May 31, 2007

Pendleton Named Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year and More.

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pendleton Big XII Male Sportsperson of the Year: Carl Pendleton, who announced last fall that he would forgo his senior season of eligibility to care for his 11-year-old stepbrother, was named today as the Male Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year. A media panel selected Pendleton. Kansas golfer Amanda Costner won the award for females. The Sportsperson of the Year Award was started in 2000-01 to annually recognize student-athletes who displayed an extraordinary degree of sportsmanship and/or community service during the academic year. The Big 12¹s recipients are nominated for the NCAA Sportsmanship Award. (SoonersSports.com)

Another Texas recruit commits to Oklahoma: Houston's Strake Jesuit College Preg defensive end David King committed to Oklahoma. King a pass rusher is the latest Texas recruit to committ to the Sooners. King received offers from Big 12 schools' Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Baylor and OU.

(5/31) OU's Pendleton and Schumann Honored

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Student Athletes recognized: Carl Pendleton II and Brittney Schumann were among the 24 student-athletes recognized today as winners of the 2006-07 Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarships, the Big 12 office announced. The scholarships are named in honor of the late Dr. Gautt, a former Big 12 Conference staff member and student services' pioneer. Gautt also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and was the first African-American to receive a scholarship from OU to play football, breaking down racial barriers that opened doors to other Sooner student-athletes. The university celebrated the 50th anniversary of his historic actions at OU last fall during the 2006 Sooner football season and OU's student-athlete academic center is named in his honor. Gautt passed away in March 2005. (SoonerSports PR)

 Bog 12 Who’s new? A dozen players to watch next fall: Daily Tribune

May 30, 2007

(5/30) Highly Ranked Defensive Player Commits to Oklahoma

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners lands highly ranked commitment; #13 overall DE R.J. Washington: Keller Fossil Ridge defensive end R.J. Washington gave credit to others for his ranking on the Rivals100 national recruiting list that came out Tuesday. Washington (6-4, 245), who is No. 13 on the list, is ranked second among Texas high school players in the Class of 2008. Washington, who has orally committed to Oklahoma, is behind Van running back Jermie Calhoun (6-0, 210), who is No. 10. But three of the top four Texans on the national top 100 list -- Calhoun, Washington and Paris offensive tackle Stephen Good (6-5, 290) -- have orally committed to Oklahoma. "With three of the top four going to OU," Washington said, "it helps me sleep at night." (Dallas Morning News) Link: Rivals Top 100 2008

 Solid offensive line must handle all the attention: The Oklahoman

May 26, 2007

(5/26) Sooners In Top Ten In Magazine Preseason Ranking

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Athlon Sports ranks OU seventh in preseason rankings: Athlon Sports has the Sooners at No. 7 in a daily online countdown of its top 25. The top six teams haven't been released. The Sooners have four players on Athlon's All-Big 12 first team -- punt returner Reggie Smith, receiver Malcolm Kelly, offensive lineman Duke Robinson and kicker Garrett Hartley. Two Oklahoma opponents are in Athlon's rankings thus far. Athlon ranks Miami (Fla.) at No. 24. The Sooners host Miami on Sept. 8. Texas A&M is ranked No. 23. OU hosts the Aggies Nov. 3. (Tulsa World)

Barry Switzer: Living the good life: ESPN.com

Vian’s Londell Taylor Laid back but lethal: Muskogee Phoenix

May 25, 2007

(5/25) Ranking the Big XII Coaches

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Houston Chronicle ranks the job security of the Big 12 coaches:
• 12 -- Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M
• 11 -- Guy Morriss, Baylor
• 10 -- Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Nobody can ever say the Cowboys are under-funded thanks to Boone Pickens.
• 9 -- Mark Mangino, Kansas
• 8 -- Mike Leach, Texas Tech
• 7 -- Dan Hawkins, Colorado
• 6 -- Gary Pinkel, Missouri
• 5 -- Ron Prince, Kansas State
• 4 -- Bill Callahan, Nebraska
• 3 -- Gene Chizik, Iowa State
• 2 -- Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Last season might have been his best coaching job.
• 1 -- Mack Brown, Texas That national championship guarantees a lifetime pass.
(Story and more at Houston Chronicle)

Arlington to host Big 12 title games: Dallas Morning News

Checkout OUFootball.Info videos updated OU videos and more.

