Hybl Named Starter As OU's Two-A-Days Come To An End

Aug. 16, 2001

NORMAN, Okla. - The summer's rampant speculation as to who Oklahoma's starting quarterback would be has come to an end as head coach Bob Stoops and his coaching staff have chosen junior Nate Hybl to start the 2001 season. Hybl had been in a heated competition with sophomore Jason White, but after shining in Wednesday night's scrimmage and throughout two-a-days, he solidified his hold on the position. Thursday evening's practice was Hybl's first as the sole starter, and Stoops was very encouraged and excited about the Hazlehurst, Ga., native.

"We felt Nate earned the position with the way he's practiced throughout our double sessions," said Stoops. "We took into account leadership in the huddle and chemistry with the guys, plus we felt Nate has been more consistent and made fewer bad plays, although neither one has had many."

Stoops reiterated the fact that Hybl earned the starting position through intense competition and hard work, not because White didn't play up to his potential.

"If you look all through our scrimmages and all our practices," said Stoops, "I don't think either has had a real bad day. Jason had an excellent camp as well and this will make him better. I think he realizes this competition had made them both better. They're both ready to play and ready to be winners for us, we just felt that Nate earned the spot."

Hybl seemed excited about the opportunity he's been given and said he's looking forward to preparations for North Carolina, who visits Norman Aug. 25 for the Hispanic College Fund Football Classic.

"This has to be put behind us right now," said Hybl of the competition. "Jason and I both went through a lot during this camp and it turned out how it turned out. Now, it's onto Carolina and I'm excited about that. I hope, as a unit, we come together closely and get prepared for Carolina and even Air Force. We have ample time, more time than a normal game week, so it's time to come together and be ready to play."

Hybl agrees with Stoops in that the battle has made both players into better quarterbacks and better leaders.

"I think it made us both better, as quarterbacks and as people," said Hybl. "Jason and I are handling it well. We both did the best we could and we both felt very comfortable in the huddle. It's important to put this behind us now and prepare for Carolina."

The Sooners will practice from 9:45 a.m. to noon on both Friday and Saturday at the practice fields south of Owen Field, before the squad enters game-week preparations. Both practices will be closed to the public.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Hybl Named Starter As OU's Two-A-Days Come To An End

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