Bradford coming back

by jtlonghorn on Jan 14, 2009 2:52 PM CST Comment 39 comments

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3832957

It appears Sam Bradford needs another beatdown from Texas before he leaves for the NFL. Word is he will return for his junior year.

This certainly ups the excitement and anticipation for the RRS in 2009. And it will probably overinflate the Sooners preseason ranking. Unless Gresham comes back, their offense will still certainly take a huge hit. An inexperienced O Line makes any QB look much more human. And the Horns were able to penetrate the legendary O Line this year.

The good news for 2010 is that it does put both programs on equal footing for that year, both starting a new QB.

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He's pulling a Leinart...

without the MNC. He’ll be exposed next year and his stock will not as high. He should leave now! But anyways, I’m all for Bradford coming back, it’ll make the RRS exciting next year and we can laugh at Bradford as a beefed-up Kindle wreaks havoc in the Sooner backfield.

"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite

by Sunkist on Jan 14, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hope this is true...

Sammy will be exposed without that seasoned offensive line.

by SuperHorn on Jan 14, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Terrible Decision

His whole offensive line is leaving. His stock will drop tremendously next year. At best he will be a late second rounder next year if he comes out.

OU SUCKS!!!!!!

by TexasFight83 on Jan 14, 2009 3:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Late second rounder?

I doubt that is true, but I do agree his stock cant get much better than it is now. He should go. We will know for sure in 90 minutes.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brian Brohm

Projected as high as the The #1 overall pick in 2007( most thought he was a lock for the First round at least) … selected in the second round of the 2008 draft at #56 overall by the Green Bay Packers. If the scouts are high on you, you’ve gotta go.

OU SUCKS!!!!!!

by TexasFight83 on Jan 14, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Leinart

Dropped to the number 10 pick overall.

One person doesnt make a case. I do agree he should go, which I stated earlier, I just dont think its likely his stock will drop that far.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Lienart did not suffer a drop in production his senior year

He also went undefeated (untill he met VY) and put up rediculious numbers on his way no a second straight national title game. I some how doubt Bradford can do this because almost his entire offensive line and some of his best receivers are graduating. I might back off of the late second round prediction now that I have learned that Gresham is coming back, but the initial prognosis seemed to indicate he would be exposed. He doesn’t do well under pressure (Texas and Florida games seem to show that). I don’t think it is unreasonable to assume that the drop off in production that might come from his loss of a supporting cast could cause people to be nervous about taking him in the first round. Right or wrong, Brian Brohm shows what a drop in production can do to your draft stock. I think this will mirror Bradford’s experience more than Lienart’s. But I could easily be wrong, it’s all speculation at this point.

OU SUCKS!!!!!!

by TexasFight83 on Jan 15, 2009 12:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure where y'all are coming from

The dude is a fantastic QB. As the BC’ers are fond of saying, Bradford adds 20 points to the offense all by himself. He’s damn accurate, and throws an amazing long ball. He’s losing practically his entire passing game, but he still has his top 3 RBs back. He’ll also have Ryan Broyles, who I really like. It’s also possible that Caleb or Tennell step up as well. And yeah, he loses his offensive line, so he’ll be pressured more (one would hope, at least). But he’s not facing all-world defenses in the Big XII, and even the two he did face his year (Texas and Florida), he acquitted himself quite nicely.

If anything, this will be more beneficial to his NFL career. He’ll have another season’s worth of starts under his belt, he’ll have the chance to develop a younger core of players, and he can prove that he can play with more pressure in his face. And oh yeah, he won’t get drafted by the Detroit Lions next year. That’s always a plus. I think it’s a smart move by Bradford, and a bad one for the rest of the Big XII.

by jc25 on Jan 14, 2009 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

could not disagree with you more on this..

If you are ever a lock to be in the top 10, you should absolutely leave and get your money. If you’re a serious contender for the number 1 pick…….then you’re completely insane for not going in the draft. Why in the world do you risk going back to college……especially with a new offensive line and everybody gunning for you. The injury risk will so much more higher for Bradford next year.

This tells me he is either getting one-sided terrible advice from Stoops and his family………….or he’s just plain scared of going to the NFL.

by silky51 on Jan 14, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Word is that

Bradford was actually projected somewhere between 11-20 after he got all his information from the NFL. ESPN is one of the only one’s I’ve seen that had him at number 1.

Boomer Sooner!

Come check out FanIQ for your one stop spot for all sports

by Jubanator14 on Jan 14, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone think right now he is anything but the #1 or #2 QB in the draft?

And his numbers already obliterate Staffords. How does his stock get any higher from another year?

