 12 Conference Football Team announced Tuesday. Bob Stoops shared coach of the year honors with Texas Tech's Mike Leach, while Sam Bradford was named the league's top offensive player. Center Jon Cooper earned lineman of the year honors and redshirt freshman linebacker Travis Lewis was the defensive freshman of the year. Joining Bradford on the first team offense from Oklahoma were running back DeMarco Murray, fullback Matt Clapp, tight end Jermaine Gresham, tackle Phil Loadholt, tackle Trent Williams and guard Duke Robinson. Sooners on the first team defense included tackle Gerald McCoy and safety Nic Harris. The second team offense included OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias and Cooper. The second team defense contained defensive end Jeremy Beal, Lewis, cornerback Dominique Franks and safety Lendy Holmes. OU's honorable mention picks were running back Chris Brown, linebacker Keenan Clayton and offensive guard Brandon Walker. (SoonerSports.com PR)
Did you know? Sam Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to be named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Sam Bradford among five Walter Camp finalist: The Oklahoma quarterback was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and became one of five finalists for the Walter Camp Award, a version of college football's player of the year. Bradford made the cut along with fellow Big 12 quarterbacks Graham Harrell of Texas Tech and Colt McCoy of Texas. The other two finalists are Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The winner will be announced Dec. 11 on ESPN's "SportsCenter" and presented by the Camp Foundation on Jan. 17. (Tulsa World)
Harris could move to outside linebacker: This week, Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables is entertaining two options to replace middle linebacker Austin Box, who suffered a sprained knee from a cut block at Oklahoma State. One option is to move strong safety Nic Harris to weak-side linebacker, and bump All-Big 12 linebacker Travis Lewis to the middle. The other is to plug Balogun into the starting lineup at middle linebacker. "When you're force-feeding him all the reps and getting him ready and figuring out what he can and can't do, you're able to formulate your game plan around that," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners, Bradford adjust after injury: One reporter asked if it could make it tougher for Sam Bradford Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium. "I don't know if it will be tougher," Stoops said. "It was awful painful (Saturday). Having it happen on the third series of the game you don't have a plan for it. You're only able to tape it and try to support it. We'll have a better support structure around his thumb now... "Hopefully it won't bother him. It sure bothered him the other night. You don't see a guy drop a snap in two years and then you see him drop two trying to take the snap from center. With his left hand it wasn't able to work it. But we'll be able to prepare for that through the week and he should be able to take the snap." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford suffers torn ligaments in left hand: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said that sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford has some torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) hand and will have to have surgery on the hand after the Big 12 championship game Saturday against Missouri in Kansas City. Stoops said Bradford would be fine to play against Missouri but would likely have to wear a soft cast on his left hand. (Dallas Morning News)
Also: Box likely out 3-4 weeks: Stoops said that starting middle linebacker Austin Box will miss three to four weeks with a similar knee sprain that starting defensive end Auston English is recovering from now. Box was injured in OU's win Saturday night at Oklahoma State. (Dallas Morning News)
Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week for the second time this season. Gresham caught five passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. (The Oklahoman)
More honors: Sam Bradford and running back DeMarco Murray were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American team on Wednesday. Bradford carries a 3.95 GPA in finance, while Murray has a 3.31 in communications. Both were named to the second team. Also, OU had a 13th player named to the Big 12 Conference All-Academic team in Kyle Johnson, a senior from Konawa. (Tulsa World) Find more from earlier this week here and here.
Pair of Sooners earn Big 12 honors: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Travis Lewis swept the Big 12 Football Player of the Week honors for their efforts in the Sooners' win over Texas Tech last Saturday. Bradford won the offensive award after completing 14-of-19 passes for 306 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Bradford's scoring strikes went to four different receivers and covered distances of 19, 28, 66 and 26 yards. The sophomore also rushed five times for 18 yards to account for 324 yards of total offense. Bradford has thrown four or more touchdowns in seven games this season including the last three in a row. Lewis, a redshirt freshman linebacker, compiled a game-high 13 tackles, one for loss, one pass deflection and one pass interception, which he turned 47 yards to set up the Texas Tech one. OU's DeMarco Murray ran in for a touchdown on the next play. (SoonerSports PR)
Brody Eldridge back: Saturday, the Sooners pounded Tech for 299 yards on the ground. Part of the reason for that was the return of tight end Brody Eldridge, who’s been out with an ankle injury the last month. "Brody is a physical presence in our front," Bob Stoops said. "On those perimeter runs, he's always a major factor in them." (The Oklahoman)
A look at Sam Bradford's passing numbers: * Bradford is first nationally with 38 touchdown passes despite ranking No. 15 in pass attempts. * Bradford is second nationally in passing yards despite throwing 133 fewer passes than Graham Harrell, the national leader in yardage. * Bradford is second nationally (No. 1 in FBS) in passing efficiency. * Bradford ranks No. 4 nationally in total offense despite playing on a team that also averages 42.4 rushing plays and 194.3 rushing yards per game.
