Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

18 inductees elected into College Football Hall of Fame: For those who remember Brian Bosworth was on this year's College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Thursday it was announced Bosworth was not elected into the HoF with this year's class. However, this was Bosworth's first time on the ballot.

This Year's Class:
HW: Notre Dame, wide receiver Tim Brown,
HW: Miami quarterback Gino Torretta,
New Mexico State running back Pervis Atkins,
Arizona defensive back Chuck Cecil,
Auburn fullback Ed Dyas,
West Virginia quarterback Major Harris,
Brigham Young tight end Gordon Hudson,
Harvard center William Lewis,
Alabama linebacker Woodrow Lowe,
Stanford wide receiver Ken Margerum,
Texas defensive tackle Steve McMichael,
Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman,
Iowa linebacker Larry Station,
Georgia Tech defensive end Pat Swilling,
Penn State running back Curt Warner,
Nebraska defensive end Grant Wistrom,
And coaches Dick MacPherson and John Robinson.

HW: Former Heisman Winner

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU-Texas -- Best Rivalry Right Now In College Football: Crimson and Cream Machine

Best Rivalry - Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns: Bleacher Report

Rival QBs OU's Sam Bradford, OSU's Zac Robinson share faith at FCA fete: The Oklahoman

Sam Bradford Supported by Sports Hungry Native Americans: Associated Content

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

K. Clayton served with municipal warrant; failure to pay citation: For the third time in as many weeks, Oklahoma had a football player served with a municipal warrant by Norman police. This time, outside linebacker Keenan Clayton was detained Tuesday for failing to pay a Feb. 21 citation for driving without proof of insurance. According to Norman municipal court records, Clayton didn't pay the ticket or appear before authorities to set a court date, prompting police to issue the warrant March 9 and suspend Clayton's driver's license. (The Oklahoman)

Recent Post:
Warrant Served Against OU's Stephenson
OU's Gresham Arrested
OU Recruit Chaisson Arrested

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Felony charges against Justin Chaisson could drop to misdemeanors: Former Bishop Gorman football standout Justin Chaisson is one step closer to pursuing his gridiron dreams at the University of Oklahoma. Chaisson pleaded no contest Wednesday to one count of misdemeanor coercion and one count of misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from an alleged attack on his ex-girlfriend, during which Chaisson allegedly threatened to kill the young woman with a screwdriver after violently forcing her into his car. Judge Melissa Saragosa of Las Vegas Justice Court Department 4 sentenced Chaisson to one year of domestic violence counseling. Chaisson, who also faces three felony charges from the screwdriver incident, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning and will proceed straight to the Eighth Judicial District Court. If Judge Miley accepts Chaisson's misdemeanor pleas, then all of the felony charges will be dropped. (Las Vegas Sun)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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.

Mel Kiper's top underclassmen and possible 1st rounders.
Sam Bradford, QB
Gerald McCoy, DT
Jermaine Gresham, TE
Trent Williams, OT

Players to watch
Chris Brown, RB

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

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

A couple days old but worth posting...

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)

Related: Cherokees to Honor Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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.

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

11th Annual Sooner Caravan dates announced: All Sooners and friends are invited to attend an enjoyable meal with the university and athletics staff members. Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione, Head Women's Basketball Coach Sherri Coale, Head Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Capel, Head Football Coach Bob Stoops, and student-athletes will discuss previous successes and outlooks for the coming year. (PR) Schedule below

For More Information visit TheSoonerClub.com

City	Date	Location	Cost	Contact
Dallas	Thursday, June 11 7 p.m. (CT)	Frontiers of Flight Museum 6911 Lemmen Ave.	$30 - Adults $15 - Children 12 & under	Tina Tuccelli (214) 240-8462
Tulsa	Thursday, June 25 6:30 p.m. (CT)	Grounds of Schusterman Center OU-Tulsa Campus	$30 - Adults $15 - Children 12 & under	Tracy Kennedy (918) 660-3316
Wichita	Tuesday, June 30 6:30 p.m. (CT)	Hilton Wichita Airport 2098 Airport Rd	$30 - Adults $12 - Children 12 & under	Mark Chamberlin (316) 617-4840
OKC	Thursday, Aug. 6 6:30 p.m. (CT)	National Cowboy & Western History Museum	$30 - Adults $15 - Children 12 & under	Sooner Club (405) 325-8000

