Thompson Back at Quarterback

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma completed its first football practice of the 2006 season Thursday at the rugby fields on the southern edge of the campus. The Sooners, who were delayed by 30 minutes due to lightning in the area, worked out for two hours.

The team will host its annual media day and Meet the Sooners autograph session on Friday. They practice that evening from 5-7:30 p.m.

Paul Thompson, installed earlier in the day as the starting quarterback, was the focal point after Thursday's practice. He met with media and talked about his decision to return to the quarterback position.

“It was my decision and it was a tough decision,” he said. “In the end, I wanted to have the ball in my hands and do what was best for me and this team.”

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Thompson said that he had not thrown pass routes since last season's Holiday Bowl preparations. He said the first day back under center went better than expected.

“(Timing) wasn't as far off as I thought it would be,” he said. “I felt good out there. For the offense to come out here and click like we did says a lot. The defense usually has the advantage early.”

Ironically, Thompson said that he had mentally prepared for a return to quarterback.

“My dad and I had actually talked about this,” he said. “If something happened to Rhett I could be back in there. I didn't think it would be this early.”

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The elder Thompson also had encouraged his son to keep working out at the position.

“My dad kept telling me, You better get out there and throw at a tree, a house or something."

Thompson moved from quarterback to wide receiver early last season, but was still listed as the No. 2 signal-caller. A senior, he has earned a position of respect on the team.

“I've been leading this team as one of the leaders for a while now,” he said. “I respect (the other players) and they respect me. It's a good mutual respect thing.

“The team rallied together (Thursday) and I think we're going to be all right.”

The mindset may be the biggest change for Thompson.

“The main thing is that I haven't played quarterback for a while,” he said. “You have to switch your whole mind up. I'm relaxed. I'm just out here having fun. I haven't put too much pressure on myself.”

The practice field represented an escape from a harried period in Thompson's life.

“It has been pretty crazy,” he admitted. “I haven't answered my phone much. There has been a lot of decision-making and lot of talking to my family.

“I don't listen to the radio or anything of that talk. I'm not here to prove anything to anybody. In the end, I just did what I thought was best for me and best for this team.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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