White Will Return For Another Year At OU

Oklahoma's Jason White, winner of the 2003 Heisman Memorial Trophy, has been cleared by the NCAA for another year of collegiate eligibility. The Sooner quarterback announced Friday night after practice that he plans to return to OU for another season.

White, listed as a senior for the current 2003 season, could enter the upcoming NFL Draft, but said Friday that discussions with his parents, Ron and Sue White, and OU head coach Bob Stoops led him to believe that another year in the college ranks would be in his best interest.

Despite being pressed on the issue repeatedly, White had indicated that the decision of turning pro or remaining in college was something he would weigh at the end of the season. The Tuttle, Okla., native ended the speculation with his announcement Friday when he stood up during the team's closing huddle to announce his intentions.

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"Anyone who has played college football will understand (my decision)," I had been leaning this way and just decided today that I am sure this is what I want to do. I really look forward to another year at Oklahoma."

White said he did not test the professional waters in any way. "I didn't even send in my papers. I talked with my parents and coaches and decided this is what I wanted to do," he said.

Stoops said he was pleased with White's decision.

"We're obviously excited," Stoops said. "Jason is a great player and a great leader on our team. We've got a number of other good players who will be back next season and it's encouraging to think about that team with Jason at quarterback. But more than that, it's just very good for this program to have Jason's presence. And I think it will be good for him to get in another year with us."

White qualified for another season of eligibility under NCAA bylaw 30.6.1, the five-year, 10-semester waiver. Student-athletes have five years in which to complete four years of eligibility. The bylaw stipulates that when a student-athlete's eligiblity is interrupted by circumstances beyond personal control, such as injury, the five-year period may be extended.

White suffered a back injury in 1999 and a season-ending knee injury in 2002 in a game against Alabama. Both resulted in hardship rulings for White, which made him eligible to petition for another season. The knee injury he incurred against Nebraska in 2001 had no bearing on the ruling since it came after the midway point in that season.

At White's request, the OU Athletics Department's compliance office entered the petition to the NCAA's office of Student-Athlete Reinstatement. The response was received Friday morning.

The nation's leader in pass efficiency (167.99), White ranks No. 2 in touchdown passes (40) and No. 15 in total offense (280.0). He has set OU records this season in touchdown (40) passes and consecutive completions (14), and tied the mark for touchdown passes in a game with five vs. Iowa State and Texas A&M. With 3,744 passing yards, he is 107 yards shy of Josh Heupel's school single season mark of 3,850, set in 1999. White ranks No. 4 on OU's career passing chart with 4,606 yards. White is 15-2 as Oklahoma's starter.

In addition to the Heisman Trophy, White was Associated Press' College Player of the Year, a consensus All-American and the winner of the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

White Will Return For Another Year At OU

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