May 24, 2007

(5/24) OU Awaits Word From NCAA, OU-Texas Payout Increase

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU expects NCAA announcement in the 'next week or two': Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said an announcement from the NCAA on the Sooners' football sanctions could come any time. "Maybe in the next week or two," Castiglione said. Castiglione doesn't think the NCAA will come down with anything more than probation for the Sooners, who have already reduced scholarships on their own. (Dallas Morning News)

Cotton Bowl to increase annual OU-Texas payout: Dallas leaders on Wednesday approved a beefed up incentive package for four colleges planning to play annual football games at Fair Park's Cotton Bowl, through 2015. The University of Texas and University of Oklahoma will receive an annual $425,000 each between 2008 and 2011, and $500,000 each between 2012 and 2015, according to the City Council-approved deal. That amounts to a fourfold increase in public subsidies: Through this year, the schools have received $125,000 each annually. (Dallas Morning News)

May 18, 2007

(5/18) Peterson Cleared, No Need For Plate

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

No surgery for Adrian; expected in training camp: After dodging questions about his injury before and after the NFL draft, the Vikings announced Wednesday at Winter Park that running back Adrian Peterson's fractured left clavicle would heal naturally and in time for him to be completely healthy when training camp opens in Mankato in late July. After a CT scan confirmed his progress, Vikings team physician Dr. Joel Boyd and trainer Eric Sugarman fully explained to reporters the history of Peterson's injury, including the revelation that he re-broke the clavicle early in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State. "I feel good," Peterson said. "It hasn't been giving me any problems. So it's good news." Peterson's shoulder had been the source of speculation and misinformation throughout the offseason, perhaps causing him to slip to the Vikings at No. 7. But Sugarman, Boyd, coach Brad Childress and vice president Rick Spielman provided a detailed timeline of how they arrived at Wednesday's announcement. (Pioneer Press)

 Big 12 championship football tickets on sale: Tulsa World

May 16, 2007

(5/16) Former QB Thompson signs With Packers

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former QB Paul Thompson in Packers' mini-camp: The Green Bay Packers have signed Oklahoma quarterback Paul Thompson, the team said this afternoon. Thompson is already in Green Bay and will be expected to participate in the mandatory minicamp that runs Friday through Sunday.Brett Favre told a reporter earlier this week that he did not plan to attend the minicamp, in part because of family matters and because he is recovering from ankle surgery. If Favre doesn't change his mind, and with backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers rehabilitating from a broken bone in his foot, the Packers would be down to just third-string quarterback Ingle Martin for the weekend. Packers general manager Ted Thompson would not say today whether the team has excused Favre from the camp. Paul Thompson could help out in minicamp right away because he is from Austin, Texas, and has been working out with former Packers quarterback Ty Detmer since before the combine. Detmer has been giving Thompson a crash course on the Packers West Coast offensive system. (JSOnline)

 Sooner fans can hold onto their seats: The Oklahoman

 Big 12: What we know, what we don't: Yahoo! Sports

 Texas Passes on Chance to Sit Over Cotton Bowl Tunnel: Oklahoma Fanhouse

May 15, 2007

(5/15) Sooners To Keep Tunnel Entrance at Cotton Bowl

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

UT opts to stay put; Oklahoma fans keep tunnel entrance: Even though Texas won the right to sit over the tunnel at the Cotton Bowl for its annual showdown with Oklahoma, Longhorns athletic director DeLoss Dodds said Monday UT will continue to sit in the end zone opposite the tunnel. "The contract allows the home team to pick, and we're leaving it the way it was," said Dodds, referring to the game's unique seating in which fans from each team are split down the 50-yard-line. Texas is the home team for this year's Red River Rivalry and figured to take advantage of its newly acquired right to sit over the tunnel, where Oklahoma fans have sat for years. Dodds said Monday there are three reasons why Texas is staying put: 1) improved "security" around the tunnel; 2) the ability to see a giant replay screen that sits over the tunnel; and 3) band seating. (Dallas Morning News)

