Measuring Sam Bradford's Impact on Oklahoma Football in 2009

Upon announcing on Wednesday that he would return to OU for his junior year, Sam Bradford has not only made the Sooner nation happy, but also seems to have affected teammates and coaches alike.

To run you down on what has happened, Josh Heupel will not be going to Minnesota as an offensive coordinator. Not sure how much impact Bradford's decision made on Josh, but it couldn't hurt. He will be staying on as quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma.

Trent Williams, who some people thought might be the team's best offensive lineman—which is saying a lot with big Phil Loadholt and All-American Duke Robinson on the line—has also decided to return for his senior season. Along with a couple of 2008 rotating offensive linemen and junior college transfers, the line is looking a lot better than originally thought.

Although if I didn't mention the undersized great center that we have had in Cooper, it would be totally wrong. We have been able to enjoy Cooper without worrying about bad snaps, and he may have been taken for granted somewhat.

Then there is Jermaine Gresham, sure to be a first rounder at tight end, who has also decided to return for his last year. With Gresham's size and strength, he has become an easy target for Bradford. Bradford, Gresham, and Williams, all with good seasons, have a good shot at All-American status.

Now I am not sure if these players returning had total impact on Bradford returning, or if Bradford's return had a impact on these players returning, but as a loyal fan I sure am glad that they are all returning.

The returning defensive players should help anchor a strong defense, something we have missed somewhat in the past couple of years, although I thought they did a great job in Miami. With Gerald McCoy coming back, the defensive line will be one of, if not the best in the nation.

The linebackers will be stronger as the year goes along, and although the losses on the defense will hurt a little with the loss of both safeties, OU should still have one of the best defenses in the nation.                        

Oklahoma fans should be OK with Texas and Florida being ranked just ahead of them at the start of the season, since after all they are the only two teams that beat them. If this season is anything like the past and Oklahoma just takes care of business, everything should take care of itself.

Look on the bright side—maybe OU will get to play for another national championship, and not in their opponent's home state. Wouldn't that be nice?

BOOMER SOONER