Cameron Newton

[kustang619]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20091214_92_B8_Afewwe731249


From the blogs: Junior college star could add to OU’s quarterback question

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 12/14/2009 5:55 AM
Last Modified: 12/14/2009 5:55 AM

A few weeks ago, I wrote an analysis that asked a simple question: Is Landry Jones Oklahoma’s quarterback of the future?
With five-star Kansan Blake Bell verbally committed, the question remains relevant.

After all, Bell committed and was recruited long before Sam Bradford hurt his shoulder, before Bradford announced he’s going to the NFL, and before Jones became the de facto starter this season.

But this weekend, a new reason to ask the question has surfaced.

His name is Cameron Newton. Newton was the No. 2 dualthreat quarterback in the country as a high-schooler in 2007. He went to Florida and was anointed as Tim Tebow’s heir — not John Brantley, this year’s backup.

But Newton was arrested and accused of stealing a laptop computer. The case was settled out of court and Newton decided to transfer to Blinn (Texas) College.

Now, Newton apparently is a significant recruiting priority for Oklahoma coaches.

Newton visited OU this weekend after OU assistants Josh Heupel, Jay Norvell and Kevin Wilson reportedly watched Newton last week as he led Blinn to the junior college national championship.

“Honestly I didn’t know what to expect coming to Oklahoma,” Newton told Rivals.com network Web site SoonerScoop. com, “but right now I’m speechless and in awe of what I saw in the last 48 hours.”

Newton is seriously talented. He’s 6-foot-6, 245 pounds and is a true dual-threat — run or pass. … Newton’s speed and agility have been called crazy good and

his arm is amazing. It’s no stretch to see why some called him the next Vince Young when he was in high school.
Sooner fans could know sooner than later. Newton is a mid-term enrollee, which means he’ll be on a campus somewhere by Dec. 20.


By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer



After reading I at least feel that we have a shot... I like this guy...

[rawlingsHOH]

I thought he was a Miss State lock.

[itsok]

It shouldn't affect recruting blake...sounds like we need him for competition for playing time right away

[StoopTroup]

Bad news for Wilson hatas....would seem Bob has him out recruiting for next season.


Newton visited OU this weekend after OU assistants Josh Heupel, Jay Norvell and Kevin Wilson reportedly watched Newton last week as he led Blinn to the junior college national championship.

It will be interesting to see what talent Jay Norvell has in store for us next Season too.

[kustang619]

“Honestly I didn’t know what to expect coming to Oklahoma,” Newton told Rivals.com network Web site SoonerScoop. com, “but right now I’m speechless and in awe of what I saw in the last 48 hours.”

This is what gives me hope...

[StoopTroup]

This is what gives me hope...

Hope for what?

[Partial Qualifier]

Hope for what?

World Peace and an End to Starvation?

[kustang619]

He said that he was speechless and in awe of what he saw...It gives me hope that he might come and take over Landry's job at qb...If world peace and an end to starvation comes, I'm good with that too...

[StoopTroup]

I thought you meant that. No one thought Sam, Josh or Jason were going to turnout like they did. I think your hope is better served knowing that Josh Heupel is there to Coach our QBs when they join our Team. Folks looking for a Savior are usually going to be disappointed. I like the idea that we are recruiting guys to push Landry or make him a backup. If a guy is better than Landry...I take great solice knowing we have him in reserve.

[JLEW1818]

we've never had a starting QB under Stoops that sucked

IMO

[adoniijahsooner]

we've never had a starting QB under Stoops that sucked

IMO

I agree. Having said that, there is a difference between being a difference maker and just someone who manages the game.

[kustang619]

I thought you meant that. No one thought Sam, Josh or Jason were going to turnout like they did. I think your hope is better served knowing that Josh Heupel is there to Coach our QBs when they join our Team. Folks looking for a Savior are usually going to be disappointed. I like the idea that we are recruiting guys to push Landry or make him a backup. If a guy is better than Landry...I take great solice knowing we have him in reserve.

I'm not looking for a Savior...I have one of those... I like Coach Heupel and I think that he does a great job...I just get excited when I see a top caliber player who might want to come and play for the school that I support...I get excited when I see a qb that can make some simple throws and long throws and isn't always throwing the ball behind receivers. I get excited thinking about a qb that has some mobility...I want Landry to keep developing as a player and I am okay if he is still our guy next year...Thats all I was saying...

[StoopTroup]

Amen.

[JLEW1818]

I agree. Having said that, there is a difference between being a difference maker and just someone who manages the game.

yup, and right now we don't have one

[NorCaligator]

Cam is a beast.

[StoopTroup]

yup, and right now we don't have one

We will by August.

[NormanPride]

Landry was just a redshirt freshman, so he's still got time to turn into a great one. I'm not a believer yet, but he's shown us all too much to just be tossed aside.

[sooneredaco]

I wonder what he saw that made him speechless? Hey maybe, just maybe we caught on to the Tenessee motto and put a bunch of smokin hot "hostesses".... errr... future porn stars in front of him. That'll make any warmblooded American guy speechless. Look what it did for Eldrick Woods.

[SoonerLB]

Yeah but, ................... are we getting any offensive lineman so any of them can have a chance?

[stoopified]

If we get him fine,IF not, we still have Landry,Drew Allen,and come this fall Blake Bell.Anyone expecting any QB to come in and be a dual-threat whiz at OU is ignoring OU's long established qb philosophy.We DO NOT want OUr qbs to run.
With or without Cameron our qb play will be improved next year because of the experince we return on o-line and at wr.IF ANYONE beats out Landry then they will have to be topnotch.Either way I am confident OUr qb play will be improved next season.

[Sooner04]

Landry was just a redshirt freshman, so he's still got time to turn into a great one. I'm not a believer yet, but he's shown us all too much to just be tossed aside.
Honest question............he has?

[sooneredaco]

If we get him fine,IF not, we still have Landry,Drew Allen,and come this fall Blake Bell.Anyone expecting any QB to come in and be a dual-threat whiz at OU is ignoring OU's long established qb philosophy.We DO NOT want OUr qbs to run.
With or without Cameron our qb play will be improved next year because of the experince we return on o-line and at wr.IF ANYONE beats out Landry then they will have to be topnotch.Either way I am confident OUr qb play will be improved next season.

I hate to disagree with you, but I don't think it's been OUr philosophy to not have OUr QB'srun. Jason White, running qb till he got hurt. Paul Thompson runnig QB. Rhett Bomar (the so called white Micheal Vick) running qb till hr decided to break rules. So I think we've been looking for a running qb just hasn't quite worked out due to certain circumstances. IMHO

[stoops the eternal pimp]

When was Paul Thompson a running quarterback?

[kustang619]

Yeah but, ................... are we getting any offensive lineman so any of them can have a chance?

Adam Shead OL 6-4, 315 from Cedar Hill, TX
Tyrus Thompson OL 6-6, 278 from Pflugerville, TX
Daryl Williams OL 6-5, 269 from Corinth, TX
Austin Woods OL 6-5, 290 from Rockwall, TX
Bronson Irwin OL 6-4, 322 from Mustang, OK

[rawlingsHOH]

It definitely seems since injury #2 to White, they cut down the QB run game significantly.

Bomar had quite a few designed runs, and even more improvs. But I think that had to do more with neccessity than preference. The next year, with Thompson, they ran it less. Though did utilize PT's athleticism with lots of boots and half-rolls.

[sooneredaco]

If he wasn't considered a running QB why was he used as a wide reciever when the replaced him with the other running qb in Bomar?

[NormanPride]

Honest question............he has?

Yes he has, rus. Just not on the road.

[StoopTroup]

QBs run when they can't pass usually. I just don't see us cutting a QB loose on foot unless he doesn't have any receivers. Sam posted insane numbers and he ran a few times....but the run I remember him for is the one that left me breathless. I'd rather see our QBs pass.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/newsok-photos/522210/medium.jpg

[stoops the eternal pimp]

If he wasn't considered a running QB why was he used as a wide reciever when the replaced him with the other running qb in Bomar?

Kerry Meier moved from Quarterback to WR for Kansas and he sure wasn't a running quarterback....

A running quarterback is someone who rushes the ball from the quarterback position...

Paul didn't have much YAC as a receiver because he didn't run with the ball well.

[sooneredaco]

QBs run when they can't pass usually. I just don't see us cutting a QB loose on foot unless he doesn't have any receivers. Sam posted insane numbers and he ran a few times....but the run I remember him for is the one that left me breathless. I'd rather see our QBs pass.

http://mtimages.cstv.com/runandshoot/*BradfordAirborn.jpg

I agree I'd raher see them pass. However it's a nice option to have.

[sooneredaco]

Kerry Meier moved from Quarterback to WR for Kansas and he sure wasn't a running quarterback....

A running quarterback is someone who rushes the ball from the quarterback position...

Paul didn't have much YAC as a receiver because he didn't run with the ball well.

I guess I just viewed it a little different. PT IMO was not the prototype pocket passer that say Sammy is. I always viewed him as an athletic QB that had the ability to run in need be. One thing is certain. PT was an incredible guy to have on campus. He was a true leader that was willing to do whatver was needed for the good of the team. We need more guys like that.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

I guess I just viewed it a little different. PT IMO was not the prototype pocket passer that say Sammy is. I always viewed him as an athletic QB that had the ability to run in need be. One thing is certain. PT was an incredible guy to have on campus. He was a true leader that was willing to do whatver was needed for the good of the team. We need more guys like that.

I agree with the character of Paul...great man..

And no Paul wasn't the pocket passer type...He rolled out of the pocket a lot.....

[StoopTroup]

I agree I'd raher see them pass. However it's a nice option to have.

Agreed. We just have seen to many QBs get hurt. Having a reputation for not sending guy to the NFL because you used them up isn't exactly going to help recruit future Heisman Winners. What was cool about Sam was that he grew up watching OU and it was his dream. Most awesome OU QB in Oklahoma History IMO.

Paul was a great guy...but Sam brought even more. Sam put it all on the line coming back this year. Some thought he was crazy but he's my hero. I hope more kids follow in his footsteps at OU.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

your my hero troup...

[Sooner04]

Yes he has, rus. Just not on the road.
I knew I took a chance on you calling me that name again, but it really was an honest question. One of the rough things about these message boards is getting the context of one's question out because it looks black/white on here. I was not trying to be an ***.

At home and on the road I've seen a guy with poor footwork, questionable decision making and an inaccurate arm. Do you think he'll grow into anything more than serviceable? I don't.

On the other hand, what have you seen from him that leads you to believe greatness is ahead?

[StoopTroup]

http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID17604/images/fearthestache2.jpg

[OK2U]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60_8ln-MgE

[StoopTroup]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60_8ln-MgE

He did stick it to him....lol

[OK2U]

I know he visited Miss. St., and North Carolina too.
KSU also in the hunt.

[sooneredaco]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60_8ln-MgE

That was awesome!

[kustang619]

I knew I took a chance on you calling me that name again, but it really was an honest question. One of the rough things about these message boards is getting the context of one's question out because it looks black/white on here. I was not trying to be an ***.

At home and on the road I've seen a guy with poor footwork, questionable decision making and an inaccurate arm. Do you think he'll grow into anything more than serviceable? I don't.

On the other hand, what have you seen from him that leads you to believe greatness is ahead?

The way he led us to victory in the Texas game after BJ picked off Colt...The way we went into Lincoln and pounded the Huskers...How sharp Landry was in Lubbock was pretty impressive too...Those are the things that makes me think he will be great... Oh wait... ;)

[NormanPride]

I knew I took a chance on you calling me that name again, but it really was an honest question. One of the rough things about these message boards is getting the context of one's question out because it looks black/white on here. I was not trying to be an ***.

At home and on the road I've seen a guy with poor footwork, questionable decision making and an inaccurate arm. Do you think he'll grow into anything more than serviceable? I don't.

On the other hand, what have you seen from him that leads you to believe greatness is ahead?

I wouldn't be calling you that if you hadn't brought it to the Whitney Hand thread. :D

You're right in that he's not great looking and isn't the best QB out there. But he's still young and has Josh teaching him. His decision making may not get much better, but I would bet his footwork improves and, with that, his accuracy. He's got a great arm and has shown he can make plays, so I think he'll be more than "serviceable". If we had any kind of run game this year, we probably go 10-2 at worst. The kid is serviceable now, and will probably get better.

We just remember Sam's first year too well.

[Blues1]

The way he led us to victory in the Texas game after BJ picked off Colt...The way we went into Lincoln and pouned the Huskers...How sharp Landry was in Lubbock was pretty impressive too...Those are the things that makes me think he will be great... Oh wait... ;)

Yea - That worries me -- I think when Landry got all those td's vs Tulsa We all probably got TOO excited about the rest of 2009.....Hopefully a lot of lesson's have been Learned.... ??

[sooneredaco]

Yea - That worries me -- I think when Landry got all those td's vs Tulsa We all probably got TOO excited about the rest of 2009.....Hopefully a lot of lesson's have been Learned.... ??

To me it seems as if when he was playing as a "backup" while Sam recouped he played well. Once it was his job and it was certain that Sam wasn't coming back, it seems as if he allowed the pressure to really get to him, especially on the road. Not sure if the pressure was too much for him to handle not the he was no longer the backup, or if it just seemed tob the case IMO.

[SunnySooner]

How weird would it be for Newton to go from being a gator, to a tejas school, and end up at OU? Crazy. We'd have to purge all the orange from his closet. As to whether he does come here, whatever's best for the ballclub, I'll be cheering the guy in the crimson. I don't really care what name is on the jersey.

[cjames317]

And he's grown since then, maybe 6'6", 250 lbs, with a juco nat'l championship. See pictures at:

http://www.blinn.edu/Buccaneer/athletics/Football/National%20Champion%20Blinn%20Buccaneers/index.html

[sooner59]

I don't know how he would react in a clutch game situation....possibly like the RRSO, but the kid is built like Jermaine Gresham, plays like Vince Young, and looks to be a more agile and faster version of both. This guy could be a flop, but he could also be "scary" good. I hope Miss. St. gets him if we don't, because I don't really like the prospect of playing against him.

[Jmorales22]

If we had any kind of kicking game this year, we probably go 10-2 at worst.

FIFY

[Monster Zero]

I wonder what he saw that made him speechless? Hey maybe, just maybe we caught on to the Tenessee motto and put a bunch of smokin hot "hostesses".... errr... future porn stars in front of him. That'll make any warmblooded American guy speechless. Look what it did for Eldrick Woods.

Hey! What's the difference between Tiger Woods and Santa Claus?

Santa Claus stops after just three HO's.

[gaylordfan1]

^^^^^agreed^^^^^^^^^^^

[sooneron]

I'm not looking for a Savior...I have one of those... I like Coach Heupel and I think that he does a great job...I just get excited when I see a top caliber player who might want to come and play for the school that I support...

... Regardless of baggage?

[sooneron]

I hate to disagree with you, but I don't think it's been OUr philosophy to not have OUr QB'srun. Jason White, running qb till he got hurt. Paul Thompson runnig QB. Rhett Bomar (the so called white Micheal Vick) running qb till hr decided to break rules. So I think we've been looking for a running qb just hasn't quite worked out due to certain circumstances. IMHO

No. Wrong. Stoops has said as much. He doesn't want a "running qb". Too much of the season is on the qb's shoulders to let him go out there and run sweeps etc. So, No. Wrong.

[StoopTroup]

I agree ron....it's never worked out well for us. Really not for anyone. Teblow got away with it for way to long. When guys stopped catching footballs...Bama exposed him.

[adoniijahsooner]

Well, it looks like Landry may have some concerns.




There have been a lot of questions about when Oklahoma got involved with Newton and he says while he has been talking to Josh Heupel for quite some time it was in the last few weeks he felt the Sooners get serious.

"I could feel they were interested for the most part and I think with the quarterback play and what I bring to the table, they became more interested in a quarterback like me," Newton said.

And then Newton brought in some language not heard since the days of Tommie Harris' recruitment.

"Just recently they gave me a scholarship offer, it's crunk up now, they crunked the whole thing up. Boomer Sooner is at full effect right now," he said.

The 6-foot-6, 247-pound signal-caller had a chance to spend a lot of time with the Sooner coaching staff, Heupel in particular but also got to know head coach Bob Stoops while on his visit.

"His message was pretty similar to coach Heupel's, everybody wants to put it out there, we aren't recruiting a junior college quarterback just to be here. We're trying to recruit him so he can come in and play," he said. "They feel that they can make me better as a player and they think that I can make them better as a team."

And whether or not Newton can buy into that is his exact concern.

"No. 1 is trust, I have to trust the coaches and the coaching staff," he said. "I would probably say second most important for me is playing right away and not just playing but how I can be developed as a better player."

Talking to Newton the visit couldn't have gone much better, honestly he sounded like a guy that was debating about a commitment. Now post-visit high is always something to be aware of but there is no denying the Sooners convinced Newton that Oklahoma was his best chance to be surrounded by talent and that he would be given every opportunity to start.

[StoopTroup]

Good for us it sounds.

Looks like the Red-White Game will be interesting come April.

I smell another SI Cover.

[adoniijahsooner]

Even though I really like Newton, I am starting to feel bad for Landry. Having said that; this gives him a chance to prove that he is not afraid of competition and he will battle to get the job.

[Partial Qualifier]

Well Cam, your #1 concern is understood but these guys aren't gonna extend a scholarship offer to someone they envision as a clipboard holder, especially considering you're a JUCO guy.

And regarding your #2 concern: witness two Heisman-winners coached and mentored by one J. Huepel....

this guy's natural ability + Huepel's QB coaching skillz ... wow

[OK2U]

Crunk=crazy drunk am I wrong?

[rawlingsHOH]

Well Cam, your #1 concern is understood but these guys aren't gonna extend a scholarship offer to someone they envision as a clipboard holder, especially considering you're a JUCO guy.

And regarding your #2 concern: witness two Heisman-winners coached and mentored by one J. Huepel....

this guy's natural ability + Huepel's QB coaching skillz ... wow

*cough* HALZLE */cough*

[adoniijahsooner]

*cough* HALZLE */cough*

He used the word "envision". Halzle was signed when their was a need @ Qb. Plus, Halzle wasnt the no.1 QB in the country.

[Widescreen]

*cough* HALZLE */cough*

That's a good point, but my opinion is that the coaches knew Halzle wasn't as good as Newton. I doubt they'd bring in Newton to hold a clipboard.

[rawlingsHOH]

He used the word "envision". Halzle was signed when their was a need @ Qb.

Halzle was most definitely "envisioned" as a clipboard holder. He was to be the 3-year back-up for Bomar.

[Widescreen]

I didn't realize we'd offered him out of high school. So he was already familiar with Heupel and OU prior to this round of recruiting.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Halzle was most definitely "envisioned" as a clipboard holder. He was to be the 3-year back-up for Bomar.

Yeah I think the main competition for Halzle was Wyoming...

[rawlingsHOH]

I didn't realize we'd offered him out of high school. So he was already familiar with Heupel and OU prior to this round of recruiting.

Yep, Newton, Steven Garcia and Keith Nichol became big QB targets after Bomar left.

[adoniijahsooner]

Halzle was most definitely "envisioned" as a clipboard holder. He was to be the 3-year back-up for Bomar.

Your right; I thought he came in after Bomar left. I still think Cam Newton is coming in to lead this team in 2010. Judging from the guy's comments, he seems to be very confident in his ability to take Landry's job.

[soonerlucky]

Why isin't there any highlights of this "Tebow2" throwing the ball?

[OU-HSV]

Why isin't there any highlights of this "Tebow2" throwing the ball?

There are...I think I saw them in the thread about Cameron and white in the recruiting thread.

EDIT: here ya go...SCxxSOONER posted this link in the recruiting forum:
http://www.soonerfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137707&page=3
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdg59Yr3ZeM

he starts throwing around the 2:30 mark

[adoniijahsooner]

Why isin't there any highlights of this "Tebow2" throwing the ball?

So you think that Stoops offered a qb off of youtube highlights alone?

[Tear Down This Wall]

Yeah but, ................... are we getting any offensive lineman so any of them can have a chance?

Bingo!

My brother and I had this discussion at the office this afternoon. He's got one foot in the "Landry isn't the answer" camp.

So, I asked him, "Well, how did our Heisman Trophy winner look this year behind that offensive line, no tight end threat, and a junk receiving corp?"

He didn't say anything.

Landy did damn good for what he was thrown into - no experience anywhere around him save for tailback and a fullback. Jason White and Sam Bradford both had veteran offensive lines the seasons they first started.

Stick Landry behind the OL like the ones we had in 2003-2004 or 2007-2008, and he'd throw 40-50 touchdowns as well.

Also, give Landry a tight end threat like Bradford had with Gresham and NFL-quality receivers like White and Bradford had with Clayton, Bradley, Wilson, Kelly, and Iglesias and he'd look alot different. Those guys would run routes and fight for the ball...unlike the half-a*ses we trotted out on the field this season.

Landry did a great job with the garbage around him this season. To run that kid off would be a terrible mistake.

[adoniijahsooner]

Bingo!

My brother and I had this discussion at the office this afternoon. He's got one foot in the "Landry isn't the answer" camp.

So, I asked him, "Well, how did our Heisman Trophy winner look this year behind that offensive line, no tight end threat, and a junk receiving corp?"

He didn't say anything.

Landy did damn good for what he was thrown into - no experience anywhere around him save for tailback and a fullback. Jason White and Sam Bradford both had veteran offensive lines the seasons they first started.

Stick Landry behind the OL like the ones we had in 2003-2004 or 2007-2008, and he'd throw 40-50 touchdowns as well.

Also, give Landry a tight end threat like Bradford had with Gresham and NFL-quality receivers like White and Bradford had with Clayton, Bradley, Wilson, Kelly, and Iglesias and he'd look alot different. Those guys would run routes and fight for the ball...unlike the half-a*ses we trotted out on the field this season.

Landry did a great job with the garbage around him this season. To run that kid off would be a terrible mistake.

Stoops and Co. are recruiting Cam Newton pretty hard. They want him on campus for a purpose. If Landry get his feelings hurt and decides that he is being disrespected, then he needs to either transfer or work as hard as he can to make himself the best qb on campus.

Even though he had a year on Allen, they were in a tight battle for the second qb position because stoops said that he needed to take care of the ball. What that tells me, is that even if Cam decides to go elsewhere Landry may still be in danger of losing his job to Allen for next year.

I think our record with Landry next year will be anywhere from 10-2 to 12-0; I really do. I also believe our record with Cam will be 12-0 with a difference maker at qb when we have to play a SEC team in the championship game.

[prrriiide]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60_8ln-MgE

It looks easy when you have 75 lbs. on the defender...Rogan is a good player at CB for Tennessee...

That said, hope he comes to OU!

[sooneredaco]

Bingo!

My brother and I had this discussion at the office this afternoon. He's got one foot in the "Landry isn't the answer" camp.

So, I asked him, "Well, how did our Heisman Trophy winner look this year behind that offensive line, no tight end threat, and a junk receiving corp?"

He didn't say anything.

Landy did damn good for what he was thrown into - no experience anywhere around him save for tailback and a fullback. Jason White and Sam Bradford both had veteran offensive lines the seasons they first started.

Stick Landry behind the OL like the ones we had in 2003-2004 or 2007-2008, and he'd throw 40-50 touchdowns as well.

Also, give Landry a tight end threat like Bradford had with Gresham and NFL-quality receivers like White and Bradford had with Clayton, Bradley, Wilson, Kelly, and Iglesias and he'd look alot different. Those guys would run routes and fight for the ball...unlike the half-a*ses we trotted out on the field this season.

Landry did a great job with the garbage around him this season. To run that kid off would be a terrible mistake.


I trust our coaching staff in making at making the right descion. I think saying that they would "run the kid off" is way off. I don't believe a coaching staff that has led OUr qb's to two Hiesman winners (should be 3) in the past ten years would make that kind if "mistake". They see something that we as avid fans don't see. They see the day in and day out play of Stache. They recognize that he either needs more competetion or he's just not cutting it. Either way, Stoops and company will do what's best to bring us back to national prominence!

Having said all that. I hope that Newton comes to OU. I always like having an option for a duel threat QB. Not sure if the coaches would really want him to run much or not, but unlike the vest in Ohio, I'm sure they would use all of natural abilities of any QB on campus.

[Widescreen]

Stick Landry behind the OL like the ones we had in 2003-2004 or 2007-2008, and he'd throw 40-50 touchdowns as well.

That's BS. Sam only threw 36 TD's his freshman year (which is still the freshman record) and he was WAY more accurate than Landry.

[w0lfe]

Man there is a lot of speculation on this board

[gaylordfan1]

If Newton commits when will he be coming in? Spring or Fall? Landry won't be going anywhere.... I don't think he is that type of kid. I'm sure the coaches are just trying to stock pile all positions in leau of this seasons injury situation.

[rawlingsHOH]

That's BS. Sam only threw 36 TD's his freshman year (which is still the freshman record) and he was WAY more accurate than Landry.

Do think it is easier to be accurate with Ndamukong Suh up in your grill, or when no one is within 10 feet of you?

[adoniijahsooner]

Man there is a lot of speculation on this board

That's what all sports are about; speculation. Why dont you give us the cold hard facts about landry, newton, allen, bell, the o-line, or even the sun bowl. I think we would all like to hear the final word on the matter.

Like I said, Cam may or may not sign, Landry may go on to be better than Sam, Allen may be the next Jason White, and our o-line may render it all pointless by matching this year's horrible play. See it's all speculation, which is okay since we are only talking about sports, and not some nuclear war.

[adoniijahsooner]

Do think it is easier to be accurate with Ndamukong Suh up in your grill, or when no one is within 10 feet of you?

I have seen Sam throw touchdowns while being hit at the same time.

[kustang619]

Whether or not Landry had an experienced offensive line doesn't excuse his poor decision making and poor throws. I realize that Landry had to get rid of a lot of balls earlier than he wanted too, but when given time Landry still made a ton of poor throws. He also struggled going through his progressions...He seemed to always stare down the receiver that he was going too.

[soonerinabilene]

his arm is amazing. It’s no stretch to see why some called him the next Vince Young when he was in high school.

This makes no sense whatsoever. Amazing arm and Vince Young? Goes together like a fork and a microwave.

[adoniijahsooner]

Subject change. Look at Finch in this highlight. Just start it at 40 seconds and enjoy this swing pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgvB4ZrAN_8

[rawlingsHOH]

I have seen Sam throw touchdowns while being hit at the same time.
I saw Sam suck at Iowa State.

That wasn't the question.

[KantoSooner]

I am sure there is some appropos quote out there regarding recruiting the best athletes you can and forget the positions. So long as our line woes are covered, to the best of the coachs' abilities to predict at this point, then go for this guy, he is one hell of an athlete.

[adoniijahsooner]

I saw Sam suck at Iowa State.

That wasn't the question.

How many interceptions did sam throw at iowa state?

[adoniijahsooner]

Here are some highlights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjsSkUJgig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMpTGI6B4Zg&feature=related

Look at some of his throws and then tell me how bad he played.

[Widescreen]

Do think it is easier to be accurate with Ndamukong Suh up in your grill, or when no one is within 10 feet of you?

I didn't realize Suh played against us in every game. So you're saying that all those throws he threw high and behind the receivers all season long were because of Suh? Man, that guy really was a beast.