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm saying its not all about stock

Yeah, he’d get paid coming out now—no question. But if you want a legitimate, long-lasting NFL career…for a QB, more starts at the college level is a better bet. You can be physically gifted, but if you don’t have the mental and maturity part down, things aren’t going to work out. Look at the success stories this year: Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco—both stayed til their senior years. Look at the star QBs—Peyton, Brady, Ben, Rivers, Brees—all seniors.

Who’s some of the high profile strugglers? Rusell, Vince, Alex Smith, Grossman—came out as underclassmen.

Yes, I realize there’s the usual caveats (causation, small sample size, exceptions like Matt Leinart, etc.).

If Sam wants to come out now for the money, great. I don’t fault him. But if he’s looking for long-term success, I think another year at OU is perfect for him. Maybe he comes out lower; sucks at first, but if you’re good, you’ll still make it. The first contract is nice; the second one is the one that matters.

by jc25 on Jan 14, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

all of that means nothing

if he gets hurt. an inexperience offensive line makes that possibility increase dramatically.

by silky51 on Jan 14, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The majority of all QBs dont pan out, seniors or underclassmen.

That’s why you get your cash grab when you can. The ONLY guarantee in the NFL (especially at the QB spot) is your signing cash.

The best thing for anyone’s career is to get drafted lower and go to a better team, preferably ride the bench for at least 3 years while learning the NFL from seasoned vets and coaches.

Im sure he has all the faith and confidence in the world that he wont get hurt in college, or that he will continue to improve and make himself more marketable. But the bottom line comes down to, the only guarantee is signing money, get that, and if you pan out to be a good pro, it will probably happen for you whether you came out early or not.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ross Tucker agrees with you.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/01/14/tucks-takes/index.html

by jc25 on Jan 14, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I didnt even know about the retirement system and benefits

That makes the case even stronger to go early if you are projected to be a high pick.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 6:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Point, counterpoint

Stewart Mandel on the situation:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/01/14/bradford.underclassmen/index.html?eref=T1

Obviously, it’s a good thing for CFB in general, but he also makes a solid (if un-elaborated) statement.

While Bradford threw for an astounding 4,720 yards, 50 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, and while his physical abilities were evident to even the most untrained observer, it’s easy to forget that he was only playing his second year of college football. Just being around him recently, both at the Heisman and during the week leading up to the title game, it was striking just how introverted and uncomfortable he is in front of the media — and dealing with college publicity is a walk in the park compared with the constant scrutiny surrounding pro athletes.

Bradford can stand to get stronger, he has areas where he can improve, but most importantly, he’ll be much better prepared for the rigors of the pros with another year’s maturity.

While nobody stood at the podium Wednesday and said what exactly Bradford heard back from the NFL’s draft advisory board, it’s a pretty safe to assume they didn’t say “No. 1 overall pick.” CBSSports.com recently reported that “one Oklahoma source who had spoken to numerous NFL types said Bradford graded out somewhere between the No. 10 and No. 20 pick in the first round.”

Not that I don’t like the Ross Tucker article as well.

by jc25 on Jan 15, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dont get me wrong

I think in every aspect he, like most athletes, should stay in college for their full eligibility, except for financially. Maturity, experience, size, fun… all of that is to be gained. Only money is so important in this country, that the financial decision should out weigh any other.

I guess I don’t know his family’s situation, but personally speaking, my parents are probably considered well off (comfortable suburbia well off, not penthouse downtown well off), and I would still be an idiot to not take an NFL bonus the second one was guaranteed. I suppose if my parents were rich enough to make me well off as well, no matter my contribution to the wealth, that would be a different story.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 15, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure he is insured...

Tebow has a $10m policy.

by DaGoose on Jan 15, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

steadfastly disagree

Not only is this a bad decision if he were in the exact same position one year ago it is 10x worse considering the NFL is one year away from re-organizing its CBA. All signs point to the primary point of contention being the outragous salaries that unproven rookies are being paid. Once it gets re-structured you aren’t going to have $73 million contracts being signed by rookies any more. Instead they are going to shift the pay scale to favor proven veterans(as most think it should be.)

Get in while the getting is good. Leave this year. Cash in immediately and then down the road you’ll benefit from the new CBA.

Also, I went to Miami of Ohio and Roethlisbozo left after his junior year.

by andmyster on Jan 14, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Goodell said that the new agreement won't go into effect until 2011

The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics

by WoodrowWilson on Jan 14, 2009 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I read that report

(apparently the same one that JC25 did) that said the biggest predictor of NFL success was the number of college starts.

However, even the authors of that study stated that experience wasn’t necessary a guarantee of future success.

The only guarantee in the NFL is your up-front money. You go when your stock is highest – which for SB is now.