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bears speak highly of Iglesias: The Bears said Iglesias runs good routes and had some of the best hands in the draft. ''Every great team has role players,'' Iglesias said. ''I was a big role player. I had a big part of the offense, but like you said, it's a big program and other people overshadow other people. That's just how the game is, and that's how it was at Oklahoma. But it ended up good for me because I'm a strong player.'' (Chicago Sun-Times)

OU loaded for 2010 draft: The Oklahoman

Other Sooners to watch in the 2010 draft: The Oklahoman

Sooners Represented in 2009 NFL Draft: KTUL

Ex-ASH star on cusp of seeing his football dreams come true: Alexandra Town Talk

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Dallas Cowboys select Manuel Johnson 229th overall: Cowboys selected Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson with the No. 229 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Basically the Sooners' third receiver behind SE Juaquin Iglesias and TE Jermaine Gresham last season, Johnson finished up with nine touchdowns and a 17.0 YPC average on 42 grabs. Johnson is lanky at 6'0/183 and lacks great speed, though, and has some of the draft's smaller hands at 8 3/4'. (Rotoworld)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Panthers select Duke Robinson No. 163 overall: Carolina Panthers drafted Duke Robinson a 6-5, 329-pound guard in the fifth round. Robinson on what position he'll play, "I think I can play any position [guard or tackle] wherever they need me."

Duke Robinson Q&A: Panters.com

New York Giants draft ex-QB Bomar: The Giants selected ex-Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar in the fifth round (no. 151 overall).

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Buffalo Bills select Nic Harris No. 147 overall: Oklahoma safety Nic Harris was viewed as a linebacker by some NFL talent evaluators and a safety by others. The Bills see him as a linebacker and that's where he'll play after the Bills made him their fifth-round pick (No. 147) on Sunday."He's a linebacker for us," said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. "He's a very versatile player. He's played safety, corner and started at middle linebacker in an emergency role against Kansas State. He played outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl and I think that's where we see him best fitted for our defense." For Harris, who has played cornerback, free safety, strong safety and linebacker in college, moving to linebacker full time is not seen as a problem. "It's doesn't bother me at all," said Harris. "It's a great opportunity to come out and play and whatever the coaches want me to do I'm willing to take a shot at it. I'm extremely elated for the opportunity to come out and play." (BuffaloBills.com)

Buffalo Bills pick Alexandria's Nic Harris in 5th round of NFL Draft: Alexandria Town Talk

Sooner Nic Harris drafted by Buffalo Bills: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Juaquin Iglesias taken in 3rd round, 99th overall: The Bears on Sunday selected Oklahoma wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias with the 99th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. Iglesias was a four-year contributor and three-year starter for the Sooners. The 6-1, 210-pounder started all 14 games last season as a senior, catching 74 passes for 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns. He played in all 14 games in 2007 as a junior, starting 10, and catching 68 passes for 907 yards and 5 TDs. (ChicagoBears.com)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former Sooner Patrick waived: RB Allen Patrick was waived by Cleveland. He was a seventh-round pick last year.

If You Build IT...: Norman Transcript

OU's Bradford Taking Huge Risk: Lawrence Journal World

Mack Brown says Longhorns won't change their approach to counter Sooners three-year title run.: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Note

Phil Loadholt taken No. 54 overall: Offensive tackle Phil Loadholt never got the chance to block for Adrian Peterson at the University of Oklahoma. But he'll get that opportunity in the pros. Loadholt will be joining Peterson in Minnesota, as the Vikings selected Loadholt in the second round with the No. 54 overall pick during Saturday’s NFL Draft in New York City. Even though many analysts believed guard Duke Robinson and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias had the chance to also be second-round picks, Loadholt was the only Sooner taken on the first day of the draft, which will resume today. Some analysts speculated before the draft that Loadholt had the chance to go late in the first round. (The Oklahoman)

Details: Phil Loadholt: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners to watch in NFL Draft:
Jon Cooper - Center
Nic Harris - Safety
Lendy Holmes - Safety
Juaquin Iglesias - Wide receiver
Manny Johnson - Wide receiver
Phil Loadholt - Offensive tackle
Duke Robinson - Offensive guard
Brandon Walker - Offensive guard