 Muskogee pair lead 2008 football prospects: The Oklahoman
*

May 14, 2007

(5/14) Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

No Interview for funny man/coach White: [David] White recently resigned [From Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas (former HS of recruits DeMarco Murray, Ryan Reynolds)] in order to accept a position, as an offensive graduate assistant, on the Sooner staff. White's talents apparently are not limited to coaching football. He has been a stand-up comedian and a motivational speaker. He once had a speaking engagement at Oklahoma State University. White probably would be an interesting feature subject, but OU coach Bob Stoops said no to an interview request. (Tulsa World)

 Castiglione has a new title: OU grad: The Oklahoman

May 13, 2007

(5/13) OU Football Articles and Notes

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Heupel's 14 Foundation Charity Auto Race: Former University of Oklahoma quarterbacks Josh Heupel and Jason White will suit up one more time when they compete against each other Saturday in the Speed for Need Celebrity Drag Race at Tulsa Raceway Park. U.S. Rep. Dan Boren also will participate in the race, which will help Heupel's charity, the No. 14 Foundation, raise money to send disadvantaged children to summer camps. "I'll race against Jason, but I don't know if you can call it racing when I whip up on him," joked Heupel, who led the Sooners to the 2000 national championship and is now OU's quarterbacks coach. "I'm not sure what types of cars we will be driving, but they won't be like the professionals. I wouldn't trust myself in a car going 200 miles per hour, but I know we will have some souped cars. "This is the first time I've done something like this in racing, but the two of us are competitive when we're together. I'm also looking forward to getting a piece of Congressman Boren as well." Heupel said he wanted to use a unique venue to raise money for his foundation, which funds efforts to feed needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as the summer camps project. (Tulsa World)

Adrian Peterson talks Bob Sansevere Listens 'MAYBE ABOUT 20 TOUCHDOWNS': Pioneer Press

OU commitment list: The Oklahoman.. See also, 2008 OU Football Recruits

Breaking down the Big 12: ESPN.com

Three Things to watch for in the Big 12: ESPN.com

May 11, 2007

(5/11) Sooners Aid Kansas Tornado Victims

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU Football team gather donations for Kansas tornado victims: Members of the University of Oklahoma football program filled a small truck with donations for the people of Greensburg. "We're all concerned for the people there and want them to know that we're thinking about them," said coach Bob Stoops, a former Kansas State assistant. OU director of athletics equipment Greg Tipton said the bulk of the truck was filled with clothes but there were also toys and books for children. (Wichita Eagle)

 OU's Mildren belongs in Hall of Fame: Tulsa World

Future classes for Hall are all class: Columbus Dispatch

May 10, 2007

(5/10) OU Football Articles

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

The Boz: The Oklahoman

Ex-Sooner in College Hall: Tulsa World

Longhorn, Sooner share in hall elation: Dallas Morning News

Vikings strike gold by drafting Peterson: The Record

Vintage Barry Switzer and the 1980 "Taco Bowl":AOL Sports Blog

May 9, 2007

(5/9) Former OU Center Brahaney Named to College HOF, and OU Notes

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former OU Center Brahaney named to College HOF: From one of the most storied football programs in history, Tom Brahaney continues the legacy of outstanding Oklahoma players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brahaney became the 23rd Sooner (18 players, five coaches) inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday. A two-time consensus First Team All-America ('71, '72), Brahaney was the hub of an offensive line that allowed the Sooners to lead the nation in rushing, scoring and total offense in 1971. The Midland, Texas, native was also a two-time All-Big-8 selection and a Lombardi Award finalist in 1972. Serving as team captain during his senior campaign, Brahaney's snap precision and unsurpassed one-on-one blocking earned him high acclaim -- even from archrivals. Following the 1971 "Game of the Century," Nebraska's Rich Glover, a 1995 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, called Brahaney the best center he played against all year. (SoonerSports.com)

Quote: Former Oklahoma QB Jack Mildren said of Brahaney, "Probably the best center in OU's history," said Mildren, Brahaney's 1971 quarterback. (More at OU's Brahaney named to college Hall at NewsOK.com)

