Top prep quarterback commits to Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Brent Rawls, a highly touted quarterback who was recently named Gatorade's Louisiana player of the year, verbally committed to play for Oklahoma on Sunday. <p align="justify">Rawls,

Tuesday, December 26th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Brent Rawls, a highly touted quarterback who was recently named Gatorade's Louisiana player of the year, verbally committed to play for Oklahoma on Sunday.

Rawls, a 6-foot-5, 200-pounder from Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian, announced his decision at church a move that has become something of a tradition for Evangel football players.

After praise and worship and before the sermon, Rawls informed the congregation at Shreveport's First Assembly of God that he will become a Sooner.

He issued a playful challenge to several former teammates who are now playing at Texas, saying: ``Come and get me.''

``It was such a hard decision,'' said Rawls, who was also considering Florida State. ``It crossed my mind to wait and see who won the (Orange Bowl) to see where I'd go. It's good that both of my final choices are playing for a national championship.''

Rawls said he believes he will have the opportunity to play sooner as a Sooner than as a Seminole.

``I was just looking for a place where I could play the fastest,'' he said. ``I thought I had a better opportunity to play at Oklahoma as soon as possible.''

Rawls' conversation with a reporter was interrupted by a call from OU coach Bob Stoops, who congratulated Rawls.

``He said I've made them have a good Christmas,'' Rawls said.

Rawls, the 15th player to make a non-binding, verbal commitment to the Sooners, was a preseason SuperPrep All-American. This year, he passed for 3,549 yards and 35 touchdowns with 11 interceptions as Evangel finished 10-3 and advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals.

He completed 57.8 percent of his passes and led Evangel with 577 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Rawls originally was considering Texas, LSU and Purdue as well as Florida State. He said OU offered a scholarship in October, after Evangel coaches sent game films.

Rawls attended the OU-Texas Tech game Nov. 18 and received a home visit from coach Bob Stoops and quarterbacks coach Chuck Long last week.

``I got along with the coaching staff well,'' Rawls said. ``All of them reminded me of home. And the atmosphere was so homey.''

Rawls did not start at quarterback until this season. Last year, he played receiver and caught two touchdown passes in the state title game.