[kustang619]

Subject change. Look at Finch in this highlight. Just start it at 40 seconds and enjoy this swing pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgvB4ZrAN_8

I'm pretty sure that I just tore my acl, mcl or something cl watching Finch make that cut back to the inside...Nice catch as well...

[adoniijahsooner]

How many interceptions did sam throw at iowa state?

I'll answer my own question...

16-28 183 yards 1 interception

ISu scored their td off of an Allen Patrick fumble

[Sooner04]

I was at the Iowa State game. Sam wasn't THAT bad.

[adoniijahsooner]

I'm pretty sure that I just tore my acl, mcl or something cl watching Finch make that cut back to the inside...Nice catch as well...

yeah, stoops has alot of talent coming in next year. I am just hoping for cam to come and join the fun.

[Tear Down This Wall]

I have seen Sam throw touchdowns while being hit at the same time.

Not this year behind this line you didn't.

What you saw was Sam get pummeled because of a young offensive line - the same offensive line Landry was thrown in behind.

Jason White and Sam Bradford stepped into starting situations with lines filled with juniors and senior, some bound for the NFL. That wasn't even close to the case this season.

This whole discussion can be filed under the-quarterback-gets-too-much-credit-and-too-much-blame. Landry did a good job for what he was thrown into. Only Colt McCoy and Jerrod Johnson threw for more touchdowns than Landry. His interception mark was about the same as Colt's and Texas Tech's Potts.

And, guys - McCoy, Johnson, and Potts are all juniors or seniors. Landry kept up with them statistically as a freshman playing behind a bad line, with no tight end threat to speak of, receivers who were unreliable in pass routes and catching the ball, and a spotty run game (in part due to the poor line play).

Landry Jones has the makings of a great quarterback. But, Sam Bradford himself is proof that a great quarterback doesn't look so great behind a bad offense line and with receivers who regularly drop passes.

[rawlingsHOH]

I saw Sam get KO'd, TWICE!

No one knows how Landry may have performed with the 07-08 squad. We got only a glimpse of what Sam would do with the 09 team, and it wasn't up to Sam's standards.

[rawlingsHOH]

What I really don't understand... why was everybody giving Rhett Bomar a free pass, calling him such a great prospect, and the leader to out next NC, when Landry massively outperformed him in very similar situations?

[OUTrumpet]

yeah, stoops has alot of talent coming in next year. I am just hoping for cam to come and join the fun.

Just wait till you see the receiver from Skyline in Dallas.

[adoniijahsooner]

Not this year behind this line you didn't.

What you saw was Sam get pummeled because of a young offensive line - the same offensive line Landry was thrown in behind.

Jason White and Sam Bradford stepped into starting situations with lines filled with juniors and senior, some bound for the NFL. That wasn't even close to the case this season.

This whole discussion can be filed under the-quarterback-gets-too-much-credit-and-too-much-blame. Landry did a good job for what he was thrown into. Only Colt McCoy and Jerrod Johnson threw for more touchdowns than Landry. His interception mark was about the same as Colt's and Texas Tech's Potts.

And, guys - McCoy, Johnson, and Potts are all juniors or seniors. Landry kept up with them statistically as a freshman playing behind a bad line, with no tight end threat to speak of, receivers who were unreliable in pass routes and catching the ball, and a spotty run game (in part due to the poor line play).

Landry Jones has the makings of a great quarterback. But, Sam Bradford himself is proof that a great quarterback doesn't look so great behind a bad offense line and with receivers who regularly drop passes.

Sam got injured, but when he played against BYU his stats were
10-14 96 yards 1 td

Baylor
27-49 389 yards
He could have had 500 yards passing in this game.

Texas
2-6 77 yards

We had the lead in every game he played before getting injured, and not 1 interception to speak of.

[rawlingsHOH]

Sam got injured, but when he played against BYU his stats were
10-14 96 yards 1 td

Baylor
27-49 389 yards
He could have had 500 yards passing in this game.

Texas
2-6 77 yards

We had the lead in every game he played before getting injured, and not 1 interception to speak of.

Sam was good, not great (Sam-like), against Baylor. There were about 10 drops, including two by Baylor players.

QB Rating
2007 - 176.5
2008 - 180.8
2009 - 134.5

It is what it is.

[sooneron]

It's interesting for all the teeth gnashing that goes on here about :mack:s playaz transgressions, no one is voicing concern over a guy that stole a computer.
That said, I'm ok with guys getting second chances - worked out for Broyles, Dusty and Lynn, but it's odd that no one is bringing this up.

[BoulderSooner79]

Lid brought it up for us.

[BillyBall]

It's interesting for all the teeth gnashing that goes on here about :mack:s playaz transgressions, no one is voicing concern over a guy that stole a computer.
That said, I'm ok with guys getting second chances - worked out for Broyles, Dusty and Lynn, but it's odd that no one is bringing this up.

I've heard the excuse that he didn't know it was stolen, yet when the cop came to search his dorm room that was the thing he threw out the window. Interesting...

[adoniijahsooner]

I've heard the excuse that he didn't know it was stolen, yet when the cop came to search his dorm room that was the thing he threw out the window. Interesting...

Yeah, I heard of guy who use to hunt down and murder christians, and then all of sudden he wrote a big piece of the new testament.

People can change, and people DESERVE a second chance.

[BillyBall]

Yeah, I heard of guy who use to hunt down and murder christians, and then all of sudden he wrote a big piece of the new testament.

People can change, and people DESERVE a second chance.

I'm not saying he doesn't deserve a chance, I just look at the contradiction and find it amusing.

[icmwhOU72]

Whoa guys when did this turn into a sam bashing thread. Lets not take anything away from what Sam has done for OU. Yeah he may have had some subpar games in 2007, but he improved dramatically in 08. If you want to talk qb ratings, 134 is an awesome rating. Most qb's in the nfl have a qb rating of under a hundred for the season, and they have the best of the best recievers. I dont know i think you guys should lay off Sam. The guy was so smooth at QB. The fact that he got hurt only helps his fututre in my opinion. I read the SI redraft thing and through 10 games matt stafford got sacked 24 times and that is how it is going to be for sam if he goes in the top five of the draft. Sam is not built to take that kind of beating. He has a small frame.

As for cam newton, he is the kind of qb that can make a sub-par line look really good. As a defense playing agaginst a qb with the ability to break contain, you have to play your de's a little differently which will open lanes up inside for the running game. If he comes in, he will have a huge immediate impact.

[rawlingsHOH]

Whoa guys when did this turn into a sam bashing thread. Lets not take anything away from what Sam has done for OU. Yeah he may have had some subpar games in 2007, but he improved dramatically in 08. If you want to talk qb ratings, 134 is an awesome rating. Most qb's in the nfl have a qb rating of under a hundred for the season, and they have the best of the best recievers. I dont know i think you guys should lay off Sam. The guy was so smooth at QB. The fact that he got hurt only helps his fututre in my opinion. I read the SI redraft thing and through 10 games matt stafford got sacked 24 times and that is how it is going to be for sam if he goes in the top five of the draft. Sam is not built to take that kind of beating. He has a small frame.

As for cam newton, he is the kind of qb that can make a sub-par line look really good. As a defense playing agaginst a qb with the ability to break contain, you have to play your de's a little differently which will open lanes up inside for the running game. If he comes in, he will have a huge immediate impact.
Just defending Jones. Sam is one of the all-time great college QBs, no doubt.

But regarding QB ratings, the NFL uses a different formula. In college, a 134 is a very solid, but not great, rating. I think about the same as Landry's.

[goingoneight]

What I really don't understand... why was everybody giving Rhett Bomar a free pass, calling him such a great prospect, and the leader to out next NC, when Landry massively outperformed him in very different and much more difficult situations?

fixed.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

the NFL could care less about the college quarterback rating system....In fact a lot of the early picks have rated low in the rating system

[rawlingsHOH]

the NFL could care less about the college quarterback rating system....In fact a lot of the early picks have rated low in the rating system
They could care less about the pro as well, but the two formula's are very similar, the college formula just lacks limits. I also think the college forumla weighs yards per attempt a little more heavily, while the pro favors completion percentage more.

Bradford's numbers...

2007
College, 176.5
Pro, 123.5

2008
College, 180.8
Pro, 126.9

2009
College, 134.5
Pro, 92.7

[setem]

I do not feel like reading 6 pages of thread. What is the word on him?

I have been a big supporter of Jones and I think he could be a great one. That being said I think Newton would bring more tools to the table and if he truly earned the spot should play over Landry. We are faced with a big question though. Will there me enough improvement by the o-line to make a difference? Because it wont matter if we have Davie O'Brian back there if the Oline wont block the QB is gonna suck.

[kustang619]

I've heard the excuse that he didn't know it was stolen, yet when the cop came to search his dorm room that was the thing he threw out the window. Interesting...

See... he does have a good arm...

[soonerborn30]

In reference to the laptop thing: let's say you procure a laptop at a disturbingly low price, or even free. ( I don't know the whole story, so bear with me). The first thought in most rational people's minds is that it could be stolen. So, while sitting in your dorm with your newly acquired laptop, the cops bang on the door. Anyone with half a brain would put 2 and 2 together, and try to get rid of the (now-obviously stolen) laptop he just got. Not that hard.

I like the idea of bringing in a JUCO for a quick fix while we show the next stud QB the ropes. If Landry is up to the challenge of beating out the guys we'll have, more power to him. But one thing is for sure, is that Bob will put the best man out on the field on Saturday, and that is what makes me feel OK about it. This year was about a lack of options, next year that won't be the case.

[boomermagic]

If we get him fine,IF not, we still have Landry,Drew Allen,and come this fall Blake Bell.Anyone expecting any QB to come in and be a dual-threat whiz at OU is ignoring OU's long established qb philosophy.We DO NOT want OUr qbs to run.
With or without Cameron our qb play will be improved next year because of the experince we return on o-line and at wr.IF ANYONE beats out Landry then they will have to be topnotch.Either way I am confident OUr qb play will be improved next season.


Some are saying we might see a change in NOT wanting our qb's to run.. I think we might...

[Blues1]

Some are saying we might see a change in NOT wanting our qb's to run.. I think we might...

I'm Thinking at 6' 6 " and 238 lbs or more ~ Hell Yes....!!!

[misplacedsooner]

landry is solid and could be a good one....that said newton gives us a little something we dont have if he comes here and works hard.....think jake locker he put up the stats he did with the worst o-line in the pac-10.....a freshman running back and 2 soph. wideouts.
landry isnt one to make something out of nothing...newton gives us that potential.

[KantoSooner]

How about we line him up at TE and then let Landry throw him the ball with the option to throw down field or run.
It would be hilarious if you ran the "Half back pass" as often as we run the bubble screen.

[misplacedsooner]

i highly doubt he would come here if he thought he would be switching positions. i say if he can win the job at qb just let him do what he does best.

[delhalew]

How about we line him up at TE and then let Landry throw him the ball with the option to throw down field or run.
It would be hilarious if you ran the "Half back pass" as often as we run the bubble screen.
OK, that is funny.

[rawlingsHOH]

landry is solid and could be a good one....that said newton gives us a little something we dont have if he comes here and works hard.....think jake locker he put up the stats he did with the worst o-line in the pac-10.....a freshman running back and 2 soph. wideouts.
landry isnt one to make something out of nothing...newton gives us that potential.

He had the exact same QB rating as Landry Jones!

[rawlingsHOH]

Landry Jones...
231 completions, 398 attempts, 2780 yards, 23 TD, 13 INT

Jake Locker...
230 completions, 395 attempts, 2800 yards, 21 TD, 11 INT

Granted, Locker is a very good runner, 380 rushing yards, but I find it extemely ironic that Locker is considered a 1st round draft pick and Jones "sucks".

[misplacedsooner]

all in all he had a much worse supporting cast around him than landry had plus there were all the times he made something out of nothing. there is a reason he is so highly rated by nfl guys.
guess im just saying if newton comes and works out for us that he will give us something landry cant ever give us, a real threat to take off at any moment and that really screws with a defense. im curious....take away tulsa and idaho state and what is landry s rating???

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Landry Jones...
231 completions, 398 attempts, 2780 yards, 23 TD, 13 INT

Jake Locker...
230 completions, 395 attempts, 2800 yards, 21 TD, 11 INT

Granted, Locker is a very good runner, 380 rushing yards, but I find it extemely ironic that Locker is considered a 1st round draft pick and Jones "sucks".

Not me...very apple and oranges comparison when it comes to the types of offenses

[rawlingsHOH]

all in all he had a much worse supporting cast around him than landry had plus there were all the times he made something out of nothing. there is a reason he is so highly rated by nfl guys.
guess im just saying if newton comes and works out for us that he will give us something landry cant ever give us, a real threat to take off at any moment and that really screws with a defense. im curious....take away tulsa and idaho state and what is landry s rating???

I agree, I'm curious what Newton can do as well. No stones unturned! If he's the best, I want him.

But if you are going to play "take away" this game and that game... let's "take away" the Nebraska game too. Pleeeeease!

How about let's leave all the games in there and collect all the data available. You are never as good as your best day, and never as bad as your worst.

Just sayin

(BTW - Landry had a 121 conference rating, 129 overall)

[ndpruitt03]

I think having people compete for the job only helps our QB position next year. Bring on Cam Newton.

[rawlingsHOH]

Not me...very apple and oranges comparison when it comes to the types of offenses
No doubt! I was speaking in generalities. The UW offense is more pro-style, albeit with a QB run game mixed in, than OU's passing-friendly spread.

[misplacedsooner]

very true. landry had some nice days and some bad ones which is to be expected as young as he is. i think we would all be alot more forgiving if we had never seen sam here as a rs freshman and what he evolved quickly into, that will always be etched in our minds and a measuring stick for our future qbs.