Former Sooner prepares for NFL Draft: Former Oklahoma Sooners and most recently Sam Houston State Bearkats quarterback Rhett Bomar is anxiously awaiting to find out where he will be playing pro football next season. Bomar visited Callisburg on Friday to throw with some of the Wildcat players. His father, Jerry Bomar, is the head coach at Callisburg. (KXII)

Draft Fortunes Usually Bright for Sooners: Norman Transcript

Oh, what could've been: Bomar's lost millions: Tulsa World

Iglesias ready for underdog role again : Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

University of Oklahoma Athletics Department garage sale: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department will hold a sale of authentic items this Friday and Saturday at the Santee Lounge, located on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Friday's sale is set from 2-6 p.m., with any remaining items available Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The sale includes numerous game-worn and practice items as well as brand new inventory. Jerseys, helmets, shoes, cleats, shorts, warm-ups, sideline apparel and collared short-sleeved shirts will be available. Metered parking is available in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of the stadium off Asp Avenue. Elevators to the Santee Lounge are located under the west side of the stadium. (SoonerSports PR)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners on FoxSports Net: Fox Sports Oklahoma (Cox 37) will feature OU at 10 p.m. Sunday as part of its "Big 12 Spring Football” series. The 30-minute show will include spring game highlights, reports on the offensive line and wide receivers, and interviews with coaches and players. (The Oklahoman)

What if OU's Sam Bradford came out this year? The Oklahoman

OU history? Ray Thurmond has seen it all:The Oklahoman

Sooners in the NFL draft: The Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops earns top sports in Rivals coach rankings: SI.com

Cherokee Nation honors Sam Bradford: Cherokee Phoenix

Big 12 needs to match best teams in football title game: Tulsa World

Three Things We Still Need to Know: Sooners Illustrated (Sub. required)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooner great Tom Catlin to be enshined into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame: Chris McSpadden, Bob Tway and Ted Owens join former Oklahoma football player Tom Catlin, All-Star pitcher Cal McLish and former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Jon Kolb. McSpadden, Tway and Owens were recently voted in by the Jim Thorpe Association’s members, sportswriters and sportscasters, previous inductees and other Oklahoma professional athletes. The others were part of the original class voted in by the Hall of Fame’s Honors Committee. All of the inductees will be enshrined in the hall of fame in an Aug. 3 ceremony in Oklahoma City. Catlin, who won a national championship with the Sooners in 1950, and McSpadden both died within the past year and will be honored posthumously. (The Oklahoman)

Linemen Robinson, Loadholt could be first Sooners taken in NFL draft: Oklahoma Daily

Big 12 football spring roundup: Austin American-Statesman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Donald Stephenson turns self in after municipal warrant: Oklahoma reserve offensive tackle Donald Stephenson turned himself in to police Tuesday after a municipal warrant was served over Stephenson's initial failure to pay a Feb. 4 excessive speeding citation. Stephenson didn't pay the ticket or appear before authorities to set a court date to resolve the ticket, prompting police to issue the warrant April 6, Norman police spokeswoman Jennifer Newell said. Stephenson posted a $223 bond to settle the outstanding citation and the warrant, Newell said. (The Oklahoman)

Related:
Restraining Order Case Dismissed Against Recruit
OU's Gresham Arrested
OU Recruit Chaisson Arrested

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Several Sooners are likely 1st rounders next year: The four Sooners who are almost solid, perfect locks a year from now include quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams. "They (Sooners) have an incredible class for 2010," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper in a teleconference. "They're loaded. I mean, they are just loaded." Since tackle J.W. Wheeler became the first OU player drafted when he went in the second round to Green Bay in 1936, the Sooners have twice had three first-round selections in the same draft. (Tulsa World)

Sobering words from Trent Smith: Tulsa World

Brown might not vote in poll: Tulsa World

Big 12 South spring football Review: Dallas Morning News

Stocked with quarterback talent, Big 12 South will again be tough: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

NFL Draft -- On the Road With Phil Loadholt: Scout.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