Stats (through Nov. 10) from OU Athletic Department..
Parking police: You've been warned...: Starting Saturday, Norman police officers will start issuing tickets to people who violate parking restrictions near the University of Oklahoma on game days. Fans are no longer allowed to park on both sides of campus-area residential streets, police said, because it was difficult for emergency vehicles to pass. The change took effect in August, and signs indicate where drivers may and may not park. (The Oklahoman)
Remembering Oct. 28, 2000: One of the most memorable dates in Oklahoma football history is Oct. 28, 2000, the day the Sooners returned to No. 1 with a 31-14 victory over previously-top ranked Nebraska. What was current OU quarterback Sam Bradford doing at the time? "I was playing a hockey game that day," he said, "so I wasn't able to come to the game. But I remember the first thing after the game was over, I skated over to the glass and asked my dad if we won. He said that we did." (Tulsa World)
Want some hoops? Before attending Saturday's 7 p.m. kickoff against Nebraska, Oklahoma fans can get a glimpse of the Big 12 Conference men's favorite when the Sooners hold an intrasquad basketball scrimmage at McCasland Field House. The scrimmage is open and free to the public. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m., with drills starting at 3, followed by two 15-minute periods of live action beginning at 3:30. (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford among six Big 12 QBs named O'Brien Semifinalist: The Davey O'Brien Award released its 13 semifinalists for the 2008 honor Monday. Twelve of the 13 are junior or seniors. The exception? Oklahoma sophomore Sam Bradford. The Fort Worth, Texas-based award is presented annually to the top quarterback in college football. OU's Jason White was the honoree in 2003 and 2004. Bradford has completed 183-of-270 passes for 2,520 yards with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has set an NCAA record for touchdown passes during a freshman and sophomore seasons with 65. Earlier this season, he bettered the OU mark for passing yards and total offense in one game with 468 and 482, respectively, against Kansas. For his career, Bradford has 65 touchdown passes against just 13 interceptions. (SoonerSports.com)
Manny Johnson likely out at Kansas State: Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that wide receiver Manny Johnson, who suffered a dislocated elbow in the win over Kansas, is "doubtful" for Saturday's game at Kansas State. "He's doubtful for this week," Stoops said. "His elbow was dislocated. It's back (in place). There are no other issues around it. There's a chance by the end of the week he'll be comfortable enough to play. But it's questionable this week and likely (he'll be able to play) after that." (The Oklahoman)
Eldridge and Braxton update: After practice Monday night, Stoops said tight end and captain Brody Eldridge was getting closer to being ready to play this week after spraining an ankle last week. Stoops said Eldridge was likely to play at Manhattan. Stoops on Sunday said offensive lineman Branndon Braxton also was closer to rejoining the rotation at left tackle and guard, but still has issues with a leg injury suffered vs. TCU. (Tulsa World)
Bradford nominated for All-American Player of the Week: Four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award have been announced after the seventh week of college football action, and now it's up to fans to determine the winner. University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, University of Iowa running back Shonn Greene, University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Penn State University running back Evan Royster have been selected by ESPN as this week's top candidates, based on the players' outstanding performances over the weekend. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phone to opt in for the chance to vote. (Find more info at espnallamerica.com)
Bradford nominated for USA TODAY's Player of the Week: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is among six nominees for USA TODAY's Player of the Week.. Vote for Sam at USAToday.com
OU plans to Harris as middle linebacker option: Oklahoma played possum with Kansas all the way through pregame warm-ups Saturday, when Austin Box was seen drilling at middle linebacker between starters Keenan Clayton and Travis Lewis. Then the game started; free safety Nic Harris went in at middle linebacker (replacing the injured Ryan Reynolds), and Box never saw the field. Now that the secret is out, just how permanent is OU's personnel move? "I think we'll use (Harris) as an option and a linebacker as an option," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Sunday, "depending on what (opponents) are giving us on the field personnel-wise." (Tulsa World)
Bradford, Robinson named to mid-season All-American by CBSSports.com: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and offensive guard Duke Robinson have been named to the mid-season All-America team selected by CBSSports.com. Bradford, who led the nation in passing efficiency last season, is No. 2 in that statistic this season. The sophomore from Oklahoma City has completed 134-of-185 passes for 2,052 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Last Saturday against Texas, he threw five TD strikes to raise his career total to 59, an NCAA record over a freshman and sophomore season. Robinson, a consensus All-American last season, is OU's starter at left guard. The Sooner offense ranks No. 4 in scoring and passing and is No. 6 in total yards. (SoonerSports.com)
Sooners using shirts as reminder: Oklahoma players wore special workout shirts this summer that detailed team goals. One shirt said, "Built Road Tough." OU was 2-2 last year in true road games and lost to West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. "That [road] shirt let us know you got to be tough on the road," Clayton said. "That's what we did last year on the road. We gave up. We quit. We weren't tough. The shirts are more motivational." Another shirt, which Clayton was wearing at Monday's practice said, "Oklahoma Strength & Speed" on the front and "Fed Ex BCS National Championship 2009" on the back. (Dallas Morning News)
Sam's Cotton Bowl prospective: This will be OU quarterback Sam Bradford's third trip down "The Tunnel." He was a first-year freshman in 2006, watching while Paul Thompson and Joey Halzle prepared to take all the reps. Last year, it was his show. "It was night and day," he said. "Going down there the first year, it was fun being part of the experience, getting to go down the tunnel and being a part of it on the field. But last year, knowing I was going to play the game, it was something I had wanted to do for a while. It was pretty much two totally different experiences. The first year, I was pretty much along for the ride, and last year it was a business trip." (Tulsa World)
Mossis Madu on the OU-Texas game meaning more this year than last: "It always means this much. We could both be ranked 24 and 25, or we could be unranked. It's OU-Texas and it is always a big deal."