ESPN.com NFL Analyst John Clayton on NFC's Big Questions:

Did the Vikings make a mistake passing on Brady Quinn?
Last Saturday, the draft played out so well for the Vikings that they had the option of getting a franchise quarterback or a franchise running back. Quinn tempted them, but they went with Adrian Peterson. No one can argue about Peterson's talent. He's an angry runner and a great talent. Within a year, he should be among the elite backs in football. (More at ESPN.com)

Stoops #3 on head coaches who roll the dice: Yahoo! Sports

 Peterson could be next Moss for Vikings: Redwood Gazette

 Adrian Peterson's Brother Arrested For Robbery: KOTV

May 8, 2007

(5/8) Adrian Peterson Takes Questions and Ex-Sooner.

  /     /  
Oklahoma Soooner Football Articles and Notes

Adrian Peterson takes questions as a Viking:
Q: Well has it hit you that this is your first practice as a pro?
Peterson A: Yeah, it's all sinking in. Just being out here and having that purple helmet on, representing the Vikings, it's tangible. It's finally here.
Q: Have you had any contact with Coach Childress about your role in the offense yet?
Peterson A: No, we already talked, but basically I'm another contributor to the team. I'm going to go out there and in whatever way help my team win championships and the Super Bowl. I'm just willing to take that and go with it. (More at SoonerSports.com)

Sad News; Ex-Sooner Clayton's Uncle shot and killed: The uncle of former OU football player Mark Clayton was killed this weekend in what police believe was a gang-related shooting outside a northeast Oklahoma City club. About 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a group of men fired shots into the west parking lot of Boots and Saddles Club at NE 23 and Bryant Avenue. The shots killed Donald Lee Austin Jr., 46, Oklahoma City police Sgt. Paco Balderrama stated in a news release. (NewsOK.com)

May 7, 2007

(5/7) Questions About AD's Collarbone Remain

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Questions about Peterson's collarbone remain: Peterson told reporters he was "pretty sure, eventually" a decision will have to be made regarding possible surgery to insert a plate in his left collarbone, which he broke October 14 and reinjured in Oklahoma's Fiesta Bowl loss Jan. 1. "Right now I'm just focusing on getting these plays in," Peterson said. "It's something you really have to study and put time in for to get these plays and the different terminology, the language. "(The collarbone) hasn't given me any problems so I'm just going to push right ahead." Vikings coach Brad Childress was pleased with Peterson's on-field performance, including his pass-catching and kickoff returns. (NewsOK.com)

 Other former Sooners in NFL rookie camps: The Oklahoman

May 6, 2007

(5/6) Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Peterson practices with Vikings (Video): KWTV

Peterson debuts in Purple: Tulsa World

Day 1 goes well for Peterson: Minneapolis Star Tribune

No decision made on Peterson's possible surgery: Pioneer Press

May 4, 2007

(5/4) Peterson & Alexander Vikings' Update

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Vikings issues rookies jersey numbers: The Vikings' draft picks all have been issued uniform numbers, some of which could eventually change. The number assignments: Running back Adrian Peterson, No. 28; linebacker Rufus Alexander, No. 57; (Star-Tribune)

Minnesota to use running-back-by-committe? And while Adrian Peterson has the best potential to make an impact, the Vikings' planned deployment of running-back-by-committee could hurt his stats. (The Olympian)

Ex-Gophers assistant familiar with Peterson's skill, potential: Star-Tribune

May 3, 2007

(5/3) Former Sooner Thompson signs as Free Agent

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU's Thompson signs as free agent with NY Jets: Oklahoma's Paul Thompson agreed to a free-agent deal Sunday night. [Zac] Taylor signed with Tampa Bay, Thompson with the New York Jets. This means they get a shot -- a very long shot -- at making it in the NFL. With signing bonuses of several thousand instead of several million, they won't be going on spending sprees. But at least they're going somewhere. "It just comes down," Thompson says, "to having the opportunity to prove yourself." (NewsOK.com)

 Peterson offers personal perspective (video): KWTV via NewsOK.com

May 2, 2007

(5/2) Stoops Defends Adrian Peterson Decision

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops defends his decision to play Peterson: Oklahoma's football coach shot back at critics who questioned his decision to play Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl, and a national newspaper that Stoops feels has misrepresented the facts about Rufus Alexander. The Minnesota Vikings selected both OU players in last weekend's NFL draft. But not before they were scrutinized by the media. Four days before Peterson was the seventh overall selection, SI.com reported that the former Sooner running back had reinjured his right collarbone in OU's loss to Boise State last January. That news brought questions about if Stoops should have held Peterson out of the Jan. 1 bowl game. "He was ready to play, according to the doctors and everybody else," Stoops said. "And he wanted to play." Stoops said he didn't learn until weeks later that Peterson had been hurt in the Fiesta Bowl. On the second day of the draft, Minnesota selected Alexander in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. The OU linebacker had been projected as a second- or third-round selection by some NFL draft rating services. Stoops said there could be a variety of reasons why Alexander's stocked dropped. But he said Alexander's slide had nothing to do with questions about his character. In a second story about off-the-field issues hurting some players in the draft, a national newspaper reported Tuesday that a study of its list of those "100 prospects who drew scrutiny because of conduct issues indicates a couple (Rufus Alexander and Tarrell Brown) slipped significantly." (In parts and more at Tulsa World)

Discount for AD? Nelson Peterson, father of Vikings first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson, sells BMWs for an auto dealership in Oklahoma City. "I might give Adrian the 8 percent discount if he wants to buy one," Nelson said. Adrian can expect signing bonuses totaling nearly $15 million. (Pioneer Press)

No worries here: Vikings top draft pick running back Adrian Peterson, asked whether his tender collarbone affects him psychologically: "There's no worries in my head.". (Pioneer Press)

 Peterson addresses NFL dreams (Video): The Oklahoman

 Peterson has a high-profile fan club: Pioneer Press

May 1, 2007

#14 Foundation Charity Event, Sooners Eye CT Prospect

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners Interested in CT. prospect: Greenwich's Jonathan Meyers picked up two more offers, from Oklahoma and Colorado this week, the fullback/linebacker wrote in an e-mail to the Connecticut Post on Saturday. Meyers said he had a great conversation with Oklahoma linebacker coach Brent Venables. "He really liked the way I play at linebacker," said Meyers, who said head coach Bob Stoops will be visiting Greenwch in the next two weeks to finalize the offer. (Connecticut Post)

Josh Heupel #14 Foundation Charity Event: Former Heisman Trophy runner-up Josh Heupel enjoyed great support and encouragement to succeed as a youngster, and through his nonprofit The #14 Foundation he aims to help disadvantaged Oklahoma youth realize their dreams and potential. The "Speed for Need" Celebrity Drag Racing event at Tulsa Raceway Park on Saturday, May 12, is a major fundraiser for Heupel's foundation. Pitsco, an education company in Pittsburg, Kan. is the primary sponsor of the racing event. Pitsco President and CEO Harvey Dean, an Oklahoma native, says Heupel's foundation is similar to his company in that both organizations aim to educate youngsters through positive experiences and proper training. (More about the #14 Foundation Charity event at OklahomaRaceConnect.com)

Featured Hall of Famer: Bud Wilkinson: South Bend Tribune

(5/1) OU Football Student Season Tickets Available

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Reminder Student Season Tickets on Sale Today: As previous posted, OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. (SoonerSports PR)

Lots to catch up on from college football's busy spring: CBS Sportsline

Vikings consider surgery for AD: The Oklahoman

Former Sooners Sign as Non-Drafted Free Agents

  /     /  
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Latimer signs with Redskins: Washington Redskins agreed to terms with former Oklahoma linebacker Zach Latimer, who made 180 tackles for the Sooners. Redkins rookie camp begins Friday. Signing bonus undisclosed.

Packers pickup Larry Birdine: The former Oklahoma Sooner and Lawton Ike Eagle [Larry Birdine] signed a free agent contract with the Packers after not getting picked in last weekend's NFL draft. That's according to Birdine. The Packers have not officially commented on it yet. (KSWO) Signing bonus undisclosed.

Follow Us!