Guest Just J Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Friday, December 19, 2003 Associated Press NORMAN, Okla. -- Heisman Trophy winner Jason White has been granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA and will return to Oklahoma next season, the quarterback said Friday. White, whose previous two seasons were cut short by knee injuries, surprised his team with the announcement during a team huddle at the end of practice. "Anyone who has played college football will understand (my decision)," White said. "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, listed as a senior, had shrugged off questions all year about whether he would return to Oklahoma for another season or enter the upcoming NFL draft. He repeatedly said he wouldn't reveal his decision until the end of the season, but changed his mind after getting the NCAA's approval Friday and consulting with his parents and coach Bob Stoops over the past two weeks. "I talked with my parents and coaches and decided this is what I wanted to do," he said. The Sooners' will face No. 2 LSU on Jan. 4 in the Sugar Bowl for the Bowl Championship Series' national championship. White is hoping to become the third quarterback to win the Heisman and the national title in the same season, joining Florida State's Charlie Ward (1993) and Florida's Danny Wuerffel (1996). Recent Heisman-winning quarterbacks haven't fared as well, with Florida State's Chris Weinke (2000) and Nebraska's Eric Crouch (2001) following up their Heisman wins with subpar title-game performances. If he can't do it this season, though, he'll have a pretty good chance next year. With White returning next season, Oklahoma will welcome back all but one starter from its record-setting offense -- the Sooners scored a school-record 587 points this season and led the nation in points per game (45.1). "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." The 23-year-old senior leads the nation in passing efficiency, completing 64 percent for 3,744 yards, 40 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. His comeback from two serious knee injuries was one of the feel-good stories of the season. Those injuries led to questions about his durability -- not to mention ability. He managed to beat out three quarterbacks for the starting job, but was still considered by many to be the Sooners' lone question mark coming into the season. But White shined from the start. Indeed, his statistics probably would have been gaudier if Stoops hadn't pulled him from some lopsided games. In addition to the Heisman, White was honored as the AP Player of the Year and he won the Davey O'Brien Award, given annually to the nation's top quarterback. Unbelievable... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted December 21, 2003 He's no idiot. He knows this season he's only a 3rd or 4th round pick. He's hoping the QB talent pool is depeleted enough next year for him to move into a late 1st rounder. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 The NFL doesn't believe in him b/c of his knees. If he comes back and repeats this season then they'll definetly pick him up. He's trying to prove something to the NFL. I heard about this last night on the news and I freaked out. They went up to him and he started talking before the interviewer could even say anything. He was like "Hey! Guess what? I just told them I'm coming back...you're the first to know!" then he said later "I love it here. This is the best time of my life.....and who couldn't use another year of college!?" when they asked him about the draft he kind of danced around the issue...but we all know that was the main thing pushing him to return. I'm so happy. Well if they win the National Title.....I'm guessing they'll be #1 in the pre-season polls again....... And Mr.J......why are you so unhappy? What's wrong with Jason White coming back? You not wanting to see him have another season like he did this year? And with K-State losing some of there good players I wonder if Snyder is calling Stoops......."Look Bob......I'm sorry about beating you by 28 points......I saw what you did to OSU and A&M for beating you last season......please don't hurt me." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 And with K-State losing some of there good players I wonder if Snyder is calling Stoops......."Look Bob......I'm sorry about beating you by 28 points......I saw what you did to OSU and A&M for beating you last season......please don't hurt me." How many times does Snyder have to prove he can build a damn good football team? It's not like K-State can't do it again. Don't get cocky just because you don't think K-State can do it again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 And with K-State losing some of there good players I wonder if Snyder is calling Stoops......."Look Bob......I'm sorry about beating you by 28 points......I saw what you did to OSU and A&M for beating you last season......please don't hurt me." How many times does Snyder have to prove he can build a damn good football team? It's not like K-State can't do it again. Don't get cocky just because you don't think K-State can do it again. Oh I think they can do it again. I was merely making a joke about it. Nothing serious. OU/K-State next year should probably be the best football game of the year based on the history. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 And with K-State losing some of there good players I wonder if Snyder is calling Stoops......."Look Bob......I'm sorry about beating you by 28 points......I saw what you did to OSU and A&M for beating you last season......please don't hurt me." How many times does Snyder have to prove he can build a damn good football team? It's not like K-State can't do it again. Don't get cocky just because you don't think K-State can do it again. Oh I think they can do it again. I was merely making a joke about it. Nothing serious. OU/K-State next year should probably be the best football game of the year based on the history. Oops. Sorry man, I missed the sarcasm. I'm more curious if Texas and Oklahoma St. will fix their issues and get back into the hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmy no nose 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 I think voting for the Heisman would have been a lot different had they already known White would be back for a sixth season of eligibility. It's also likely that Larry Fitzgerald will not return to Pitt for his third year because he has some what of a loophole having done a voluntary extra year of high school at a military academy. Heisman voters tend to not want the guy to be back the following year to defend his title, so I think it would have been a very different situation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jimbo Report post Posted December 21, 2003 He's 23 and going for another season...yeesh, he's nearly a Weinke! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Yeah, I really feel bad for him not entering the Draft. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of poon he will be offered next year... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted December 21, 2003 It's all good. Matt Leinhart or Mike Williams is gonna win the Heisman next year anyway, one because they're great and two because people will feel bad for USC getting dicked out of the BCS game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edwin MacPhisto 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 White better hope that he stays healthy next year. A guy with this history of injuries could easily go down again, and then he won't get drafted at all. If he does make it through and have another big season, he probably will move up from being a 4th round pick. Maybe with a 6th year he can actually be one of the rare Oklahoma players to graduate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 This isn't unheard of in college sports. Micheal Bauer who plays Basketball at Minnesota is in his 6th year. Iowa had a Basketball player there for 6 years. I believe Jess Settles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Don't forget Toby Bailey. He played basketball at UCLA for about 14 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 There was that guy on Florida State who finally left school when he was 28 or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Chris Weinke. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Chris Weinke is about to have a shorter NFL career then his college career. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Hey I agree with his decision. He needs to raise his stock for the draft. If he comes back and has the same season...or hell....a better season then he can really get into being a 1st or 2nd round draft pick. Besides.....I still can't get over his justification "Who couldn't use another year of college?" I have a feeling he's going to take some very easy classes....he saved all of his Electives for now. He'll be in Bowling and Philosophy of the Simpsons or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BobbyWhioux Report post Posted December 21, 2003 He'll be in Bowling and Philosophy of the Simpsons or something. Hey fuck you, man, Philosophy of The Simpsons is a hard-as-hell class. You ever try to read that textbook? Most inacessable tome I've ever encountered. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Jason White can't raise his stock. He just can't. If it was surgery on one knee....maybe. Both both knees? I'm not too sure he can really raise his stock no matter what he does. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 He can. If he stays uninjured and puts up repeat numbers then the NFL will probably know that he's the real deal. Besides....who wants to compete with that Manning name? I would've stayed to. Oh and I knew a girl that took Philosophy of the Simpsons and South Park. She said it was the funnest class ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slayer 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Oh and I knew a girl that took Philosophy of the Simpsons and South Park. She said it was the funnest class ever. The first time I thought you were joking, but ....that's an actual class? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Oh and I knew a girl that took Philosophy of the Simpsons and South Park. She said it was the funnest class ever. The first time I thought you were joking, but ....that's an actual class? It's one of those crazy intersession classes that they give out in between semesters for 2 weeks to give people who need extra credit hours something to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 He can. If he stays uninjured and puts up repeat numbers then the NFL will probably know that he's the real deal. Besides....who wants to compete with that Manning name? I would've stayed to. Oh and I knew a girl that took Philosophy of the Simpsons and South Park. She said it was the funnest class ever. The NFL does not give a damn what kind of numbers you put up in college. All they look at is your NFL scouting work-out. And his scout report will always have a double underline under "Double knee surgery". He can prove he is ok, but I still doubt he gets higher than a 4th round pick because no NFL GM or coach wants to place his future in the hands with a quarterback who has already had double knee surgery. The only thing in their mind is, how would his knees have reacted if his offensive line wasn't great in front of him? And how would his knees take constant sacks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 21, 2003 Well.....his knees are rebuilt. They're stronger than they were before so I think they'd hold up better than they would before. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites