Bradford To Return To Oklahoma

By Michael Bray

Norman- Despite losing it’s fifth straight BCS bowl game, and third BCS Championship, Oklahoma has something to rest easy about.

Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford announced yesterday in a press conference that he would forgo the 2008 NFL Draft, and return to Oklahoma for his Junior season.

“I’ve dreamed of playing at Oklahoma since I was little and my three years here have been the best three years of my life,” Said Bradford of his choice to stay with the Sooners.

Bradford had been projected as a first-round draft choice and among the first quarterbacks selected in the draft. But the chance to return and lead Oklahoma to its first national championship since 2000 and direct the Sooners to an unprecedented fourth straight Big 12 title lured him back.

“I really feel that there is no need to cut this experience short, and I’m really looking forward to coming back and competing for a fourth straight Big 12 Championship, and opportunity at another National Championship.”

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the players' return was bigger than the boost he could have expected from recruiting day next month.

"We're excited about this for a couple of reasons," Stoops said. "It makes our team stronger with that experience and talent coming back for another year. And hopefully, it sends a clear message to other young guys that these players value their experience in college and their education."

Bradford led the nation with 50 touchdown passes and in pass efficiency. He ranked third with 4,720 passing yards. His 86 touchdown passes is by far the NCAA's record for players after two seasons.

Bradford's decision marks the fourth time in the past six seasons that a Heisman Trophy winner has elected to return for another college season after claiming college football's most prestigious individual honor.

Joining him in returning are, offensive tackle Trent Williams,  tight end Jermain Gresham, and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

With all four players returning, Stoops feels that his Sooners have a chance for another great season in 2009.

"We're already on to next year in our focus and what we are looking at. Having these guys back for next season is really exciting when you look at all the people we have coming back on defense and offense.

 We have an opportunity to have really a special year because of the quality depth and experience we have coming back."

If that holds true, Oklahoma could once again find themselves as Big 12 Champions, and if they could find a way to break the five BCS bowl game losing streak, the Sooners might just be able to call themselves, National Champions of 2009.

Oklahoma should start the 2009 season preseason ranked in the top ten, or possibly in the top five.