[TXBOOMER]

Sam was good, not great (Sam-like), against Baylor. There were about 10 drops, including two by Baylor players.

QB Rating
2007 - 176.5
2008 - 180.8
2009 - 134.5

It is what it is.

I agree with a lot of things you say. But, Landry is way < Sam Bradford. Absurd to argue otherwise. You will never win that argument. Why do you think the coaches are recruiting Cam so heavy? If we get this guy, and have Blake Bell waiting in the wings it wouldn't surprise me to see Landry as the back-up for the rest of his years here. Also, Bomar was a much better athlete than LJ and more accurate. Bomar got better as the year went on. Look at LJ's last three games vs. Bomars. Bomar was a smart ace that got caught breaking the rules, but if you are trying to argue that LJ looks better than Bomar looked you are related to LJ.

[mehip]

Wow, lots of excitement over Newton. Hopefully he lands here and we can see some intense competition for QB.

[misplacedsooner]

thats what im saying. anyone else see a change in the qbs we are going after?? rather than drop back, stay in the pocket guys its looking more duel threat big guys. im just envisioning newton for 2 years, bell as a redshirt next year and a true freshman the year after watching a senior (newton) lead us to the promised land and then taking over in his 3rd year in the program....looks like a recipe for great things to come.
now if landry comes out and sets the program on fire that is all a mute point. but sure is fun to dream.

[OK2U]

John Nimmo for Heisman, 2010!

[misplacedsooner]

alas, i feel john nimmo will never see the field again as a sooner on game day. quick thought.....did john ever attempt a pass??

[rawlingsHOH]

I agree with a lot of things you say. But, Landry is way < Sam Bradford. Absurd to argue otherwise. You will never win that argument. Why do you think the coaches are recruiting Cam so heavy? If we get this guy, and have Blake Bell waiting in the wings it wouldn't surprise me to see Landry as the back-up for the rest of his years here.
What's absurb is to bury Landry, after his freshman season, supported by a very suspect collection of players.

Football is a team sport.



Also, Bomar was a much better athlete than LJ and more accurate. Bomar got better as the year went on. Look at LJ's last three games vs. Bomars. Bomar was a smart ace that got caught breaking the rules, but if you are trying to argue that LJ looks better than Bomar looked you are related to LJ.
Bomar was definitely stronger and faster, but more accurate? Extremely debatable.

The stats say no. And the NFL scouting reports say his accuracy was a weakness. Bomar did win the accuracy competition at the Elite 11, but those are related more closely to carnival events than football games.

Arm strength? Both among two of the strongest we've had on campus, you can add Tommy Grady to that list as well.


Facts remain...

Bomar goes 10 TDs, 10 INTs, and he's leading us to the promise land.

Heupel goes 20 TDs, 15 INTs, and he's the greatest ever and a Sooner legend.

Landry goes 23 TDs, and 13 INTs, and people want him gone because he's not Sam Bradford.

[rawlingsHOH]

Face it, a field goal here, a defensive stop or a broken tackle there, and OU ends up 11-1? People would be calling Landry's season AMAZING!

It's a team sport.

Super-fan gets to emotional over wins and losses. It affects their ability to rationalize.

[unbiasedtruth]

and what about drew allen..... where does he fit in all this talk....

[rawlingsHOH]

and what about drew allen..... where does he fit in all this talk....

Well based on some peoples logic, he must suck, or why else would they be recruiting Newton so hard?

[HBick]

John Nimmo for Heisman, 2010!

+1

[SCxxSOONER]

I saw Sam get KO'd, TWICE!

No one knows how Landry may have performed with the 07-08 squad. We got only a glimpse of what Sam would do with the 09 team, and it wasn't up to Sam's standards.

BYU he threw a td to broyles......he threw for nearly 400 yds and a td against baylor and had the receivers caught half the balls they dropped it would've been more.

[mehip]

Hmmm....

What I don't get in some of the comments I am seeing here is why we wouldn't want somebody like this on the squad if he is worthy of the hype.

[BoulderSooner79]

Hmmm....

What I don't get in some of the comments I am seeing here is why we wouldn't want somebody like this on the squad if he is worthy of the hype.

If he didn't have off-field troubles, he would be a gator, so there are questions to be answered. It appears he has answered them for Stoops if he indeed has an OU offer.

[SoonersEnFuego]

Just let me know when/where he signs.

[cvsooner]

Considering how bad the 'Huskers made Colt McCoy -- a four-year starter -- look, I'd cut Landry some slack in the Nebraska game. And Colt had a better supporting cast around him at essentially every position, except running back.

Landry has a lot of growing to do. It's always a crap shoot. Jones was the best we had at the time. Next season? Who knows?

[goingoneight]

What's absurb is to bury Landry, after his freshman season, supported by a very suspect collection of players.

Football is a team sport. Facts remain...

Bomar goes 10 TDs, 10 INTs, and he's leading us to the promise land.

Heupel goes 20 TDs, 15 INTs, and he's the greatest ever and a Sooner legend.

Landry goes 23 TDs, and 13 INTs, and people want him gone because he's not Sam Bradford.

I'll just add-in that there was absolutely no threat, not even a pulse at the TE position during Landry's first year. That's 12 TDs off of Sam's freshman season to Gresham, two or three to JJF. Consider very strongly what a receiving TE such as JG does for guys like Kelly, Chaney, Iglesias and Johnson. Are those guys any better in 2007 and 2008 than they were in 2005 and 2006 if they're doubled-up?

Sam got away with a lot of stuff his freshman year that conveniently gets forgotten until his three rough spots... his freshman moments (Colorado, Iowa State and West Virginia) are brought up. He stared down his receivers badly in 2007 and locked his knees in ther pocket. He even acknowledged this himself during spring football in 2009 the difference time makes.

You can throw a pass a little behind a guy if your guy is Malcom Kelly and he's gonna one-hand it. Not when it's Adron Tennell.

LJ had ONE elite talent in 2009 not coming out of the backfield. Sam had JG, MK, QC, JI, MJ, RB and NTM all of the guys in backup status LJ currently has starting.

Miller and Reynolds are looking better with each game, but the talent surrounding LJ just ain't top-notch yet.

If we get through 2010 without any freakish injuries or tough luck situations, then you can judge LJ a little better. He didn't do any different than any of the rest of the freshmen QBs out there this year. In fact, before Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford came along, 23 TDs is GREAT for a freshman QB and a couple of rough games is expected. Especially when you have Crick and Suh after you on the road. Keep in mind Colt's freshman year, he was leading an offense that was fresh off of a National Championship run. He collapsed in 2007 without an OL or good WR corps, too. Sam's freshman year, the table was set for a National Championship run. A guy with a little more clutch, crunch-time experience might have gotten us through the spots Sam couldn't, but that's not to say we'd have preferred anyone BUT Sam after 2007. He was remarkable, but still... a game manager.

On paper, before any fluke injuries or suspensions, it would appear that next season could be as good as a 10-2 run or better. Chicken Littles don't believe me? Tell me your thoughts as to why not. Picking on a freshman QB who looked like every other freshman would look in his shoes is retarded and you're only kidding yourself if you think LJ won't improve with time (and more experience around him).

[adoniijahsooner]

Face it, a field goal here, a defensive stop or a broken tackle there, and OU ends up 11-1? People would be calling Landry's season AMAZING!

It's a team sport.

Super-fan gets to emotional over wins and losses. It affects their ability to rationalize.

Ok, Why is Stoops recruiting Newton? Is Landry better or equal to Sam? Did Landry have a better freshman year than Bomar? Should Stoops pull Newtons offer because Landry is the future?

Do you believe that Landry is so awesome that stoops felt compelled to recruit the #1 player in the nation just to hold landry's clipboard? Allen and Blake wouldnt do right? He needed a bigger badass to carry that thing around?

Most of the post i read are pro-sooner and not anti-Landry, but I have seen you use the words SAM BRADFORD and SUCK in the same sentence. Let me go on record and say that Sam Bradford is leaps and bounds above Landry Jones. Do you think we finish 7-5 with Sam behind center?

[TXBOOMER]

I ain't looking it up but, how many TD's and Int's did LJ throw against Tator State and Tulsa. I remember lots of TD's and don't remember any Oskies. Keep TD to Int ratios in perspective. I'd like to know that ratio over his last three games. I would have liked to have seen improvement through the year like we did with Bomar the village idiot. If LJ is the man I'm hoping for much improvement. If they get somebody better, bring him on.

[rawlingsHOH]

Ok, Why is Stoops recruiting Newton?
Because he obviously thinks he's a very talented guy. And as Sooner fans know too well, you can never have enough talnted QBs on the roster. See 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 for examples.


Is Landry better or equal to Sam?
I think Sam was one of the best QBs to ever play the college game. We don't know how Landry would have performed with that cast. I'd guess Sam was better as a freshman, but all that is IS a guess.


Did Landry have a better freshman year than Bomar?
In very similar situations, Landry outperformed Rhett, significantly, statistically. I liked Bomar's potential a lot, I do Landry's as well.



Should Stoops pull Newtons offer because Landry is the future?
Hell no, if Stoops likes him. I think 4 scholarship QBs is a good idea.


Do you believe that Landry is so awesome that stoops felt compelled to recruit the #1 player in the nation just to hold landry's clipboard?
I would hope we'd recruit the #1 player in the nation regardless of whom we have on campus.


Do you think we finish 7-5 with Sam behind center?
I feel we probably would have gone 10-2/11-1. Our record would have been much prettier with the veteran QB, but I don't think our team would have been significantly better. We lost 4 games by 1 score. Bradford or not, we wouldn't have been close to the 2008 offense.

[Sooner-N-KS]

I ain't looking it up but, how many TD's and Int's did LJ throw against Tator State and Tulsa. I remember lots of TD's and don't remember any Oskies. Keep TD to Int ratios in perspective. I'd like to know that ratio over his last three games. I would have liked to have seen improvement through the year like we did with Bomar the village idiot. If LJ is the man I'm hoping for much improvement. If they get somebody better, bring him on.

If you're gonna bring it up you should at least look it up first.

You may not remember the INT's, but the first offensive play of the day for OU against Tulsa was an INT.

Idaho St. 3 TD's and 1 INT.

Tulsa 6 TD's and 2 INT's.

I was photographing on the sidelines for both games, and there were several other passes that should have been intercepted.

Last few games?

Nebraska 0-5

aTm 5-1

Tech 1-1

OSU 0-0


So he did pretty good against the defense that quit (A&M), but that's about it.

[rawlingsHOH]

If you're gonna bring it up you should at least look it up first.

You may not remember the INT's, but the first offensive play of the day for OU against Tulsa was an INT.

Idaho St. 3 TD's and 1 INT.

Tulsa 6 TD's and 2 INT's.

I was photographing on the sidelines for both games, and there were several other passes that should have been intercepted.

Last few games?

Nebraska 0-5

aTm 5-1

Tech 1-1

OSU 0-0


So he did pretty good against the defense that quit (A&M), but that's about it.
And if you take away the Rice, Utep and Ark St games, Heupel only threw 13 TD passes on the season. It's a silly game to play.

[Sooner-N-KS]

And if you take away the Rice, Utep and Ark St games, Heupel only threw 13 TD passes on the season. It's a silly game to play.

Who said we relied on Josh's arm?

Take away 3 games from Landry and he has 9 TD's.

[sooneron]

all in all he had a much worse supporting cast around him than landry had plus there were all the times he made something out of nothing. there is a reason he is so highly rated by nfl guys.
guess im just saying if newton comes and works out for us that he will give us something landry cant ever give us, a real threat to take off at any moment and that really screws with a defense. im curious....take away tulsa and idaho state and what is landry s rating???

Take away Idaho and Wazzu, and what is Locker's rating?

[soonerborn30]

6 TD's and 7 INTs in your last 4 games is not exactly what I'd call improvement. That's the opposite of improvement, actually. I can't wait to see another QB get a chance.

I'm so tired of all this excuse making for Jones. The only thing that matters is results. Ws and Ls. When people look back on this terrible record in 15 years it won't have a little * that says "lots of injuries, freshman QB making freshman mistakes." Nope. It'll just have 5 (likely 6) big, fat, losses. This kid got his shot, and simply did not get it done. Time for new blood.

[GottaHavePride]

Man, y'all are an unrealistic damn bunch here. All the speculation is a load of crap. During the season you do the best you can with what you have. Saying "how much better would Sam have done?" is irrelevant - we didn't HAVE Sam. We didn't have Gresham. Get over it, ya whinybitches.

Arguing over who will be better next year is ALSO irrelevant. We wait till we get all the new guys on campus and then see who actually IS the best.

Now, I realize our team had flaws this year, and I don't mind if you all want to discuss those flaws, or if you want to discuss what new players we might be getting and how they might address those flaws. Whatever. But to sit there saying that a RS freshman who had to start unexpectedly behind an O-line that was playing musical chairs each week and throw to inexperienced receivers while running for his life (takes a breath) sucks monkey balls and isn't good enough to ever start again for this program, well, that hacks me right the hell off.

Like it or not, Landry Jones is STILL the best QB we've got right now. And you know what? He's got at LEAST one more start left. So if you guys really dislike him that much, feel free not to watch the bowl game, and not to cheer when we beat the crap out of Stanford, and not to tell the Texas fans "payback's a bitch, isn't it?" when they get pounded by Bama.

Hallelujah. Holy ****. Where's the Tylenol.


For some of y'all it ought to be Midol.

[soonerguild]

Man, y'all are an unrealistic damn bunch here. All the speculation is a load of crap. During the season you do the best you can with what you have. Saying "how much better would Sam have done?" is irrelevant - we didn't HAVE Sam. We didn't have Gresham. Get over it, ya whinybitches.

Arguing over who will be better next year is ALSO irrelevant. We wait till we get all the new guys on campus and then see who actually IS the best.

Now, I realize our team had flaws this year, and I don't mind if you all want to discuss those flaws, or if you want to discuss what new players we might be getting and how they might address those flaws. Whatever. But to sit there saying that a RS freshman who had to start unexpectedly behind an O-line that was playing musical chairs each week and throw to inexperienced receivers while running for his life (takes a breath) sucks monkey balls and isn't good enough to ever start again for this program, well, that hacks me right the hell off.

Like it or not, Landry Jones is STILL the best QB we've got right now. And you know what? He's got at LEAST one more start left. So if you guys really dislike him that much, feel free not to watch the bowl game, and not to cheer when we beat the crap out of Stanford, and not to tell the Texas fans "payback's a bitch, isn't it?" when they get pounded by Bama.

Hallelujah. Holy ****. Where's the Tylenol.


For some of y'all it ought to be Midol.

I COMPLETELY agree.

The thing I tell all of my friends that get their kicks bashing landry is this:

Sam bradford as a RS frosh battled with nicol for the starting job in the spring, summer, and fall before he ended up winnin the job. You would have to assume that he got at least 50% of the snaps in practice during that time, probably more if you count after he was named the starter in the fall, but for the sake of argument we'll leave it at 50%.

Now landry jones, as a RS frosh, was they back up to the returning heisman trophy winner, and during that same period of spring, summer, and fall got well say 10% of the snaps in practice, which is probably inflated.

So at the same point in time in his career, Landry had 1/5, or 20%, of the preparation that Sam had. I'm not saying this to say that landry is better or even as good as sam, there is a good chance I'll die not seeing a sooner qb better than sam, but with his lack of preparation and all of the other things mentioned by GHP, people need to put landry's performance into perspective.

After a full spring, summer, and fall of practice, he will be alot better book. That doesn't mean hell win the heisman, but mark it down, before landry leaves hell be a top 5 qb in the nation.

[rawlingsHOH]

6 TD's and 7 INTs in your last 4 games is not exactly what I'd call improvement. That's the opposite of improvement, actually. I can't wait to see another QB get a chance.
So it's the last FOUR games that count?

How about 6 TDs and 2 INTs in his last THREE games?

Like I said, I'll play this stupid little game all day long. LOL



I'm so tired of all this excuse making for Jones. The only thing that matters is results. Ws and Ls. When people look back on this terrible record in 15 years it won't have a little * that says "lots of injuries, freshman QB making freshman mistakes." Nope. It'll just have 5 (likely 6) big, fat, losses. This kid got his shot, and simply did not get it done. Time for new blood.
Definition of doom and gloom is to call a 10-point favorite a "likely" loser.

How about "possibly", or would that be too rational?

[stoops the eternal pimp]

Man, y'all are an unrealistic damn bunch here. All the speculation is a load of crap. During the season you do the best you can with what you have. Saying "how much better would Sam have done?" is irrelevant - we didn't HAVE Sam. We didn't have Gresham. Get over it, ya whinybitches.

Arguing over who will be better next year is ALSO irrelevant. We wait till we get all the new guys on campus and then see who actually IS the best.

Now, I realize our team had flaws this year, and I don't mind if you all want to discuss those flaws, or if you want to discuss what new players we might be getting and how they might address those flaws. Whatever. But to sit there saying that a RS freshman who had to start unexpectedly behind an O-line that was playing musical chairs each week and throw to inexperienced receivers while running for his life (takes a breath) sucks monkey balls and isn't good enough to ever start again for this program, well, that hacks me right the hell off.

Like it or not, Landry Jones is STILL the best QB we've got right now. And you know what? He's got at LEAST one more start left. So if you guys really dislike him that much, feel free not to watch the bowl game, and not to cheer when we beat the crap out of Stanford, and not to tell the Texas fans "payback's a bitch, isn't it?" when they get pounded by Bama.

Hallelujah. Holy ****. Where's the Tylenol.


For some of y'all it ought to be Midol.

Don't forget the rubber sheets and gerbils.

[kustang619]

I feel good about the ole' Sun Bowl... Our D will be prepared and they will step up and make some stops...They will carry us like they have all year... Our O should be able to move the ball against a defense ranked 85th in the nation and Broyles will be a difference maker... There is no doom and gloom here, have some daggum confidence...

[adoniijahsooner]

I COMPLETELY agree.

The thing I tell all of my friends that get their kicks bashing landry is this:

Sam bradford as a RS frosh battled with nicol for the starting job in the spring, summer, and fall before he ended up winnin the job. You would have to assume that he got at least 50% of the snaps in practice during that time, probably more if you count after he was named the starter in the fall, but for the sake of argument we'll leave it at 50%.

Now landry jones, as a RS frosh, was they back up to the returning heisman trophy winner, and during that same period of spring, summer, and fall got well say 10% of the snaps in practice, which is probably inflated.

So at the same point in time in his career, Landry had 1/5, or 20%, of the preparation that Sam had. I'm not saying this to say that landry is better or even as good as sam, there is a good chance I'll die not seeing a sooner qb better than sam, but with his lack of preparation and all of the other things mentioned by GHP, people need to put landry's performance into perspective.

After a full spring, summer, and fall of practice, he will be alot better book. That doesn't mean hell win the heisman, but mark it down, before landry leaves hell be a top 5 qb in the nation.

I guess your forgetting that Sam was in a 3 way battle with Halzle and Nichol in the fall. they battled up until the last week of the fall camp.

[TXBOOMER]

So it's the last FOUR games that count?

How about 6 TDs and 2 INTs in his last THREE games?

Like I said, I'll play this stupid little game all day long. LOL



Definition of doom and gloom is to call a 10-point favorite a "likely" loser.

How about "possibly", or would that be too rational?

LOL! Most of that is from the aTm give up. Let's keep playing.

[TXBOOMER]

If you're gonna bring it up you should at least look it up first.

I'll bring up what I want to bring up and I'll look up what I want to look up. Remember, there is always a Goober that will look it up for you if you preface your post by saying "I don't have the numbers" or "I didn't look it up" etc.

[rawlingsHOH]

LOL! Most of that is from the aTm give up. Let's keep playing.

As most of the INTs are from the Nebraska game.

[gaylordfan1]

Landry will be the starter next year!

[adoniijahsooner]

Landry will be the starter next year!

If Cam picks another school.

[adoniijahsooner]

He's visiting Auburn, then he will decide. Landry must be screaming, "Go War Eagle!"

[OUmillenium]

6 TD's and 7 INTs in your last 4 games is not exactly what I'd call improvement. That's the opposite of improvement, actually. I can't wait to see another QB get a chance.

I'm so tired of all this excuse making for Jones. The only thing that matters is results. Ws and Ls. When people look back on this terrible record in 15 years it won't have a little * that says "lots of injuries, freshman QB making freshman mistakes." Nope. It'll just have 5 (likely 6) big, fat, losses. This kid got his shot, and simply did not get it done. Time for new blood.

I'm with you. Not a Landry hater, just not impressed with what he did against non-suck teams.

[Sooner-N-KS]

So it's the last FOUR games that count?

How about 6 TDs and 2 INTs in his last THREE games?

Like I said, I'll play this stupid little game all day long. LOL



OK, how about his last game where he was 0-0? Completely ineffective against a mediocre OSU defense.

Or 1-1 in his last two games?

There seems to be 3 combination's in his last 4 games that make him look not so good. There's one combination that you just brought up that makes him look OK when you throw in the game against a really bad defense that quit against OU.

[Sooner-N-KS]

I'm with you. Not a Landry hater, just not impressed with what he did against non-suck teams.

I'm with you. I'm not saying Landry was a bad QB, but he definitely wasn't as good as some people want to believe.

[goingoneight]

Josh Heupel had 0 TDs and two INTs (nearly four if FSU's safety didn't grease his fingertips during warmups) in the Orange Bowl.

Now... what is it some call Heupel again?

Oh, yeah... "best QB of the Stoops era," "runner-up for the Heisman," "National Champion," etc, etc, etc.

[mehip]

Josh Heupel had 0 TDs and two INTs (nearly four if FSU's safety didn't grease his fingertips during warmups) in the Orange Bowl.

Now... what is it some call Heupel again?

Oh, yeah... "best QB of the Stoops era," "runner-up for the Heisman," "National Champion," etc, etc, etc.

I just call him a winner.

[westbrooke]

I get the impression that some (not all) of those ragging on Jones expect him to lose an open quarterback competition with Allen/Bell/Newton. Open competition is a good thing, but... what are you going to do if he wins?

[ndpruitt03]

I get the impression that some (not all) of those ragging on Jones expect him to lose an open quarterback competition with Allen/Bell/Newton. Open competition is a good thing, but... what are you going to do if he wins?

Exactly, competition will only make our QB spot better no matter who wins. Landry should be the slight leader no matter who we have at QB but we should have open competition because competition makes players better.

[Widescreen]

I get the impression that some (not all) of those ragging on Jones expect him to lose an open quarterback competition with Allen/Bell/Newton. Open competition is a good thing, but... what are you going to do if he wins?

I haven't been all that impressed with Landry's development. But if he wins a QB battle, that's great! It means he's probably improved a lot and he'll be ready to go in the Fall.

[Dan Thompson]

When will we know if Newton is coming to OU?

What would be the first game he can play in?

[sooner59]

Newton will probably start at QB for the Sun Bowl, and decide if he wants to stay with OU after the game. :D

[Sooner-N-KS]

Josh Heupel had 0 TDs and two INTs (nearly four if FSU's safety didn't grease his fingertips during warmups) in the Orange Bowl.

Now... what is it some call Heupel again?

Oh, yeah... "best QB of the Stoops era," "runner-up for the Heisman," "National Champion," etc, etc, etc.

How many games did Josh win that year?

How many games did Landry win this year? How many games would Landry have won had he been up to par?

[rawlingsHOH]

Newton will probably start at QB for the Sun Bowl, and decide if he wants to stay with OU after the game. :D

This!

[murray1430]

I think if Landry Jones didn't have to follow Bradford then people wouldnt be so critical. It might not be fair but because he is Bradford's backup then he is expected to produce better than he (Landry) did so far. I think he will get better dont' know how much but time will tell.

[Blues1]

jmho ~ I think "The Sun Bowl" game will tell us a lot about Landry and his future as "The OU Quarterback" - I hope he has one hellva of a game...!!!

God knows we Sooner Fans want a "W" in this Bowl game....And from what I'm reading I'm sure the team and the coaches want it even more...But I gotta say I don't see Stanford as some push over.....This is a hard one for me to predict - Stanford wins by 1 point or ~~ We win by 35 -- I have No idea on this one...??
My first guess - OU 28 Stanford 21 -- But ....??

[BoulderSooner79]

How many games did Josh win that year?

How many games did Landry win this year? How many games would Landry have won had he been up to par?

I see - swap Josh and Landry and the '00 team is 7-5 and this year we are undefeated going to play 'Bama? No rational thought there.

[unbiasedtruth]

No disrespect to Cameron Newton, but I really like the QB's we have on the roster and Blake Bell coming in.

Even in SB's 1st year as a rs frosh he was not asked to put the team on his shoulders because of the playmakers he had around him, even more so last year as a rs soph.

this year was totally different as far as the make-up of this team versus what Sam had as a rs frosh. LJ had to carry more of the load because he didnt have the playmakers that SB did his 2 years as a starter for the team.

In all honesty, you give LJ the team around him that SB did his 2 years as starter and I think you would see a totally different LJ. I'm not saying he would have been as good or better than SB, there is no way you can compare the two, what I am saying I honestly think LJ plays better in several of the games than what he did....

[Frozen Sooner]

I just call him a winner.

Really? What was his record the first year he started?

[adoniijahsooner]

This is about the possibility of getting a player who has a chance to be a difference maker. He may fail, he may not sign, or he may lose the job to either Landry,Allen, or Bell. It seems that the Landry supporters are the ones getting nervous and picketing for Landry to be the starter. I think we all hate the idea that there are any questions at the position in the 1st place; but apparently THE COACHING STAFF believe that we need to do things differently or they would not be looking at Cam. Look at the qoute...


The 6-foot-6, 247-pound signal-caller had a chance to spend a lot of time with the Sooner coaching staff, Heupel in particular but also got to know head coach Bob Stoops while on his visit.

"His message was pretty similar to coach Heupel's, everybody wants to put it out there, we aren't recruiting a junior college quarterback just to be here. We're trying to recruit him so he can come in and play," he said. "They feel that they can make me better as a player and they think that I can make them better as a team."

No one posting on this board has any influence over Bob Stoops or Josh Heupel. No one e-mail Stoops and said we need an immediate answer at QB. They evaluated and came to that decision with more information than we have access to.

Like I said before, If cam doesnt sign, I still believe we finish anywhere from 10-2 to 12-0 next year, and that prediction alone should tell you that I think Landry is a serviceable QB.

[soonerguild]

I guess your forgetting that Sam was in a 3 way battle with Halzle and Nichol in the fall. they battled up until the last week of the fall camp.

Ok so if that was the case and he got 33% of the snaps, i really doubt hazle go 1/3 but whatever, then sam still had 3x as many reps as he did at the same time.

Regardless of that fact it is pretty obvious that some of you have already decided that Landry is garbage, will never get better, and that we have to play someone else. I'm not a so called "Landry supporter" as some of you like to call it. If cam comes here and is better, which no one really knows what will happen, than Cam should be the starter. I want the best qb on the field like everyone else, but at this moment landry is the starter. It is actually possible for a player to get better as he gets older and has more reps.

[TXBOOMER]

It will make for a darn interesting spring if he decides to come here. Nobody we play fears our QB tucking it at this point. I want that to change. This dude is a play maker.

[GottaHavePride]

Really? What was his record the first year he started?

Lemme answer that one for Chris...

7-5. I was at nearly all of them.

So Landry, in his first year starting, produced exactly the same record as Josh Heupel did in his first year starting. But NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! Josh was a junior that year with two years of JuCo ball under his belt.

So Landry > Heupel.

;)

[rawlingsHOH]

It seems that the Landry supporters are the ones getting nervous and picketing for Landry to be the starter.

I'd say other than Landry's friends and family, no one cares who the starter is, as long as it is the BEST guy for the job.

What I'm here to do is bring a rational opinion on Landry's freshman season. Put the pitchforks down and ADMIT he had better numbers than freaking Heupel in the national championship season.

That is all!

[Sooner-N-KS]

I see - swap Josh and Landry and the '00 team is 7-5 and this year we are undefeated going to play 'Bama? No rational thought there.

Where in the world did you get that? I never said that.

[soonerguild]

I'd say other than Landry's friends and family, no one cares who the starter is, as long as it is the BEST guy for the job.

What I'm here to do is bring a rational opinion on Landry's freshman season. Put the pitchforks down and ADMIT he had better numbers than freaking Heupel in the national championship season.

That is all!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Some of the posters on here kill me. They have to make sense of this football season and place blame to rationalize what happened when really it's very simple.

Injuries killed us more than they ever in a season, we had to insert a RS frosh in at the games most valuable position after he had gotten almost no snaps in the offseason(rightfully so due to sam coming back, but still a fact), and the group around him was raw also(dropped passes, no running game, etc)

The fact of the matter is landry is a good quarterback. If he isn't the best on campus next year fine, but he is a good quaterback.

People need to quit trying to fling blame all over landry and KW and just except this season for what it was. A young team that lost two veteren all-americans, and was cripple with injuries the rest of the season.

Bad luck does happen, people need to step away from the ledge, everything will be alright.

[gotpoi73]

What are the only two words in the english dictionary that are better together than free beer? trick question, there are none.

sam spoiled us. give landry a chance. if he sucks next year, than your bitching is legit. if he rocks, then we are all happy

[ndpruitt03]

It will make for a darn interesting spring if he decides to come here. Nobody we play fears our QB tucking it at this point. I want that to change. This dude is a play maker.

As long as Stoops is here that won't change. Remember seeing Kevin Wilson's offenses at Northwestern about 10 years ago? He was the OC for teams that ran the QB all the time. Since he came here we've ran less with the QB, it's because Stoops is afraid if a QB runs he can get a freak injury like Jason White did twice. We may see a QB that runs a lot once Bob Stoops leaves. Jason White ended any chance of OU having a running QB under Stoops. Look at a few of our QBs since then. Bomar a 4.6 guy, Paul Thompson had moved to WR, Bradford was an all state basketball guard in high school and was a dual threat at PC north. But you've not seen a lot of QB run calls since Jason White's days.

[rawlingsHOH]

As long as Stoops is here that won't change. Remember seeing Kevin Wilson's offenses at Northwestern about 10 years ago? He was the OC for teams that ran the QB all the time. Since he came here we've ran less with the QB, it's because Stoops is afraid if a QB runs he can get a freak injury like Jason White did twice. We may see a QB that runs a lot once Bob Stoops leaves. Jason White ended any chance of OU having a running QB under Stoops. Look at a few of our QBs since then. Bomar a 4.6 guy, Paul Thompson had moved to WR, Bradford was an all state basketball guard in high school and was a dual threat at PC north. But you've not seen a lot of QB run calls since Jason White's days.

There were quite a few in 2005, out of neccessity/desperation, but other than a few by Thompson the following year, it's been nearly nonexistant.

[soonerguild]

Bob has made it public he doesn't like "running" qb's. However all that means is we aren't gonna call plays for him to run with the ball. How man of vince youngs memorable plays were broken plays that he then took off and did something crazy. Point being we might not call running plays, but that doesn't mean that a dual threat can't make plays with his feet.

Honeslty I agree with bob's thinking, it makes qb's think pass first instead of getting nervous and taking off, and it protects them from lowering the number of times they actually do run.

Honestly though, if our oline doesn't improve, and CN starts next year, he isn't even here, he'll be a running qb anyway.

[Tear Down This Wall]

Landry Jones...
231 completions, 398 attempts, 2780 yards, 23 TD, 13 INT

Jake Locker...
230 completions, 395 attempts, 2800 yards, 21 TD, 11 INT

Granted, Locker is a very good runner, 380 rushing yards, but I find it extemely ironic that Locker is considered a 1st round draft pick and Jones "sucks".

Exactly...I mean....

Dude, this is a great post. I already pointed out that Jones' numbers stacked up with the best QBs in the Big 12. As with those guys, Locker is an upperclassman. As a freshman, Jones put up number equal to solid upperclassmen from around the country and people here want him gone. Sad.

I think Stoops is losing it. He's already lost it as far as being able to prepare the team for big games. I think his recruiting of of a JUCO quarterback when he already has a solid one he knows can do the job, another highly-touted one on the bench, and another to sign in February just shows he may be desparate to the point of second-guessing himself about his own recruiting. And, that's worrisome to me.

All Stoops really needs to do is pull his head out of his backside and run the team better:

(1) Quit letting the strength and conditioning coach run off offensive linemen.

(2) Send Kevin Wilson somewhere to learn something other than bubble screens.

(3) In future blowouts, start putting in younger players in the third, or even the second, quarter the way Barry Switzer used to do - and the way coaches like Nick Saban and <sigh> Mack Brown do these days. Prepare for these kids for the future. Having them run a bunch of give up plays midway through the fourth quarter of blowouts isn't doing the job.

(4) Stop being afraid to fire coaches. Mack Brown didn't start beating us until he replaced his offensive line coach and defensive coordinator. Virginia Tech has had many coaches for many years. Fine. But, how many championships do they have to show for Beamer's loyalty to his coaching staff?

Hooray for Frank Beamer, he's a loyal guy, as Bob seems to be...and Mack used to be. But, at what point does loyalty lull into complacency? I'd say we may be at that point.

Hey, if we want to be a team that wins 8-10 games a year and is "almost there" every year...well, then, by all means never fire a coach. Virginia Tech's fans seem happy with perpetual "almost there." I wonder how long our fanbase will accept it.

[icmwhOU72]

jake locker made an absolutely great decision to come back. He could win the hiesman next year. he finally has quality coaches to teach him how to play qb instead of playing on raw talent. I bet his numbers improve dramatically next fall. As for stoops decision to bring newton in, maybe his confidence is not lacking on landry, but our offensive line. We have a ton of freshman coming in and some really young talent here too, but if you do not have a great line, a way to make them look great is by having a mobile qb to evade the rushers that get by. This is what newton brings to us that jones doesnt have. I think newton is a once in a generation type player for OU. seeing as the last true dual threat qb we had was in the switzer era. Nothing against jones, but i believe newton is better and if we can have a back up in jones with that much experience then we will be covered if our starter gets hurt.

[Curly Bill]

Bob has made it public he doesn't like "running" qb's.

It wouldn't kill Bob to make a few changes.

...just sayin. ;)

[soonerborn30]

So it's the last FOUR games that count?

How about 6 TDs and 2 INTs in his last THREE games?

Like I said, I'll play this stupid little game all day long. LOL



Definition of doom and gloom is to call a 10-point favorite a "likely" loser.

How about "possibly", or would that be too rational?

First, I was just looking at the stats given by the previous poster, and commenting with the concept of improvement throughout the season in mind.

Secondly. Kind of, yeah. When you consider the way that we've played outside of Oklahoma and couple that with our recent bowl history, the evidence points to a likely loss.

I want us to win. Really I do. I want our QB to be great, I want him to be a winner and lead us and do all that stuff QBs are supposed to do. I don't hate Landry Jones. The one time I met him he was a really nice kid. He just didn't perform up to the standard that has been set here. Is there an insanely high standard here? You bet your sweet crimson arse there is. But he knew that coming in.

[Breadburner]

The wind was blowing about 40 in the Iowa State Game...

[Jdog]

Until the OSU game, the problem we had against "good" teams was scoring touchdowns - we just couldn't score touchdowns.

How many points did the Aggies put on Texas, How many points did Iowa State put on Nebish - at NUs house? Our offense should have done better.

Like it or not we had a very sub par offense this year. Bad receivers, a QB who couldn't air the ball out down field to complete a pass (to keep the opposing Defense honest) and a very weak o-line. Add all the injury into the mix, and by OU standards, it adds up to a poor season.

Bottom line

[Widescreen]

The wind was blowing about 40 in the Iowa State Game...

So the wind was tricky? LOL.

[TXBOOMER]

As long as Stoops is here that won't change. Remember seeing Kevin Wilson's offenses at Northwestern about 10 years ago? He was the OC for teams that ran the QB all the time. Since he came here we've ran less with the QB, it's because Stoops is afraid if a QB runs he can get a freak injury like Jason White did twice. We may see a QB that runs a lot once Bob Stoops leaves. Jason White ended any chance of OU having a running QB under Stoops. Look at a few of our QBs since then. Bomar a 4.6 guy, Paul Thompson had moved to WR, Bradford was an all state basketball guard in high school and was a dual threat at PC north. But you've not seen a lot of QB run calls since Jason White's days.

In the past I would agree with you. I believe Stoops realizes in order to stay competitive with the best schools the extra option is a necessity. If we get this dude and have Blake Bell in here I think it will become a real option if not then I will call Bull Shat on my boy Stoops.

[Sooner4FCD]

Bet Landry's stats would look a hell of a lot better with Jermaine Gresham in the lineup

[adoniijahsooner]

Lemme answer that one for Chris...

7-5. I was at nearly all of them.

So Landry, in his first year starting, produced exactly the same record as Josh Heupel did in his first year starting. But NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! Josh was a junior that year with two years of JuCo ball under his belt.

So Landry > Heupel.

;)


Your a sneaky one. Josh being in a jr college for 2 years, does not equal to Landry being at OU for a 1 1/2 years (He enrolled early). Landry had the advantage of knowing the system and being taught by Sam Bradford, and one Josh Heupel. Josh came in with a whole new coaching staff.

Advantage Josh

Josh didnt finish the regular season with a 7-5 record, because they only played 11 games in the regular season. He was 7-4, and the ole miss loss put him at 7-5. After 11 regular season games Landry was 6-5.

Advantage Josh

Josh also had to help do away with a culture of mediocrity and losing. Improving the years previous record by 2 wins. Landry on the other hand was part of a squad that decreased the win total by 4 games.

Advantage Josh

Finally , we have this little nugget.

http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2000/12/14/image257369g.jpg

Advantage Josh

[yermom]

the nugget was the next year. we don't know about that part yet

you know what Josh didn't have? Josh coaching him :D

[adoniijahsooner]

I only have one issue with landry jones. It's not the interceptions. It's not the fact that sometimes he lacks touch on the ball. Hell, it's not even the fact that we are 7-5, that sort of thing happens. What bothers me, is that after a mistake, a stalled drive, a bad play, he just looks like he doesnt give a ****. Like he would rather be fishing than playing football, and that is what bothers me. People talk about Sam and the Colorado game, but they failed to mention that Sam went to malcolm kelly and told him to lift his head up, because others are watching you. When Sam threw thos interceptions in the Orange Bowl you could see the pain on his face. i just want to see Landry go down swinging for once.

[goingoneight]

Sam also sat quietly on the bench after his "interception" (AKA "prefectly thrown pass bobbled by Iglesias"). He had his quiet moments, too.

Sam never had a bad group to work with, as evident by the 12 TD-making TE Gresham, the three-headed monster at RB in 2007 and the veteran, mammoth OL that even a 6'5 QB could barely see over or around.


I just don't see what is so damn difficult for people to realize it's not time to jump off a cliff. When you lose the players we lost, you expect a drastic dropoff in productivity.

Game-changing TE makes it easier on the WR corps, Heisman winner has enough know-how to get you out of a tough spot, going at least two games without losing an OL to injury makes for some kind of consistency, some kind of identity we never found.

WHAT IS SO DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND? The all-time winningest QB in CFB barely got past Nebraska's defense. He was playing behind a veteran OL, throwing to the best and most-experienced Texas has to offer. Meanwhile what is literally OUr scout team struggles against those same Nebbish guys IN LINCOLN and we're putting pistols to our mouths?

Ever think "it is what it is?" I mean... losing the best QB in school history isn't supposed to sting? Losing a once-a-generation threat at TE doesn't change things, we're just supposed to keep putting up 60 ppg? Really?


I welcome Newton if Stoops wants him and believes his dark days are past him. It's interesting to see us going after a guy known for scrambling around. But I know exactly why Cam's coming in. He's the best we can get to shor up OUr depth issues at QB with Sam leaving. Same reason we took Balogun and Bryant after Lofton left early. Same reason we wanted David Sims (who never worked out) to step in at DB for Reggie Smith leaving early. Same reason we went after Cam Kenney in light of losing 3 senior receivers and losing Stradford in 2008. Halzle didn't come in top take Bomar's spot, he came to take PT's spot. As in, guy who competes, has a chance to unseat the starter, but is really there to give us another guy. Sure, sometimes a Heupel is targeted to BE the starter, and ANYTHING is better than the 90's results, so any guy who wants to come in is welcome... but more often than not, these guys are coming in to provide depth and keep competition sharp. Cameron is flashy and no doubt an excitable runner, but one bad twist of his knee and the Sooner fan Chicken Littles are back on suicide watch.

"WHY, OH WHY DID WE RUN OUR QB!?!? WHAT WERE WE THINKING!?!"
"This is all [insert name of choice here]'s fault!!!1111!!1"

[TexasLidig8r]

Exactly...I mean....