University of Oklahoma defends NCAA secondary rules violations: According to the compliance report, Oklahoma's secondary violations of NCAA rules have increased "consistently" since 2002. "However, this trend should not be interpreted as negative, but rather reflects more effective and thorough monitoring," according to the April 1 report written by vice president and general counsel Anil Gollahalli. The report lists 11 total secondary violations for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 school years, but at least 30 for every year since and a high point of 46 in 2005-06. (Star-Telegram)

List of the violations in the report obtained by the Associated Press

• providing too much money to a football player to return home for the holidays because of an incorrect address;
• coach Bob Stoops and two assistants inadvertantly visiting a recruit's basketball game that had been rescheduled because of an ice storm;
• Stoops mentioning at a news conference the name of a walk-on player who was technically still a prospect;
• Stoops sending an impermissible text to a recruit when he thought he was sending an e-mail from his BlackBerry device;
• assistant coach Jackie Shipp taking a recruit to a restaurant he thought was on campus;
  
• And the program improperly providing meals and lodging worth $361.95 on a recruit's official visit because of a mixup regarding his legal guardian.

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

University of Oklahoma warns athletes 'drinking,' 'getting wasted' are not hobbies: In a report obtained by the Associated Press, the University's compliance policy outlined student-athlete's personal conduct and social network use.

From Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The policy was among documents sent to the NCAA as part of the university's annual compliance report and released Monday to The Associated Press after an open records request.

Oklahoma also reported that it continues to add rules education programs and software designed to monitor compliance with NCAA rules following major violations by the men's basketball and football programs.

The school is on probation until May 2010.

In the social networking policy, athletes are warned that their postings must comply with a code of conduct and can be punishable with education, counseling, suspension or expulsion and with the reduction or cancellation of financial aid. It warns athletes not to post pictures that would portray them negatively nor post contact information that agents or their runners could use to put the athletes' eligibility in jeopardy.

"'Partying,' 'drinking,' and 'getting wasted' do not qualify as real hobbies or interests," the policy warns.

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops, Gundy high-paid public college or university employee: Two of the highest paid college and university employees in Oklahoma are coaches, a Tulsa World analysis found. University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops topped the list, earning more than $230,000 by late February, according to a payroll database maintained by the Oklahoma Office of State Finance. Oklahoma State University head football coach Mike Gundy ranked second, pulling in $150,000 as of Feb. 27. The Office of State Finance maintains rolling payroll data for state higher education employees. It does not maintain annual salary data. To get that information, a person must contact the individual college or university, said Jennie Pratt, accounting manager for the Office of State Finance. Pratt said the office doesn't collect salary data because it doesn't have the authority (higher education employees are treated differently than state agency employees) and because payroll data is more accurate. Payroll takes into account overtime, bonuses, pay for additional shifts and other measures that could increase or decrease how much a person makes. "Payroll is true information," Pratt said. "Salary is a projection." According to state data, Stoops and Gundy earn far more than their universities' presidents do. In the first two months of 2009, Stoops made about $200,000 more than OU President David Boren did, data show. Gundy pulled in about $120,000 more than OSU President Burns Hargis did. (More at Tulsa World)

Counting down to draft day with Duke: Tulsa World

Coverage of Sooners in NFL Draft: The Oklahoman

Sooners' stars have mixed success in NFL: AP/ The Oklahoman

On the Clock with Sooner standout Juaquin Iglesias: Killeen Daily Herald

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Restraining order charge dropped against Chaisson: Former Bishop Gorman football star Justin Chaisson did not appear in front of Judge Eric Goodman Thursday morning in Clark County District Court for a protective order hearing. But the presence of Chaisson's lawyer, Michael Cristalli, was all the University of Oklahoma football recruit needed to avoid a misdemeanor charge of violating a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend. When no representative for the plaintiff showed in the courtroom, Judge Goodman dismissed the case. "It's dissolved, that's it," Cristalli said while exiting the courtroom. (Las Vegas Sun)

Phil Loadholt's draft stock rising: The Oklahoman

Q&A with former OU lineman Dusty Dvoracek: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Rock solid D matures in shadaw of star QB: Tulsa World

