Sooners on Decision to Come to OU

Talk to Oklahoma's players about the school they represent and the reasons for their contentment vary from the camaraderie of the team to academic offerings to the coaching staff.

By addressing every element of life, OU has created an environment that works well for a wide range of students. It all contributes to an atmosphere that fosters a cohesive team that knows how to win football games.

Along the way, Oklahoma's players are exposed to a career of great opportunities whether it be playing for a national championship, getting a degree or just enjoying the college experience.

Current and former OU football players share their reasons for choosing to come to Oklahoma and play for the Sooners:

Rufus Alexander, Minnesota Vikings - "The people made this the right decision for me. Everyone welcomes you here and they're all very encouraging. You believe that you will become a great player here because the people here keeping telling you it will happen. It's a very positive environment for a player."

J.D. Runnels, Chicago Bears - "I didn't know where I was going to until I heard Coach Stoops' voice on the other end of the phone There was always a special place in my heart for OU. I was aware of the winning tradition, national championships and bowl success that they had and all of the great players they produced.

Dan Cody, Baltimore Ravens - "The camaradrie in the program is great. For the people who are going to be far from home for an extended period of time, I would think that would be very important. Everybody meshes so well there. You're welcomed with open arms and then you're part of a very close-knit group."

Malcolm Kelly, Junior Wide Receiver - "I put Coach Stoops above everything else. He is very down to earth. He never acts like he is above everybody else or better than the next guy. All of the coaches here are great. This is home away from home, a family away from my family.

Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - "When I came to visit Oklahoma, my hosts were Vince Carter and Tommie Harris. I had so much fun just chilling at their house. I found some really genuine people here that I didn't find at those other schools. They were out to make something of themselves the right way."

Dusty Dvoracek, Chicago Bears - "The coaching staff impressed me more than any other we dealt with during the recruiting process. They really meant what they said. The best players really do get to play, no matter what. That's how you win championships. And the fans here are great. They root for us, but they care about us as people.