Dude, this is a great post. I already pointed out that Jones' numbers stacked up with the best QBs in the Big 12. As with those guys, Locker is an upperclassman. As a freshman, Jones put up number equal to solid upperclassmen from around the country and people here want him gone. Sad.

I think Stoops is losing it. He's already lost it as far as being able to prepare the team for big games. I think his recruiting of of a JUCO quarterback when he already has a solid one he knows can do the job, another highly-touted one on the bench, and another to sign in February just shows he may be desparate to the point of second-guessing himself about his own recruiting. And, that's worrisome to me.

All Stoops really needs to do is pull his head out of his backside and run the team better:

(1) Quit letting the strength and conditioning coach run off offensive linemen.

(2) Send Kevin Wilson somewhere to learn something other than bubble screens.

(3) In future blowouts, start putting in younger players in the third, or even the second, quarter the way Barry Switzer used to do - and the way coaches like Nick Saban and <sigh> Mack Brown do these days. Prepare for these kids for the future. Having them run a bunch of give up plays midway through the fourth quarter of blowouts isn't doing the job.

(4) Stop being afraid to fire coaches. Mack Brown didn't start beating us until he replaced his offensive line coach and defensive coordinator. Virginia Tech has had many coaches for many years. Fine. But, how many championships do they have to show for Beamer's loyalty to his coaching staff?

Hooray for Frank Beamer, he's a loyal guy, as Bob seems to be...and Mack used to be. But, at what point does loyalty lull into complacency? I'd say we may be at that point.

Hey, if we want to be a team that wins 8-10 games a year and is "almost there" every year...well, then, by all means never fire a coach. Virginia Tech's fans seem happy with perpetual "almost there." I wonder how long our fanbase will accept it.

WELL... there you go again...

How dare you make sense!!

On this site no less!

BLASPHEMY I TELL YOU!!!!

Now.. go vote for a librul as punishment.

[adoniijahsooner]

Sam also sat quietly on the bench after his "interception" (AKA "prefectly thrown pass bobbled by Iglesias"). He had his quiet moments, too.

Sam never had a bad group to work with, as evident by the 12 TD-making TE Gresham, the three-headed monster at RB in 2007 and the veteran, mammoth OL that even a 6'5 QB could barely see over or around.


I just don't see what is so damn difficult for people to realize it's not time to jump off a cliff. When you lose the players we lost, you expect a drastic dropoff in productivity.

Game-changing TE makes it easier on the WR corps, Heisman winner has enough know-how to get you out of a tough spot, going at least two games without losing an OL to injury makes for some kind of consistency, some kind of identity we never found.

WHAT IS SO DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND? The all-time winningest QB in CFB barely got past Nebraska's defense. He was playing behind a veteran OL, throwing to the best and most-experienced Texas has to offer. Meanwhile what is literally OUr scout team struggles against those same Nebbish guys IN LINCOLN and we're putting pistols to our mouths?

Ever think "it is what it is?" I mean... losing the best QB in school history isn't supposed to sting? Losing a once-a-generation threat at TE doesn't change things, we're just supposed to keep putting up 60 ppg? Really?


I welcome Newton if Stoops wants him and believes his dark days are past him. It's interesting to see us going after a guy known for scrambling around. But I know exactly why Cam's coming in. He's the best we can get to shor up OUr depth issues at QB with Sam leaving. Same reason we took Balogun and Bryant after Lofton left early. Same reason we wanted David Sims (who never worked out) to step in at DB for Reggie Smith leaving early. Same reason we went after Cam Kenney in light of losing 3 senior receivers and losing Stradford in 2008. Halzle didn't come in top take Bomar's spot, he came to take PT's spot. As in, guy who competes, has a chance to unseat the starter, but is really there to give us another guy. Sure, sometimes a Heupel is targeted to BE the starter, and ANYTHING is better than the 90's results, so any guy who wants to come in is welcome... but more often than not, these guys are coming in to provide depth and keep competition sharp. Cameron is flashy and no doubt an excitable runner, but one bad twist of his knee and the Sooner fan Chicken Littles are back on suicide watch.

"WHY, OH WHY DID WE RUN OUR QB!?!? WHAT WERE WE THINKING!?!"
"This is all [insert name of choice here]'s fault!!!1111!!1"

Name on post where i have a gun to my mouth. Name one post in this thread where I say that Landry sucks. Name one post where I say the sky is falling.

I sad that with Landry at the helm, we will go 10-2 to 12-0 next year, but if Newton comes I think he will be the qb next year. What is wrong with that? Why are you guys trying to make everyone see how beautiful Landry Jones qb play is? What's worse is that you are lowering the accomplishments of 2 guys who have their names written in sooner lore 4-ever. "Just give Landry another chance, please? He will show all of you how wonderful he truly is. He will grow the Stache again, and then we can pull out our t-shirts and lay back as he takes us on another mustache ride!! BOOMER SOONER!!"

Just relax, it will all play out in the next week.

[gotpoi73]

there should be competition at every position. i don't think landry is scared of being tested. if he is, then that is a different issue.

[TXBOOMER]

I'd say other than Landry's friends and family, no one cares who the starter is, as long as it is the BEST guy for the job.

What I'm here to do is bring a rational opinion on Landry's freshman season. Put the pitchforks down and ADMIT he had better numbers than freaking Heupel in the national championship season.

That is all!


LOL. The only numbers that matter are wins and losses. His numbers are absolutely not better than Heupel's NC season.

[gaylordfan1]

Wow, there seems to be some peeps that have gotten their feelings hurt. To think that any player on this team will have a position handed to them would be crazy. We will have a shoot out between the QB's, and between the RB's, and between the WR's,and between the CB's,... the list goes on and on until we have a list of 22 starters. And even then the squad will be changed due to performance or formantions or even (God forbid) injuries. We will just have to wait and see who signs and who steps up next year. I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to see how the Crimson shows up to indroduce the SOONER nation to the Cardinal!

[gaylordfan1]

For what it's worth I hope Newton signs. But, I think Landry makes some positive stids this off-season. The position is his if he progresses and can improve his leadership skills. And just because Landry doesn't cry or bash his WR for not making a play after and INT doesn't mean he doesn't care, maybe he is just trying to stay positive and collected!

[rawlingsHOH]

LOL. The only numbers that matter are wins and losses. His numbers are absolutely not better than Heupel's NC season.
LOL. Great analysis.

[westbrooke]

LOL. The only numbers that matter are wins and losses. His numbers are absolutely not better than Heupel's NC season.

You may have just declared Colt McCoy the greatest quarterback of all time. By the numbers, of course.;)

[TXBOOMER]

You may have just declared Colt McCoy the greatest quarterback of all time. By the numbers, of course.;)

We are comparing a (one, singular) Sooner season. Pony boy is the QB at texass. As far as I know he hasn't won a NC this year. I'd take Josh over McCoy just like I'd take Josh over Landry any day of the week. Josh was a GD Ice Man under pressure.

[westbrooke]

No offense intended. Just pointing out a logical consequence of the argument you were making.

I, too, would take Josh over either Landry or Colt, but there's no logical reason why the metric you offered shouldn't extend to a career, or to quarterbacks of other teams for that matter. I think most reasonable observers will agree that the sum of a quarterback's worth accounts for both record and statistical output. Otherwise you end up with an argument that says Trent Dilfer was a better quarterback than Dan Marino. Or, gasp, Tim Tebow over Sam Bradford. And I know no one here believes that.

[BoulderSooner79]

Originally Posted by TXBOOMER
LOL. The only numbers that matter are wins and losses. His numbers are absolutely not better than Heupel's NC season.

The QB position is important, but giving all the credit (and blame) for the teams record is going too far. Tebow's team lost 4 the year he won the Heisman because the gators were rebuilding on defense. Not saying the Heisman voters are brillant, but at least they could figure out what happened.

[soonerguild]

The QB position is important, but giving all the credit (and blame) for the teams record is going too far. Tebow's team lost 4 the year he won the Heisman because the gators were rebuilding on defense. Not saying the Heisman voters are brillant, but at least they could figure out what happened.

I agree, saying a qb is only as good as his won loss record is a bit much.
A) it shows no respect for what the entire rest of the team does to gain/lose a win.
B) places all the blame on one person, which is ridiculous.
The qb is one of 22 guys that start. He might be the most important, but really it is a insulting to the rest of the team to give all the praise/blame to one person.

Heck why don't we just quit playing football games and have 85000 people show up to watch a qb skills competition. Then the won loss record would actually reflect who is the better qb.

[TXBOOMER]

My boy Rawlings original post referenced LJ had better numbers than Josh in his NC season. He was being funny and I was giving him crap being funny back. I don't think Rawlings really believes LJ > JH. My obvious point was Josh had him in the numbers that count which was wins that NC season because we ended up with a NC. If you guys are getting paid to analyze a couple of quick comments on college football chat board your employer needs to put you on a performance improvement plan.

[Partial Qualifier]

If you guys are getting paid to analyze a couple of quick comments on college football chat board your employer needs to put you on a performance improvement plan.

you GOT PIP'ed!! [hairGel]

[westbrooke]

It's a Sunday, and the alternative is Christmas shopping. :D

[TXBOOMER]

It's a Sunday, and the alternative is Christmas shopping. :D

LOL....I'm right there with you on that.

[adoniijahsooner]

Quarterback Cameron Newton gives Auburn high marks
By Charles Goldberg -- The Birmingham News
December 20, 2009, 12:10PM

Cameron Newton
The No. 1 junior college football player in the nation left Auburn on Sunday morning with a favorable report on the Tigers.

Quarterback Cameron Newton said he liked what he heard from Auburn coaches during his three-day weekend visit. Newton, who can enroll in a four-year college in January, said he'll decide on his future soon. It's down to Auburn, Oklahoma and Mississippi State. Newton has two years of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder who spent two years at the University of Florida was impressive in looks, and in demeanor, said our friends at Inside the Auburn Tigers and AuburnSports.com and AuburnUndercover.com. They have lots of quotes, so check them out. We heard the interview and Newton seemed impressed with his visit. Rivals says he's the top junior college player.

"I'm on Cloud Nine,'' Newton said.

[Partial Qualifier]

Hmmm. So which is better: "Cloud Nine" or "Crunked up" ?? ;)

[misplacedsooner]

wish he would make up his mind. im sure at the other 2 schools he has been promised to start day 1. here he knows he will have to battle and win the job. now we will see how confident the kid is in his skills.

[BoulderSooner79]

He better choose OU. There are too many on this board that have him guiding us to a couple of BCS titles to disappoint.

[goingoneight]

They'll really be infuriated if'n he rides the bench here for the remainder of his career.

[misplacedsooner]

i think he brings alot to the table for sure...that said if he does come here we may never see what drew allen can do.

[goingoneight]

Sounds like from the Allbarn report compared to others he's playing his cards like this is some kind of reality TV show. Like reliving his high school recruiting process all over again.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it... I'd rather see a guy like AD know who he is, know everyone wants him and the guy just picks a school and goes to work.

[adoniijahsooner]

Sounds like from the Allbarn report compared to others he's playing his cards like this is some kind of reality TV show. Like reliving his high school recruiting process all over again.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it... I'd rather see a guy like AD know who he is, know everyone wants him and the guy just picks a school and goes to work.

His decision now is even more crucial than when he picked out of high school. Lot's of things to consider since he doesnt have much time left in school. Although I would love to have him, if it were me making the decision, I would go to MSU, because of the guarantee to be the starter from day one. If he is worried about the NFL, then it doesnt matter what school you attend anymore, because everyone gets exposure (Cutler at Vandy).

It looks as though landry can breathe a little easier now.:D



Oh wait, I forgot about Drew and Blake!

[rawlingsHOH]

His decision now is even more crucial than when he picked out of high school. Lot's of things to consider since he doesnt have much time left in school. Although I would love to have him, if it were me making the decision, I would go to MSU, because of the guarantee to be the starter from day one. If he is worried about the NFL, then it doesnt matter what school you attend anymore, because everyone gets exposure (Cutler at Vandy).

It looks as though landry can breathe a little easier now.:D

Oh wait, I forgot about Drew and Blake!

I agree, and he knows the offense.

[boomermagic]

Any further up dates ?

[Dan Thompson]

He will choose a team that plays Florida, so he can beat them and have a little payback.

We have too many QB's, so he may go to a team where he is the starter.

[Jello Biafra]

He will choose a team that plays Florida, so he can beat them and have a little payback.

We have too many QB's, so he may go to a team where he is the starter.

so be it. you want it? take it. don't want to take it? go have it given to you by someone else.

[Fraggle145]

...We have too many QB's, so he may go to a team where he is the starter.

Ummm how do you say we have too many QBs? we have no depth at QB right now. We have Landry as the only one with experience. Nimo who is a walk-on. The other two have never played a down and only one of them has any practice experience. Seems like the best chance you are ever going to get to come in and play at a school with a name like OU's if you go the JUCO route.

And if he does come, 1st on calling him ENAII :eek:. If he doesnt forget I said anything...

[ndpruitt03]

He will choose a team that plays Florida, so he can beat them and have a little payback.

We have too many QB's, so he may go to a team where he is the starter.

Never heard of any such thing, even when we could have like 15 of them on the roster there weren't too many QBs.

[Dan Thompson]

Don't get me wrong, I would be very happy to see him come.

[goingoneight]

I think that's honestly everyone's opinion on him. We got BOB FREAKIN STOOPS handing out a scholarship offer. Obviously the kid has something we're interested in... even if it's just an ounce of D-1 talent to push Landry in the spring.

If he's super-talented, and has changed his ways, bring him on... but the reason his name keeps making it's way to the top of this board is the same reason "Blake Bell: A Mobile QB" stayed atop of the thread topics for weeks until he said "dude, I ain't ready to start YET... I'm not enrolling early." Now he's kind of an afterthought.

