2004 Season Preview: Quarterbacks

2004 Season Preview: Offense
With 10 starters and a host of prominent reserves returning, the offense will have a familiar look. Another season in the maturation process should strengthen a unit that smashed numerous records last season.

The Sooners possess an ability to throw that compares favorably with any team in the land, and, just one season removed from an 1,800-yard rusher, appears poised to balance the throwing arsenal with a top-rate ground game.

Quarterback
Players with starting experience at the position: Jason White

Stories don't come much better than that of Jason White. Two reconstructive knee surgeries and a Heisman Trophy all in the span of three years is the stuff of legend. And now a curtain call?

White, who fired 40 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions last season, was not saddled with a long list of expectations last season and won't be prevailed upon for a sensational encore this time around either. His work ethic and perseverance have made him a model of leadership, a key component for any quarterback.

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His assignment will match that of a year ago - utilize the other 10 on the field and make smart plays. With his accuracy and uncanny deep throws, that's usually more than enough.

White's backup last season was Paul Thompson, now a junior. Thompson's mature demeanor and overall ability make him a legitimate threat to opposing defenses. He is not nearly as game tested as White, but his quick release and potent running skills present a versatile package.

The only other returning player at QB is Tommy Grady, who at 6-7 is one of the tallest players on the team. Grady redshirted last season and saw extensive scout team duty. He obviously has the stature to see much of the field. He also has a strong arm and effortless motion, even on long passes.

Oklahoma also welcomes Rhett Bomar, who was rated by many recruiting services as the top high school quarterback in the nation for 2003.

	Quarterbacks Stories don't come much better than that of Jason White. Two reconstructive knee surgeries and a Heisman Trophy all in the span of three years is the stuff of legend. And now a curtain call?
	Running Backs Two years ago, Kejuan Jones was OU's short-yardage back. Last season, while sharing time with Renaldo Works, he evolved into a more typical role. Works' graduation leaves Jones...
	Receivers Speed, elusiveness, strength ... they all reside at Oklahoma's receiver position. In fact, the only commodity that may be in better supply is experience. The Sooner receiving corps will be a strength...
	Tight Ends This coaching staff has produced three players who are now tight ends on NFL rosters. Their appreciation for the position is well-documented. The productivity dropped somewhat last year as...
	Offensive Line All five starters return. Three of the five have been starters for three seasons and all five have been starters for all or part of two seasons. The group owns 133 combined starting assignments...
	Defensive Line Dusty Dvoracek is not the biggest defensive tackle in college football, but few are better at getting from point A to point B. And point B is usually in the opposing backfield. Dvoracek is a playmaker...
	Defensive Ends The unvarnished truth is that the defensive end position will likely be one of the strongest on the team. Dan Cody and Jonathan Jackson have played in a combined 70 games at Oklahoma...
	Linebackers If there is such a thing as a blessing in disguise, the blessing's name is Lance Mitchell. OU's physically imposing middle linebacker went down with a torn ACL in the third game of the 2003 season...
	Secondary It took a mighty big spotlight to capture Oklahoma's secondary last season. Cornerback Derrick Strait was nailing down the Nagurski and Thorpe Awards, while former All-American Brandon Everage...
	Special Teams With the exception of holder Matt McCoy, anyone who handled the ball on Oklahoma's special teams last season is back. Replacements for McCoy's job will be auditioned. Otherwise, it's the same cast...

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