Houston rejection changed course for Heisman candidate Heupel

(Houston-AP) -- Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel might have instead breathed life into the University of Houston program if the Sooners didn't come calling. <br><br>His high school coach told Houston

Thursday, December 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Houston-AP) -- Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel might have instead breathed life into the University of Houston program if the Sooners didn't come calling.

His high school coach told Houston T-V station K-R-I-V that U-H seemed to like Heupel very much.

Steven Svendsen says U-H was the only Division One-A school seriously considering Heupel, the Heisman Trophy finalist who got little attention playing in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

But the journey south to Houston never materialized.

Heupel instead went to Weber State in Ogden, Utah.

He was injured for most of his redshirt freshman season, in 1997, then starred at Snow Junior College, also in Utah, for one season before joining the Sooners in 1999.

Heupel today won the Associated Press College Player of the Year award in balloting by A-P member newspapers, T-V and radio stations.

Oklahoma has gone 18-and-5 in Heupel's two seasons. His final college game will come against Florida State in the Orange Bowl for the national championship.

U-H is 10-and-12 over that time with no bowls.