Sooners' Success Builds Future: SoonersIllustrated.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Gerald McCoy named to Lott Watch List: Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy has been named to the 2009 Lott Trophy Watch List. The Watch List is made up of 42 of the nation's top defensive players who have had the biggest IMPACT on their teams on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. McCoy is a 6-4, 300-pound junior defensive tackle from Oklahoma City. He was an All-American last season when he had 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for losses. McCoy is a member of the AFCA Good Works Team, President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and one of the Sooner captains. Named after Hall of Famer Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football's Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its sixth year, The Lott Trophy is the only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. (SoonerSports PR)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Offensive-Line Experience Can Predict Success: Wall Street Journal

OU reunion -- Sooners flock to Dibble: The Oklahoman

Gresham, Sooners, all of us might learn from Corey Wilson: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Jermaine Gresham arrested for failure to pay seatbelt citation: Oklahoma All-Big 12 tight end Jermaine Gresham was arrested by Norman police Monday night on an outstanding warrant issued after he failed to pay a seatbelt citation.Gresham had been issued a citation on Feb. 2. Norman police Lt. Jennifer Newell said Gresham did not pay the ticket and did not appear before authorities to set a court date.After his arrest, Gresham was booked by Norman police. He was released after posting a $349 bond to comply with the warrant and the oustanding citation.(ESPN.com)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and notes

NBC Sports ranks 20 most important games of 2009: Oklahoma has three games among the 20 ranked. Including, No. 1 OU vs. Texas (10/17); No. 8 Oklahoma St. vs Oklahoma (11/28); No. 13 Oklahoma vs Miami (10/3). Complete ranking at NBCSports.com.

Poll Question:

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops on ESPN: A couple days old, I know.. Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops previews the 2009 season.




OU grinds out final spring practice: SoonerSports.com

What we learned at Oklahoma's spring practices: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Texas DB Hayes verbally commits to Oklahoma: SoonersIllustrated.com is reporting Quentin Hayes, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back from Lancaster High in Texas made a commitment to Oklahoma this afternoon after receiving word that he was indeed being offered by the Sooners. "Yeah, I committed," Hayes confirmed. Hayes was on of the more than 28,000 people on hand for the annual Red-White Spring Game on Saturday. "It was really nice," Hayes said of the visit. "I liked it a whole lot." (SoonersIllustrated.com)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

The Boz impressed with OU facility upgrades: Brian Bosworth is blown away OU's facilities upgrade since his era. "It's amazing," he said. "It would be an honor to come back and play when you have facilities like this. The kids that come into the program now need to take it for what it's worth. You've got a first-class organization, you've got a first-class coach, you've got fans that absolutely adore them. So they should come out here and work harder than they've ever worked, reach down and dig deeper than they ever thought they could. "They've got something really special here, and they've just gotta keep working on it, create that chemistry that's going to get them that last game, put that last game to bed." (Tulsa World)

Loadholt to visit Raiders: ProFootballTalk.com is reporting University of Oklahoma offensive tackle Phil Loadholt has an official visit today with the Oakland Raiders, according to a league source. The All-Big 12 lineman is one of the biggest linemen in the draft at 6'8," 332 pounds. A projected second-round draft pick, Loadholt has 5.34 speed in the 40-yard dash. (ProFootballTalk.com)

Sam Bradford a true hero: The Oklahoman

OU's 'weak link' working to build strength: Tulsa World

'The Boz' still draws attention: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners wear wristbands in support of Corey Wilson: Several Sooners wore new rubber wristbands during the scrimmage. The bands are red and blue, and on the front is the yellow Superman logo. The wristbands were a gift handed out by Sooner Corey Wilson, who watched from a wheelchair on the sideline. Wilson was paralyzed in a February car accident and has begun full rehab with hopes of walking someday. "It's tough, man," linebacker Travis Lewis said. "We have to keep his spirits up. We have to be strong for him." (Tulsa World)

Updated Depth Chart: The Oklahoman has updated their projected fall OU Depth Chart.

