University of Oklahoma Athletics

2005 OU Season Preview: Quarterbacks

July 25, 2005 | Football

By: Athletics Communications

NORMAN, Okla. -- SoonerSports.com will preview the upcoming 2005 football season with a detailed series leading up to the start of preseason practices. The Sooners officially report on August 3 with the first practice slated for August 4. Player previews listed alphabetically:
 
Schedule | Roster | Tentative Preseason Depth Chart | Quick Facts

 2005 Quarterbacks Preview

Rhett Bomar
R-Fr. | 6-4, 215 | Grand Prairie, Texas
Redshirted in 2004. Started three years for Grand Prairie HS and threw for 6,097 yards and 58 touchdowns.

Tommy Grady
So. | 6-7, 221 | Huntington Beach, Calif.
Saw action in five games in 2004. Completed 12-of-14 passes on the season, including 8-of-9 vs. Houston.

Paul Thompson
Jr. | 6-4, 210 | Leander, Texas
Redshirted in 2004. Played as a backup in 14 games for the Sooners including 10 in 2003 and four in 2002.

For the first time under Stoops, Oklahoma will start a quarterback who was not recruited six years ago. From Josh Heupel to Nate Hybl to Jason White, every OU starter under this coach came from the 1999 class ... until now. 
 
For 2005, the starter will emerge from a more recently signed, but just as highly touted crop of players.
 
  2005 OU Quarterbacks Photo Gallery

The backup last season was Tommy Grady, a 6-7 sophomore whose arm strength and accuracy make a formidable package. He played sparingly behind White last season, but connected on 12-of-14 passes and never looked uncomfortable.

The other two candidates are cut from a different cloth. 

Paul Thompson, who redshirted last season after serving as the backup in 2003, and Rhett Bomar, who redshirted last season as a true freshman, bring the run-throw option.

The ability level is so high among the three that any could likely step in and play well. The question mark lies in experience and leadership. Grady and Thompson have seen only late-game duty, while Bomar, one of the nation's top-rated prospects in 2003, has yet to take a college snap.
 
2005 OU Football Preseason Central |   2005 OU Football Guide

The coaches will spend the early days determining which one fits best with the team and, in the very best coach speak, gives the Sooners the best opportunity to win.
 
Last Preview
2005 Season Preview
 
Next Preview
SoonerSports.com will highlight the OU running backs on Tuesday, July 26.

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