This will be a different season for Oklahoma. The expectations remain as high as they’ve ever been. The switch is having an established starting quarterback. The difference is an experienced Sam Bradford.
You have to go all the way back to August 2004 to find the last time the Sooners entered a season knowing what they had in their starting quarterback. Those three years since all featured either a quarterback battle, or the mess that thrust Paul Thompson into the position in 2006.
There were doubts about Rhett Bomar, Thompson and, just last season, Bradford.
Bradford answered all the doubts last season. The difference between a first-year starter and a second-year starter can be measured in several ways.
As good a season as Bradford enjoyed as a freshman (36 touchdown passes and leading the nation in passing efficiency), quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel sees a different player heading into the 2008 season.
“As good and as quick of a decision-maker as he was a year ago, he is a better and quicker decision-maker right now at this time than he was last year,” Heupel said. “He has a greater command of our offense and a better understanding of what we are trying to do. Not only that, he has a better ability to get that better understanding to our young players.”
Last season, Bradford was a great player. This season, the test will be to see if Bradford can become a great leader as well.
There was nothing wrong with his leadership skills last season. However, any redshirt freshman is going to defer to others at times. There’s is a hierarchy on the field and in the locker room. Only play on the field allows someone to climb the ladder.
Bradford did those things last season. Any player who leads a team to a Big 12 championship earns respect. But it’s still something Bradford is feeling his way through.
“I did have to force it a little. I am not a real loud guy,” he said. “So stepping up and saying things that last year I would not have said; that’s something that I made myself do this summer.”
Whether it’s been forced or natural, the players and coaches see and feel the difference.
He’s a bit more vocal. He’s also about 10 pounds stronger and a little faster.
“My arm has gotten stronger from last year,” Bradford said. “I’m able to put a little more zip on the ball. A little more air under the deep balls. And I think it’s really helped.”
Of course, there’s also an urge to get the quarterbacks behind Bradford a little more work early in the season.
Senior Joey Halzle is unquestioned at No. 2 on the depth chart. The senior saw significant playing time in only one game last season: OU’s loss at Texas Tech after Bradford suffered a concussion early in the game.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson believes the position has gotten better because Halzle has elevated his game since last season.
“He has really settled in and I think he’s a much better player on the second team than he was battling it out for No. 1 last year,” Wilson said.
True freshman Landry Jones is at No. 3, but there’s no doubt OU would like to redshirt him. The only thing that could change that would be an injury to Bradford or Halzle.
An OU quarterback hasn’t missed a start due to injury since Jason White went down with a season-ending knee injury in 2002. There’s no doubt the Sooners would love that to extend through another season.
They’re about to enter the 2008 season with an established starting quarterback and one capable of leading teams to championships.
Bradford proved he can do great things in his first season as starter. Only one thing has changed.
“I do feel a lot more comfortable,” he said.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
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Bradford's second act
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