Prospective recruits attend Red/White game: Dozens of high-profile recruits were in attendance, including at least three five-star prospects and more than a dozen four-star prospects, as rated by Rivals.com. Among the most coveted recruits in the stands was defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat of Plano, Texas (he was there with his father, former Dallas defensive end Jim Jeffcoat), wide receiver Darius White and quarterback Blake Bell -- already an OU verbal commitment. Tulsa Central running back DeMarco Cobbs, rated as the top overall player in Oklahoma, also was in Norman. (Tulsa World)

Bradford adjusting to being role model: USA Today

Sam Bradford a true hero: The Oklahoman

What we learned about OU in spring: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma eyes QBs to back up Bradford: Tulsa World

Sooners felt right for Bell: Wichita Eagle

OU Red-White Game Positives and Negatives: Crimson and Cream Machine

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes



Franks impresses: Saturday, Dominique Franks picked off two passes, one of which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown. "Dom's really come along great," coach Bob Stoops said. "He's a guy that has a great feel and a knack in the secondary and I thought he played really well." (The Oklahoman)

Landry Jones has work todo: Saturday's Red/White Game played to mixed reviews, particularly for Landry Jones, Oklahoma's freshman backup to Heisman winner Sam Bradford. "I thought Landry made some mistakes that will really hurt you over the course of a game," position coach Josh Heupel said. "He stepped up and made some plays as well. That's kind of the growth pattern of a young quarterback. The biggest thing for a young quarterback is finding a way not to beat you," Heupel said. "And (Jones) did some things today that would have helped get us beat." (Tulsa World)

Ratterree separates shoulder: The Sooners were without several key players but came out of the game with only one injury. Tight end Trent Ratterree, who caught four passes early, separated his shoulder. But Stoops said he didn't think the injury was too serious and expects Ratterree to be back before fall camp. (The Oklahoman)

RED/WHITE STATISTICS
SCORING PLAYS
1st - Bradford 23-yard pass to Tennell (Stevens kick good); 11 plays, 71 yards, 3:28
1st - 42-yard interception by Franks (Way kick good)
2nd - Jones 10-yard pass to Owens (Stevens kick good); 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:31
3rd - 24-yard fumble return by Bryant (Way kick good)
4th - Nimmo 15-yard pass to Whitson (Stevens kick good); 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:13

PASSING
Player: Comp-Att-Yds-Int-TD
Bradford: 11-13-97-0-1
Jones: 5-12-73-1-1
Allen: 4-14-58-1-0
Nimmo: 3-3-35-0-1
TEAM: 23-35-263-1-3

RUSHING
Player: Att-Yds
Calhoun: 19-19
Johnson: 14-4
Madu: 9-44
Jones: 5-(-22)
Bradford: 2-(-12)
Allen: 1-(-12)
Nimmo: 1-5
TEAM: 52-27

RECEIVING
Player: Rec-Yds
Broyles: 4-59
Ratterree: 4-11
Owens: 3-41 (TD)
Caleb: 2-43
Whitson: 2-36 (TD)
Mensik: 2-16
Johnson: 2-2
Tennell: 1-23 (TD)
Winchester: 1-9
Calhoun: 1-3
Hanna: 1-0
TEAM: 23-263

SPECIAL TEAMS
Tress Way
Punts (13-489-37.6yrd avg.) - 41, 36, 40, 33, 47, 56, 34, 41, 38, 31, 48, 38, 32
Kickoffs (5-55yrd avg.) - 50, 46, 61, 62, 56
Extra Points - 2-2

Jimmy Stevens
Extra Points - 3-3

DEFENSE
Balogun - 6, 1 TFL
Bryant - 6, 1 PBU, 1 fumble recovery (28 yard TD), 1 TFL
Alexander - 5.5, 3 sacks, 2.5 TFL
Bird - 5, 1 TFL
Ibiloye - 5
Beal - 4.5, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1 TFL
B. Jackson - 4, 1 PBU, 1 TFL
T. Lewis - 4
McGee - 4
King - 3.5, 3 TFL
Franks - 2, .5 sack, 2 INTs (28 yards)
R. Lewis - 2
McCoy - 2, .5 sack, 1 TFL
Taylor - 2, 1 sack
Washington - 2
Wort - 2, 1 PBU, 1 TFL
Franklin - 1.5, 1 TFL
Harris - 1, 1 PBU
D. Jackson - 1, 3 PBU
Jones - 1
Proctor - 1
Walker - 1

Sooner vs. Sooner: Norman Transcript

Former Sooners play flag game: Norman Transcript

Stoops talks to Berry Tramel: The Oklahoman

Berry Tramel's Report Card: The Oklahoman

Tennell supplies day's biggest offensive pla: The Oklahoman

Running game is slowed: The Oklahoman

Defense shines against a young, patchwork offense: Tulsa World

Like Tar Heels, OU aims to profit from returning talent: Tulsa World

Five questions from the Red/White Game: Tulsa World

Bradford makes cameo at Sooners spring game: Star-Telegram

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Red/White Injury Report: Players expected out and/or doubtful for Oklahoma's Red/White game.

Doubtful/questionable
- Linebacker Keenan Clayton (ankle)
- Linebacker Brandon Crow (knee)
- Tight end Brody Eldridge (ankle)
- Offensive guard Stephen Good (shoulder)
- Cornerback Jonathan Nelson (shoulder)
- Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor (back)

OUT
- Linebacker Austin Box (elbow)
- Defensive end Auston English (knee/ankle)
- Defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (back)
- Defensive tackle Cordero Moore (knee)
- Running back DeMarco Murray (hamstring)
- Linebacker Ryan Reynolds (knee)

Bradford praises offensive line for his protection: Quarterback Sam Bradford gushed about the protection he'd been receiving. "I think those guys have done a great job," last season's Heisman Trophy winner said. "They've come in and have to play against one of the best defensive lines in the country every day and they’re still having to learn. But in my opinion, they've done a great job protecting me this spring." Bradford also said the group was further along in digesting the no-huddle offense than last year's unit. (The Oklahoman)

Jones' performance 'like night, day': The Oklahoman

Young players to watch at today's Red-White game: The Oklahoman

Why the spring is great: The Oklahoman

Witness says 'The Boz' used CPR on man: The Oklahoman

OU seeks helping hands: Tulsa World

Red/White on line: Norman Transcript

Bradford's return means everything to OU: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Status of OU's kicking game: After practice on Thursday, OU coach Bob Stoops talked about the format for Saturday's Red / White Game at Memorial Stadium. It's hard to simulate fall kicking situations in the spring, but Stoops said the mind-set and urgency "can't be" the same. "You work different drills, still work it." Tulsa Union product Tress Way has taken over the punting duties (Mike Knall graduated) as well as the kickoff duties. Matt Moreland, last year's kickoff specialist, ''has some family issues he's working through," Stoops said. "But Tress is doing a really good job. Really punting the ball great. And all his field goals and all have been good, too." (Tulsa World)

Expect backup QBs to see plenty of action: Backup quarterback Landry Jones and Drew Allen will get a lot action Saturday. And it will be the first time either has seen significant action in front of a live crowd. Quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel said both are having good and bad days, but that's to be expected. "The thing about both of them is they have a great attitude in the meeting room and they want to get better every day," Heupel said. "When a bad play happens, they don't let it hurt the next play. They bounce right back." Wilson said he's been impressed by both.(Norman Transcript)

Stoops tweaks OU's scoring system: Stoops said he's tweaked his confusing scoring system for the scrimmage -- so confusing, defensive coordinator Brent Venables said after last year's game, "Oh, there's a bunch of numbers up there. I was at a little bit of a loss whether to be happy or not." The score of last year's game was 69-40 with the Red team (first-team offense, second-team defense) beating the White (second-team offense, first team defense). "I got in trouble a year or so ago," Stoops said. "Defense intercepted a ball and ran it to the 1 or 2 and the offense scored the touchdown and they got 7 points. So we tweaked it as far as some things like that."(Tulsa World)

Sooners eye Saturday's game: SoonerSports.com

Sooners conclude spring football with Red-White game Saturday: The Oklahoma Daily

Broyles ready to take lead: The Oklahoman

Don't let roadwork block Oklahoma football fun: The Oklahoman

The low down on Loadholt: Tulsa World

Sooners' offensive line responded to Bob Stoops' bark: Star-Telegram

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

David King ahead of R.J. Washington on OU depth chart: Last year, R.J. Washington might have been the top prep defensive end in the country. But at the moment, he's working behind fellow redshirt freshman David King on the depth chart. "David King's really matured a lot," said defensive ends coach Chris Wilson. "Obviously, they're as raw as you can get right now, but David's improved and I really like his upside. "R.J.'s improvement right now, if I was going to rank him, I'd say R.J. is probably fifth in this group of guys coming back (behind Auston English, Jeremy Beal, Frank Alexander and King)." (The Oklahoman)

