Gilbert Sam Jr Posts

If there were any speculation Bob Stoops was on the move, the Oklahoma coach showed his commitment to the future of the University of Oklahoma. For at least this year, the speculation can come to an end.

On Tuesday, Coach Bob Stoops issued a statement to not only Sooner Nation but the football world.

"To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time," he said. "I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we're continuing to build."

One of Oklahoma's greatest running backs to play at one of the state colleges, includes the likes of Barry Sanders, Joe Washington, Thurman Thomas, Steve Owens took the big-leap into the NFL Draft, Adrian Peterson. The man, Sooner Nation grew to love and call AD. Peterson's three-years at the University of Oklahoma was a storied One.. Here's a look back...

1/3/04 - One of the most touted recruits in recent history. The Texas native declares at U.S. Army All-American Bowl he's crossing state lines, committing to Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners. Peterson picked Oklahoma over Miami, USC, UCLA, Texas and Texas A&M.

1/25/04 - The first rumors about Adrian Peterson, that Peterson had decommitted from Oklahoma to commit to Texas A&M. Rumors are proven to be false.

A report out of Texas is Oklahoma running back, Adrian Peterson is set to declare for the NFL Draft. Peterson the face of Oklahoma football has been speculated to turn pro early, since arriving 2004 on campus in Norman. But now, three years later University of Oklahoma fans can soon receive official word. The Dallas Morning News is reporting,

"Adrian Peterson will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, according to two sources close to the situation. An official announcement could come as early as Thursday. "

Peterson (aka, AD - All Day) returned back in uniform at the Fiesta Bowl on New Years Day, since his collarbone injury against Iowa State on October 14. Against Boise State, Peterson rushed for 77 yards on 20 carries in the Fiesta Bowl in a 43-42 lose in OT. In Peterson's three year tenure at Oklahoma, AD has suffered ankle and collarbone injuries. Though the junior has amassed 4,045 yards and 41 TDs in 31 games played, although in a 3 game period in 2005 Peterson carried only 16 times.

With the reports that Oklahoma's head coach, Bob Stoops, is among the three likely candidates to replace Atlanta Falcon's Jim Mora, reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Shouldn't surprise most, the Oklahoma coach was among the candidates to replace fired Dan Reeves in 2003.

Bob Stoops has always been a hot commodity, among the top of the list of every owner, and athletic director. Stoops had the perfect college opportunity in 2004, to replace fired Ron Zook from the University of Florida. As Stoops was the defensive coordinator under Steve Spurrier at Florida in the 90's. After turning down NFL offers for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns, with Stoops born in Youngstown, Ohio.

Looks like if Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson has intention of turning pro, he's not telling the media. Well, only before January 15, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft. Recently Peterson told The East Valley Tribune, on declaring his NFL draft status after the Fiesta Bowl.

"It's a big decision, but I'm waiting until after the game to finalize that," Peterson told the Tribune.

Sooner fans remember April 5, 2006, when Peterson spoke early about entering the NFL draft:

Here's a look at #7 Oklahoma vs. #9 Boise State Fiesta Bowl notes, tidbits heading into the weekend. Boise State enters the Fiesta Bowl undefeated (12-0), as Oklahoma enters 11-2, critical loses to Oregon and Texas.

• BSU Bowl Record: All-time Boise State bowl record 4-2; Last bowl appearance --MPC Computers Bowl, 2005, lost to Boston College, 27-21

• Oklahoma Bowl Record: All-time record Oklahoma bowl record 24-14-1. Last bowl appearance -- Holiday Bowl, 2005, defeated Oregon, 17-14.

• Fiesta Bowl Family Relation: Boise State's Gerald Alexander learned during the Christmas break that his great grandfather and Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander's great-grandfather are cousins.

• Oklahoma Ties: Boise State sophomore linebacker David Shields was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on Fort Sill Army base before leaving at age 4.

• BSU Player Sent Home: Boise State senior tight end Jared Hunter was sent home Wednesday for violating an unspecified team rule, the team confirmed Thursday.

Oklahoma Sooners Stories of 2006

Here's a look at the Oklahoma Sooners 2006 wild top 5 storylines.

1. Rhett Bomar, JD Quinn Dismissal: Prior to the news on August 2, the Oklahoma Sooners were atop College Football as preseason #1, according to some publications. Then it went downhill -- Oklahoma's starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman JD Quinn were immediately dismissed from the team for violating NCAA compensation regulations. The following day, the Sooners named wide receiver Paul Thompson, again quarterback. Thus, the Sooners were dropped by many college football pollsters, falling ten spots before losing a game.

2. The Blind Duck Call: If you haven't seen the worst call in college football in 2006, well here it is. Its clear cut the 85-year old Pac-10 Official, Gordon Riese got it wrong – Oklahoma recovered the ball, Oregon would have never had an opportunity to score seven. Then again, you can't argue Oklahoma had an opportunity, with a nice Reggie Smith kick return only to have a Garrett Hartley final second blocked field goal. Oregon wins, the Sooners again suffer the second blow in six 6 weeks. One of the craziest, statements to come from the Oregon debacle is the David Boren's open letter, particularly the fourth action suggested.

"Fourth, the Big 12 should request that the game should not go into the record books as a win or loss by either team in light of the level of officiating mistakes."

Oklahoma's superstar running back Adrian Peterson has made it clear – he is coming back for the Fiesta Bowl. "I love the game. That's why I play," Peterson said Wednesday, in his first public statement since his collarbone injury in an October 14 win over Iowa State.

For some Oklahoma fans that's not enough. Peterson a junior this year is short 151 yards of breaking Oklahoma's all-time career rushing record of Billy Sims at 4,118 yards. A 2007 Peterson return to Norman, would mean a mature Oklahoma team, and a certain contender for the National Championship.

With 2007 nearing, Oklahoma fans are wondering, who's the quarterback of the future, Halzle, Bradford or Nichol? Days prior to the 2006 season, there was no question that Oklahoma's quarterback for the next two years was Rhett Bomar. Now Oklahoma fans can re-enter the debate on local sport radio, the quarterback of the future – reminisce the past Thompson or Bomar '05 battle. Now only, the local all-sports quarterback Sam Bradford or the touted Michigan quarterback Keith Nichol – but lets not forget JUCO quarterback Joey Halzle.

With the future quarterback comparisons of yesterday and today. Oklahoma's yesterday quarterback Rhett Bomar to incoming freshman Keith Nichol, Sam Bradford to UT's today Colt McCoy, or just Halzle to Heupel. Nichol a quarterback most Oklahoma fans have not seen -- doesn't make any sense for most to make any comparison.

10:10 CT... Oklahoma 21, Nebraska 7 beginning of the fourth quarter..

Neb. Twelfth Possession Cont.: From the 45.. First down.. Taylor completes to Swift for a first down at the 37.. Zach Taylor pass nearly intercepted by Latimer.. Second and ten... Taylor incomplete... Third and ten.. Taylor pass to Wilson complete for the first down to the 25... Taylor pass to the endzone incomplete.. Second and ten.. Nebraska timeout, only one remaining..

Update on Brandon Jackson after being tackled by Rufus Alexander, he is in the lockerroom x-raying his hand.

OU Twelfth Possession: Oklahoma takes over at the 15.. Patrick rushes for a short gain of two.. Second and eight.. Thompson fumbles the snap, smartly dives on the ball, down at the 11.. Third and 13... Patrick hand off for a gain of four to the 14... Oklahoma punts to the Neb. 49.. Fair catch..