Auston English on being a Texas native playing for Oklahoma in this game: "It's a big game, I don't think it really matters where you come from once you realize the history behind the series. It becomes a big deal for anybody that goes to your school."
Dominique Franks on the anticipation of OU-Texas: "There's nothing like OU-Texas. I'm really excited and ready for Saturday to come. This is the biggest anticipation of the year. It's a one versus five matchup. There's just a lot of anticipation going into the game, a lot of talk about whether our defense can stop their offense or their defense being able to stop our offense."
Bradford nominated: During Thursday's ESPN prime time telecast between Pittsburgh and South Florida, college football fans will learn if OU quarterback Sam Bradford wins this week's AT&T All-America Player of the Week. Bradford was one of four nominees nationwide after throwing for four touchdowns and a career-high 411 yards in a 35-10 win over TCU. It was Bradford's second nomination this season. (Tulsa World)
Sam Bradford calmer; and not concerned about Heisman talk:
"I feel like I'm in a lot more control and more calm. I don't get rattled as much as I did last year. I feel like that's something that I have improved on since last year." Sam Bradfordtold the media Tuesday.
On Heisman talk:
"You really can't worry about it. You worry about going out and playing within the system and playing your own game and just helping the team win," Bradford said. "I don't think you worry about any individual awards. It's all about the team."
Bradford second in ESPN.com Heisman Watch: (1st place votes) total votes 1. Chase Daniel (11) 71 2. Sam Bradford (0) 40 3. Tim Tebow (2) 30 4. Mark Sanchez (1) 26 5. Max Hall (1) 17 Complete ranking at ESPN.com
Injury update: Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Sunday that no injury concerns emerged from the TCU game. "Don't have any reports of anything major," Stoops said. Reserve cornerback Jonathan Nelson was on crutches after the game, but that was due to a knee injury suffered during OU's off week. Stoops said he'd be out a "few weeks." (The Oklahoman)
Johnson sets receiving record: On an offense loaded with playmakers, Johnson was the most lethal Saturday, finishing with five catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns. The 206 yards set a Sooner record for receiving yards in a game, eclipsing Mark Clayton's 190 yards against Baylor in 2003. "Manny Johnson had such a huge game," coach Bob Stoops said. "I told him I thought that was one of the best performances we've had by a wide receiver here in 10 years." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford's performance: Sam Bradford's career-best 411 passing yards is the third-most all-time by a Sooner quarterback. In addition, Bradford's 202 first-quarter passing yards set an OU record for passing yards in the opening quarter by a Sooner quarterback.
Williams injured: OU right tackle Trent Williams left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle, according to OU coach Bob Stoops. Williams was hurt when Bradford was sacked and his momentum carried him onto the side Williams' leg. Williams played in the second half. He limped off the field at the end of the game with his foot heavily taped. (Tulsa World)
Thunder players in attendance: NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant was interviewed on the field during the second half. Durant and several Oklahoma City Thunder teammates like Jeff Green, D.J. White, Kyle Weaver and others watched the game from Thunder owner Clay Bennett's suite. (The Oklahoman)
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)
Sooner dominate Washington 55-14; Stoops earns 100th career win: Sam Bradford threw for five more touchdowns. No. 3 Oklahoma again reached half-a-hundred points. The Sooners won big -- again. So why was Bob Stoops posing for a postgame picture in front of the scoreboard for a University of Oklahoma police officer? Because he had his 100th coaching win with the Sooners. And, they weren't in Norman.Bradford completed 18 of 21 passes for 304 yards, matched his career high with five touchdowns and ran for a sixth score to lead the Sooners easily past Washington 55-14 on Saturday night. (Associated Press/Google)
