Sam Bradford Named Oklahoma Quarterback

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford was named Oklahoma's starting quarterback Tuesday, ending a three-way competition. <br/><br/>Bradford emerged as the clear winner Saturday when he

Tuesday, August 21st 2007, 12:44 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford was named Oklahoma's starting quarterback Tuesday, ending a three-way competition.

Bradford emerged as the clear winner Saturday when he completed 12 of 17 passes for 130 yards and four touchdowns in a scrimmage, distancing himself from junior Joey Halzle and freshman Keith Nichol.

``We are going with Sam because he earned the position,'' coach Bob Stoops said in a statement. ``We expect both Joey and Keith to continue working hard and competing for playing time just like all our players do at every position.

``There may be an opportunity for them at some point and it will be important for them to be ready.''

Stoops said the decision was made Sunday, and Bradford was the Sooners' first-team quarterback during practice Monday. He was expected to meet with media after practice Tuesday evening.

Bradford, 19, threw for 2,422 yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior season at Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City before working with the Sooners' scout team last season.

Bradford, who is 6-foot-5, 213 pounds, succeeds Paul Thompson, who led Oklahoma to the Big 12 championship after moving back to the position from wide receiver following Rhett Bomar's dismissal last August. Thompson signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent and is trying to make the team as the third-string quarterback.

Bradford's father, Kent, was an offensive lineman for the Sooners in the 1970s.

None of Oklahoma's three quarterback candidates had significant experience. Halzle played in only two games last season in mop-up duty, Bradford redshirted and Nichol only arrived on campus in January after graduating early from high school

``We feel very good about all three of those guys,'' Stoops said. ``All three have made great improvement and contributed a lot to our program.''

Oklahoma's season opener is Sept. 1 against North Texas.