Landy Jones is backup to Bradford? So what happens if Sam Bradford goes down? The job likely goes to Landry Jones, who redshirted last season as Bradford was winning the Heisman Trophy. "I thought Landry . . . before (spring) break, started to come on and started to, you could tell, started to get more and more comfortable, which is good," head coach Bob Stoops said after a recent practice. . . . (He) seems to be coming along really well." (Tulsa World)

Iglesias working out for NFL teams: Former Sooner wideout Juaquin Iglesias was in Chicago on Tuesday to meet with the Bears and conduct a private workout, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Today, he’s expected to fly to Minnesota to meet with officials from the Vikings. Iglesias is being viewed by some NFL Draft analysts as a possible second-round pick. The NFL Draft is April 25-26. (The Oklahoman)

Fan information for spring game: SoonerSports.com

Preview -- 2009 Oklahoma Offense: SoonerSports.com

No need to feel defensive: Tulsa World

Sooner D wants to eliminate big plays: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

UT assistants receive Big 12 Championship bonus: The University of Texas didn't win the Big 12 football championship last fall, but that hasn't stopped a dozen assistant coaches and support staffers from receiving bonuses as if the Longhorns did. Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds received permission from UT President William Powers Jr. and the university's men's athletic council to pay $44,000 in bonuses that are called for when the football team wins a conference title. "I think this was the right decision," Powers said Monday. Dodds called the circumstances of the bonuses unusual. (Austin American-Statesman)

Texas removes reference to '2008*': The Oklahoman

Texas*: Who cares?: The Oklahoman

Catching up with K Jimmy Stevens: The Oklahoman

C'mon Mack, you've got to be kidding: Tulsa World

UT football coaches get bonuses for Big 12 title: Tulsa World

No more asterisk for Longhorns: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Corey Wilson released from Jim Thorpe center: Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that wide receiver Corey Wilson has been released from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center and is back living in his apartment in Norman. "He's continuing to do his rehab," Stoops said. "But he's in his own apartment now and continues to make strides."(The Oklahoman)

Previous Post:
Travis Wilson Playing For His Brother Corey
Wilson May Soon Be Released From Rehabilitation Center
Wilson's Condition Improving
C. Wilson Critically Injured in Accident

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bell No. 2 QB on Scout.com verbally commits to OU: Blake Bell, out of Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan., committed to the Sooners, according to multiple Internet reports. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound Bell was in Norman on Thursday to watch practice and visit with the coaches. He is the No. 25-ranked overall recruit in the nation, according to Rivals.com, and the No. 2 quarterback in the country, according to Scout.com. (The Oklahoman)

Longhorns still think they won Big 12 football title: The Oklahoman

Quinton Carter is OU's hitman: The Oklahoman

Bell a longtime Sooners fan: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

Talented duo is learning: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

OU recruit Bell similar to Bomar in stars only: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma linemen Jason Hannan seeks transfer: University of Oklahoma offensive lineman Jason Hannan has left the team, according to teammates. Hannan, a 6-foot-3, 283-pound sophomore from Waxahachie, Texas, initially had been counted on this spring as a potential replacement for three-year starter Jon Cooper at center. Hannan played in seven games as Cooper's backup last season. "He's transferring — he's leaving," senior Brian Simmons said after Thursday's practice. "I don't know the details, but he's no longer with us any more." Redshirt freshman Ben Habern began the spring as Cooper's replacement and has remained there, said Brian Simmons, a senior left guard. Hannan's replacement as the backup center is Brian Lepak, a 6-4, 285-pound senior from Claremore who transferred to Oklaohma after playing at Colorado State. (Tulsa World)

Broyles working into role: Norman Transcript

They're coming back to Owen Field: SoonerSports.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former Sooner Josh Norman gets first head coaching job: This isn't the situation former NFL and Oklahoma football player Josh Norman hoped would lead to his first head coaching position. He's still excited about the opportunity, though. Norman was named as the new head football coach at Community Christian School. He replaced Brooks Mosier, who died three weeks from cancer. Mosier was age 73. "What he did was take the reins and build young boys and make them men. He taught me so much," Norman said of Mosier. "He taught them more than just X's and O's. He taught them about life." (More at The Oklahoman)

Spring game dates and notes -- Big 12: Newsday

Sooners in the NFL Draft: Crimson and Cream Machine