Sam’s stock will fall next year. With an inexperienced o-line, his completion numbers, sacks, and hurries will all increase. He might be able to salvage those if he is also planning on returning for a Sr year. At that point, his o-line will be a little more mature.

by Brandon 97 on Jan 14, 2009 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

its not all about the money

No wonder most of your players leave early. And if next year he’s not as good or injured, he actually goes to classes and he’s pretty smart to have a career other than in the NFL

by castorinho on Jan 14, 2009 3:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

As far as I know, I think Vince was the first player under Mack to leave early. Since him we have had only 2 others I can think of, maybe a few more, but Im pretty darn sure that “most” of our players stay for their entire eligibility.

And it is all about the money. If someone gave you a lottery ticket and said, you can cash this in now, or you can wait and you probably will get it back next year, maybe it will be a little better, maybe it will be a lot worse, you cash it in right then and there.

Its nothing but economics, if hes a top pick he should go. You can finish school later, you can even go back during the offseason like Vince has been doing. If you hold the winning ticket, you are foolish to throw it away, a top signing bonus can do a lot for you and your family.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Jan 14, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Money wise, its definitely not a smart move

but like I said, I don’t think its all the about the money. He’s been bleeding crimson and cream since he was born. So there’s a sense of loyalty.

by castorinho on Jan 14, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He can still bleed crimson and cream...

I’m sorry, many of us who work 8-5 jobs think he should leave. Why? Because if you have the opportunity to make money like that…you have to take it. Brian Brohm came back for his senior year (when he coudl’ve left after his junior year and been a first rounder) and lost much of his offense. He was a fabulous college QB. Leinart made the same move. I understand the enjoying college and wanting to win a MNC and so forth, but you have to make the move for the money. College is a great experience, but there’s a lot of life to live after college and somehow you gotta be able to pay for it. 20 million guaranteed will do that.

"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite

by Sunkist on Jan 14, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brohm ended up being drafted in the 4th round after his senior year.

"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite

by Sunkist on Jan 14, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Castorinho is the same joker who posted

this gem, so take all comments with a grain of salt.

Are we no longer pretending to be a Longhorn, Castor? If not, your timing is backwards. You’re supposed to be an OU fan BEFORE the bowl game, not after.

by ctex80 on Jan 14, 2009 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

its called sarccasm

by castorinho on Jan 14, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is it?

by ctex80 on Jan 14, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not if you spell it like that.

Garrett Gilbert: 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

by jordansb on Jan 14, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

He must be an okie....

He can’t spell.

That and the fact that he’s a bi-polar longhorn fan. Hes probably one of those guys that wears the half UT/ half OU shirts on game day, can’t make up his mind, and he probably lives in that van down by the red river.

by future_longhorn_dad on Jan 14, 2009 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

anyway, this doesn't change much in the BIG XII

Texas remains the favorite by far, however the RRS should be more fun

by castorinho on Jan 14, 2009 4:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

sam bradford will spend that entire game on his ass

by acho81 on Jan 14, 2009 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Come back and win a MNC? not with stoops coaching, no way

my first born shall be named vy

by hookemkp on Jan 14, 2009 8:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

by owenh on Jan 14, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not a smart move!

its just to risky to come back and get a career-ending injury when u have nothing else to play for.. players like Colt,Tebow and todd reesing honestly have alot to prove to most GM’s and NFL scouts because all three of them pretty much have to make alot of plays with their feet and when they make great throws it seems to go unnoticed because of the numbers bradford kept putting up… i personally believe Colt is much more of what the NFL is looking for in the future but since his stock was that of tom brady’s out of college its a no brainer…come back and improve your stock,but bradford need’s to take a lesson from players like brady quinn, matt leinhart and ball state’s wr donte love (who came back his senior year only to have a career ending spinal injury), NOTHING WRITTEN IN STONE….TAKE THE MONEY WHILE YOU’RE ON EVERYBODY’S HOT LIST!!!

It's hard being a Longhorn fan in the state of Oklahoma!!

by okhornfan on Jan 14, 2009 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

USC next season

With Sanchez leaving for the draft, what are USCs chances at making a run? It’s looking more and more like TX-UF will be the matchup for next year. Who wants long odds?

by UTexasCPA on Jan 15, 2009 2:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

NC Odds

I figure that the Horns will have the third best odds when the lines come out for next year…. UF will be higher than Texas, and I wouldn’t be surprised if oddsmakers don’t come out trying to exploit stupid west coast money by putting USC at the #1 or #2 spot….

Probably be something like UF 4/1, Horns 6/1, USC 6/1

by Tackchevy on Jan 16, 2009 2:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs