NORMAN — Thanks to his blistering beginning, reporters repeatedly have asked Oklahoma football coaches and players to compare freshman quarterback Sam Bradford to Heisman winner Jason White.
Advertisement
But long before anyone knew Bradford could play, someone else noticed a resemblance.
"I've said this before, last year seeing Sam throw in practice, I saw a lot of similarities in our throwing,” White said. "It was weird to see that, the same touch on the ball, things of that nature.
"I can see why people are comparing our throwing motion and our accuracy.”
So far, Bradford has exceeded expectations of the most optimistic observers, even spurring ESPN college football analyst Mark May to declare that Bradford would go down as the greatest quarterback to play for coach Bob Stoops.
But after two games, it isn't time for Bradford's bronze statue just yet.
White led OU to two national championship appearances and won the Heisman Trophy in 2003 after tossing a school-record 40 TDs.
Still, it's hard to ignore similarities between Bradford and White on the field.
In Bradford's debut two weeks ago against North Texas, he completed 21 of 23 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
In White's 2003 debut — coming off his second knee surgery — against North Texas, he completed 23 of 25 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
White is the school-record holder for season completion percentage at 65 percent, set in 2004.
Bradford is connecting on 83 percent of his passes and could seriously threaten White's mark.
Already, Bradford broke White's school record for consecutive completions, connecting on 22 straight passes.
"It's good to see, and hopefully it happens that Sam continues to be accurate with the ball,” White said.
"One thing he does that I think I did is he hits the receiver in stride.
"He gives the receiver an opportunity to run with the ball, and that's one of the most important parts of being a quarterback.”
To coaches and players, however, their similarities don't stop there.
Mentally, Bradford is also drawing comparisons to White.
"Sam's ability to process information for a young guy is really good,” offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "He handles things mentally like Jason did in 2003 and 2004.”
Senior tight end Joe Jon Finley, the only Sooner to catch passes from both White and Bradford, notices a likeness in confidence.
"The thing about Jason White, he knew the offense so well, he knew the read before the snap,” Finley said. "So you knew everyone trusted him to make the right decision with all that confidence.
"We'll see how Sam pans out in his career, but he's got a lot of confidence, too.”
The paths of White and Bradford to OU also are similar.
Both attended Oklahoma high schools.
Both starred for their basketball teams.
Both were all-state quarterbacks.
"You can see a lot of the same characteristics in us.” White said. "I'm hoping that continues.”
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
I'm a Sooner fan through and through. I have to agree that we need to see the season unfold it self. Beat Texas, Beat OSU, Beat A&M etc etc... Then bring up the Heisman. I do have to say however I think Bradford has done and will do a great job.
I agree with you guys. I wish we would have had losing seasons like before Bob arrived. I hate playing in championship games and losing. What a bummer. Just because the guy had two major knee blowouts and had to re-had most of his time at OU, holds most of the passing records, threw one of the prettiest passes you will ever see, but was not a pro-prospect, we should dis Jason to the end of the world. Well you know, I kinda remember the losing seasons, getting beat by people I even hate to remember, maybe losing a NC game is not to bad.
Let the boy alone sheesh. He needs time to mature a bit but I am excited about what I see. The only thing I don't want is another great QB who chokes in big games. White was 1-3 in Big 12 Champ. and NAtl. Title games
If Bradford is following the path of Jason White, he's got two good knees that are destined to blow out. And maybe he'll even follow Jason White to the NFL, try out for a few teams, and then get cut.
Buying a Car
Visit NewsOK's latest Know it and get tips on buying the perfect vehicle.
Related to this story
Articles
Bradford's play keeps Nichol on sideline But... 09/12/2007 NORMAN — Sam Bradford followed up his impressive performance against North Texas with an even more impressive one against Miami. The next question from the...
OU notes 09/12/2007 McCoy has broken hand Oklahoma freshman defensive tackle Gerald McCoy suffered a broken bone in his right hand last Saturday against Miami. He fractured the...
8
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).
Hope Sam is more than just "white."