OU's Dominique Franks and Jeremy Beal Discuss Future

Franks said he will likely return for his senior season, while Beal has not decided if he will declare for the NFL Draft.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:22 am

By: News On 6

OU's Dominique Franks and Jeremy Beal Discuss Future

Originally Published: Dec 9, 2009 6:43 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Cornerback Dominique Franks said Wednesday that he plans to return to OU next season, while defensive end Jeremy Beal said he will make a decision about his future after the Sooners’ bowl game.

Franks said he has submitted paperwork to the NFL to find out where he would be drafted, but that he still plans to return to OU regardless of what he is told.

Beal said he does not want to worry about NFL Draft speculation until after OU plays Stanford in the Sun Bowl.

“I’m not thinking about that,” Beal said. “I’m thinking about Stanford, and getting better every day at practice. I’m not thinking about the NFL, I’m just focusing on getting better.”

He added that head coach Bob Stoops has spent the last few years making sure Beal is ready for the next level.

“Coach Stoops does an outstanding job as soon as we get here educating us through the draft process and what we need to do, what we should do and stuff like that,” Beal said. “I’ve been educated through my four years here.”

Beal has been a regular contributor on defense for the last two years, but he had a breakout season this year. He leads the Sooners with 11 sacks and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award.

He has benefited from the presence of defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who regularly attracts double teams. McCoy has been listed by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. as the No. 2 player in the draft. McCoy has not officially announced that he will enter the draft, but if he does it could affect Beal’s decision.

“Me and my family are going to think about it after the Stanford game, and that’s all I can tell you,” Beal said.