Hold the Phone, Rufus is Coming Back

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander, the Sooners' leading tackler last season, said Wednesday that he will definitely return for his senior year of college.

Alexander said the number of phone calls he has received from agents and other representatives in recent days led him to make the declaration.

“I've just had a lot of phone calls so I want to put this to rest once and for all,” he said. “I always wanted to come back and play my senior year. I talked with Dan Cody, who is in the NFL now, and he remembered how much he loved being with us and loved playing college ball. Dusty Dvoracek and Clint Ingram both said their senior years were great. I just want to experience my senior year.”

Rufus Alexander Bio, Photos & Stats

Alexander also wants to get a diploma and be part of a promising roster.

“My mom and step mom both want me to graduate and that means a lot to me too,” he said. “I feel like I can accomplish a lot of things. Plus, we had a young team and I feel like I can come back as a leader and do so much for others.”

The Baton Rouge, La., native led OU with 102 tackles last season. He had 17 stops for losses, five sacks, nine pass break-ups, two fumbles forced, one fumble recovery and one interception. His play helped the Sooners to an 8-4 mark and a 17-14 victory over No. 6-ranked Oregon in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.

The Sooners, who were ranked No. 22 in both of the season-ending polls despite playing the nation's most difficult schedule, will return 26 players with starting experience for the 2006 campaign.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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