I remember some thinking Halzle was coming out of the JUCO ranks to unseat Bomar and win us an MNC just like ol' Josh. Hell, did you know he even done had duh same initials as dat dang ol' Joash Hoopuhl? That same spring we signed a young man named Sam Bradford... the "afterthought." Meanwhile, despite Bomar's bone-headedness, we had enough talent on hand without utilizing either Halzle or Sammy to win the BIG 12, and we were a screwjob away from a one-loss BIG 12 Champion team... who here thinks that wouldn't have shaken things up in the Ohio State/Michigan/Florida BCS debacle?

Back on subject, there's a lot of things Landry may lack right now, being green and all... but there's a lot of things he'll have a BIG headstart on coming into a Newton/Allen/Bell/Jones battle. He's experienced the highest of highs (TU, KSU, A&M), and the lowest of lows (Nebbish, Tceh) as well as being thrown into an unexpected situation that while he may not have won (BYU, UT), there's that that Drew, Blake and Cam just haven't been through yet.

Heupel has always said despite stats that he was a better player in year two having been there and known what to do, how to do it and not being a Sooner rookie. Sam and Jason both said something along these lines as well.

One thing I hope Cam gets is the benefit of training as an ACTUAL QUARTERBACK... not some gimmicky "wildcat" formation stunt that wastes his talent like Vick in Philly. Cam will be a much better player to train himself in OUr system and use his natural abilities to take it to another level.

[TXBOOMER]

If I were trying to get in the NFL. I believe I would rather face Big 12 defenses than SEC defenses. The dude is a stud athlete. Whether he is better or not, in his mind he believes he will leave LJ riding the pine. I think we have a good chance to get the dude. If not, we will see how much better LJ gets during the off season.

[adoniijahsooner]

Stoops' wise Oklahoma proverbs



By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go to Dave Sittler's Blog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORMAN — Instead of the playbook, Bob Stoops went to The Good Book to describe one way to make certain this ungodly season for his Oklahoma football team isn't repeated.

Holding his final press conference Monday before OU departs Dec. 26 for the Sun Bowl, the Sooners' coach also sent this not-too-subtle message to Landry Jones: The starting job at quarterback next season is up for grabs.

NCAA rules prohibit Stoops from talking specifically about potential recruits. But it's no secret the Sooners are making a strong push to sign Cameron Newton, the No. 1 overall junior-college quarterback prospect.

OU is battling Auburn and Mississippi State to land the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Newton, who led Blinn College in Texas to the junior college national championship earlier this month.

Asked if targeting a junior college player was to add depth or competition for Jones and the other OU quarterbacks, Stoops used part of Proverbs 27:17 to answer.

"It's a signal to the competition," said Stoops, who then drew on his Bible knowledge when he added, "you know, iron sharpens iron. And you always recruit the very best you can at every position."

The exact biblical verse reads: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

If OU signs Newton, there's no doubt

his talent will help sharpen the quarterback skills of Jones, redshirt freshman Drew Allen, walk-on John Nimmo and Blake Bell, the highly touted prep prospect from Wichita who plans to sign with the Sooners in February.

The statistics Newton compiled this season could be a sign for OU's future. While throwing for 2,853 yards and 22 touchdowns, the Atlanta native also rushed for 655 yards and 16 scores.

Insiders confirm Stoops might modify his team's offensive direction if he can find a big-time quarterback who's a dual-threat. Jones and his predecessor, 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, were cast from the same pure-pocket-passer mold.

Asked yesterday if he'd like to tweak his offensive approach next season with a quarterback who can run, Stoops said, "Absolutely. It depends on our personnel. But there's no question that that's something that you'd always like to be able to do to some degree. I don't ever think we'd do it (run) as much as a lot of people do."

A 6-foot-6, 247-pounder, Bell also possesses dual-threat skills. He was named the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year after throwing for 2,752 yards and 32 touchdowns and rushing for 839 yards and 22 scores for Bishop Carroll High School.

Bell's chances of pushing Jones for the No. 1 job are considered slim because he has only played quarterback two seasons. He has also decided to not enroll early to get a head start by competing in next spring's drills.

Stoops, however, didn't totally rule out starting a true freshman quarterback.

"It would depend on the person, the individual, and what we felt he could handle," Stoops said. "You would have to tailor (the offense) to some degree to what his strengths are and what he's able to handle."

A redshirt freshman this season, Jones ended up starting nine games and playing the major part of two more when Bradford injured his shoulder in the first game and reinjured it against Texas.

Suddenly thrust into the position that was supposed to be filled by OU's fifth Heisman winner, the inexperienced Jones often performed admirably but also battled inconsistency.

A former prep All-American from Artesia, N.M., the 6-4, 216-pound Jones set an OU single-game record with six touchdown passes against Tulsa. But he struggled on the road, including throwing five interceptions in a critical loss at Nebraska.

Although he didn't start the BYU, Baylor and Texas games, Jones played in all 12 games for OU, passing for 2,780 yards and 23 touchdowns, while throwing 13 interceptions.

Jones' limited ability as a runner is reflected in the stats — 31 carries for minus-91 yards. While he gained 34 yards, he lost 125 yards on sacks.

An injury-riddled offensive line and inexperienced receivers played a role when Jones had problems. The line allowed 37 sacks, and its inability to pass-protect often forced him to rush throws that resulted in interceptions.

"That guy can only do so much with his supporting cast," Stoops said. "Count how many drops (passes) there were away from home, or busted assignments away from home, or the ability to run the football away from home."

Still, if Stoops were totally convinced Jones is the future, would he be recruiting Newton?

Newton said he loved his recruiting visit to OU two weeks ago, when he was told he'd be in the mix for the starting job. But he basically said the same thing after spending three days last week at Auburn.

Some recruiting experts think Newton will end up at Mississippi State because of first-year coach Dan Mullen. Newton originally signed with Florida and worked with Mullen, the Gators' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Stoops rejected the suggestion that Jones needs to prove in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Stanford (8-4) that he can lead the Sooners (7-5) to a win on the road.

"I don't look at it that way," Stoops said. "I think you're wrong to put it that Landry hasn't played well. In the end, it's more than Landry."

That's fine. But if Stoops has his way, there will be more than Landry Jones competing for the starting job next spring and fall.

Given OU's dramatic slide just a season after it won a sixth Big 12 title and played for the BCS championship, perhaps Stoops' decision to recruit Newton was inspired by Proverbs 27:23-24:

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever and a crown is not secure for all generations."


By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist

[gaylordfan1]

I doubt he is coming. He said his two biggest factors were winning and starting. I think he wants to enter a program as the "said" starter. He might be scared of the competition and worried he might not win the battle. Not to say "if he does come" he doesn't start at some point next year. But, I think Landry starts in the season opener.

[Widescreen]

A 6-foot-6, 247-pounder, Bell also possesses dual-threat skills.
Uh, no.

[soonerborn30]

If his one of his two biggest factors is winning, why would he go to Mississippi State?

[misplacedsooner]

he wouldnt

[IronHorseSooner]

If his one of his two biggest factors is winning, why would he go to Mississippi State?

Each of his final three has pluses and a minuses:

1. MSU:
- Plus: He would play for his old OC.
- Plus: he would play FLA.
- Minus: MSU isn't winning anything any time soon (see 'Bama, LSU, Arky, Ole Miss)
- Minus (maybe): He will likely have some competition for the QB position with another guy whose game is very similar to his.

2. Auburn:
- Plus: Close to home.
- Plus: He would play FLA.
- Minus: There would be a QB competition here as well.
- Minus: If wants to get to the NFL, why would he want to run a gimmick offense?
- Minus: Auburn is not going to leapfrog 'Bama nor LSU, and maybe not Ole Miss. Heck, if Mallett stays at Arky, they probably won't surpass them.

3. Us:
- Plus: Winning. Besides the fact the Big XII will be down next year, if you beat * and Cincy, you could play for it all. We play for championships.
- Plus: We have had two QBs win the Heisman this decade, and another one place second.
- Plus: We just put a guy in the pros.
- Plus: The talent around him is better here than either Auburn or MSU.
- Plus: He's not going to be taking the pounding every week that you would be in the SEC.
- Minus: He won't be playing FLA every year (and in the SEC format, it's not guaranteed he would be anyway).
- Minus: He's further from home (even though he did go to Blinn).
- Minus: There WILL be QB competition (but the Coaches are willing to change their offensive philosophy for him).

[misplacedsooner]

another plus for us is he may play fla.....for all the marbles. thats gotta appeal to him somewhat.

[IronHorseSooner]

another plus for us is he may play fla.....for all the marbles. thats gotta appeal to him somewhat.

Whereas that may happen, both FLA and * will have rebuilding years next year. Both of those teams have losses paralleling OUrs this year. Anyhow, 'Bama's not going anywhere anytime soon.

[tanjou]

Cam Newton was third at Florida behind Brantley. He throws worse than Landry. He's getting attention because teams hope he's a Vince Young v.2, which is not the case, and is also why he's playing at a JUCO after Florida, not a D-I school in another conference.

It's disappointing to see Oklahoma going after him. It looks like the staff is hoping to get some Florida voodoo by getting someone that played for them (not the case, I am aware, but it looks ridiculous in addition to actually being ridiculous).

[IronHorseSooner]

Most FLA folks I see are intrigued by OUr interest in him. I think Coach Heupel could work with him to make him better. If anything, all of this talk of Cam Newton should let Landry know that nothing at OU is given to you, and you are under constant evaluation.

[soonerborn30]

But should we really be going after someone that apparently needs all this work by coach Huepel? I realize no Frosh is going to come in a seasoned veteran, but by the sound of it this kid needs a complete overhaul.

[IronHorseSooner]

Can he play TE?;)

[boomermagic]

Cam Newton was third at Florida behind Brantley. He throws worse than Landry. He's getting attention because teams hope he's a Vince Young v.2, which is not the case, and is also why he's playing at a JUCO after Florida, not a D-I school in another conference.

It's disappointing to see Oklahoma going after him. It looks like the staff is hoping to get some Florida voodoo by getting someone that played for them (not the case, I am aware, but it looks ridiculous in addition to actually being ridiculous).

Hmmmm, I guess our coaches don't know all that ?

[tanjou]

I keep forgetting what I'm supposed to post around here. Sorry. Here's the proper papercut post:

"OUr coaches are the best. We have to stick with them, (except Kevin Wilson), because they'll turn Landry into the next Heupel/White/Bradford and win number 8, defeat ole Browneye and the Whorns, and we'll win a big BCS game with few penalties and no injuries. Coach Heupel is the best, he'll be the next head coach and win more national championships than Alabama claims

Also USuC"

[icmwhOU72]

Cam Newton was third at Florida behind Brantley. He throws worse than Landry. He's getting attention because teams hope he's a Vince Young v.2, which is not the case, and is also why he's playing at a JUCO after Florida, not a D-I school in another conference.

It's disappointing to see Oklahoma going after him. It looks like the staff is hoping to get some Florida voodoo by getting someone that played for them (not the case, I am aware, but it looks ridiculous in addition to actually being ridiculous).

He left fla after some leagl issues. He was accused of stealing a laptop, but it was never proven. He went to JUCO so he did not have to sit out a year. He throws the ball just fine, i dont think it will be as much of a project as you are making it out to be. In any case, don't you want your players to improve year to year anyway? Sam was great as a rFR and got better as a Soph after working with heupal. Yeah he is getting a lot of pub, butif he were as polished as he could be, then every school in america, even usc with barkley would be on him. I like the fact that he wants to come in and work hard to get better and he coaches have explained that it will be a competition at qb and they arent handing him the job.

[jonclarkx]

If you read between the lines of Bob Stoops' comments, it certainly sounds as if he isn't too thrilled with the prospect of Landry Jones being his starting QB in 2010. Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World writes that this would explain why Oklahoma is going hard after Blinn CC QB Cameron Newton, the former Florida backup, with an eye on having him compete for the starting job.

Stoops said that he would love to have a QB who could run more (something Jones and Sam Bradford do not do), and that he would be willing to modify his offense to accommodate such a talent. "Absolutely," Stoops said. "It depends on our personnel. But there's no question that that's something that you'd always like to be able to do to some degree. I don't ever think we'd do it (run) as much as a lot of people do."

He also didn't rule out starting a true freshman at QB, which next year would mean four-star recruit Blake Bell. "It would depend on the person, the individual, and what we felt he could handle," Stoops said. "You would have to tailor (the offense) to some degree to what his strengths are and what he's able to handle." Bell is a long shot, having only played QB for two years (he was a WR before that) and having decided not to enroll in school in January, so the fact that his name is even in the conversation speaks to questions about Jones.

To be fair, Stoops said that Oklahoma's struggles this season can't all be put on Jones' shoulders. But as Sittler writes, "If Stoops were totally convinced Jones is the future, would he be recruiting Newton?"


Arguably the top-rated junior college quarterback, Cameron Newton, will likely decide where he's going to school this week, according to WJOX 94.5 FM's Justin Hokanson.

Newton is deciding between Auburn, Oklahoma and Mississippi State, but he may be favoring Auburn after a recent visit that left him on "Cloud 9."so the two of them hit it off quickly.

ESPN.com's JC Shurburtt writes that, of Newton's finalists, Auburn is the closest to his home. Newton was Tim Tebow's backup at Florida before he was suspended for stealing laptops; he later transfered to Blinn College, where he led the team to a national championship.

At Auburn, he will likely compete against senior Neil Caudle and redshirt freshman Tyrik Rollison for the starting job. At Mississippi State, he'll likely square up against Chris Relf and Tyler Russell. And at Oklahoma, he'll have to beat out Landry Jones and freshman Blake Bell.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/features/rumors