NORMAN — Last spring, Keith Nichol arrived in Norman as a freshman with much fanfare, perhaps even as the immediate answer for Oklahoma at quarterback.
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But Sam Bradford eventually won the starting job and would go on to have one of the greatest seasons ever produced by a freshman quarterback, with Nichol watching from the sidelines.
For the first time, Nichol talked about what last year was like for him, why he's staying at OU and what he hopes to accomplish during his time in college on and off the field:
Q: Talk about how last year went for you with the ups and downs. How difficult is it to stay with it mentally when you're not playing as much as you'd like to?
A: I was disappointed, I'm not going to lie. But the team did really good and Sam played well. As an overall I was happy. From a selfish, personal standpoint, I was a little disappointed I wasn't playing. But at the same time the team is playing good and we're rolling, and I was happy about that. I had mixed emotions.
Q: In the two scrimmages last year, you showed you have a lot of ability. People have said, with that kind of ability, why has Keith stayed? Make the case for why you've decided to stay here, why it's important to you and what you hope to achieve during your time here.
A: I'm still doing the same thing I did the first day I got on campus and that's compete for a starting spot. I'm not backing down and would never back down just because someone had a good year. A lot can change in college football. A lot of people ask me that same question, why aren't you going somewhere? I love OU, I love the people here. Worst-case scenario, you get a free education. It's really not a bad deal. I'm staying for a lot of reasons.
I love these guys here. I'm glad Sam played so well last year and the team did so well. It's a selfish standpoint to get disappointed — I'm real proud of the team and Sam. If I had to transfer I'd still have to compete for a starting spot. So, I'm not going to sit here and compete for a second spot. I'm here to compete for the top. I feel like when I do that, everyone else gets better, Sam gets better.
Q: Is the toughest part of it mental?
A: It's hard sometimes, but you have to look at it in the most positive light you can. If you go out there with a negative mindset, that's when people are like, why are you here? I'm here because I feel like I'm good enough to play. I'm here to prove myself just like everybody on the field is.
Q: Back in the beginning of last year's fall practice, there was a three-way competition. Then within a two-week span, it went from that to Sam leading the nation in passing efficiency. Can you talk about those two weeks, how difficult it was and how you got through it.
A:It just goes to show you how fast things can change. It shows how much a little thing can change the way you live. It was a real humbling experience for me. But as a true freshman, I was real happy to get to play at all.
Q: They say adversity builds character. Did that experience help you grow as a person?
A: The biggest thing that it has carried over for me is school. The reason I'm here is to get an education. Coming out of high school, I wanted to play Division I college football, I didn't really think about academics. But in the middle of the season I really began focusing on my grades and started thinking about my degree. I want to go into business school. I think management sounds good, especially in the state of Oklahoma.
Q: Are there particular examples you look to for inspiration like Matt Flynn, who won the national championship at LSU and got invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, despite only starting for one year?
A: I look at the whole Jason White situation. Nate Hybl gets hurt and Jason White goes in. Everything can change in a flash. You can't look at it like, I'm not going to get to play my entire college career. You have to look at it like, I could be going in on the first play of the first game. You just have to be ready for what happens.
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Great story. Keith probably saw what happened with Tommy Grady and will think hard before he transfers for that reason alone,plus he seems to really like it here. Hope it all pays off for him,because he is a very talented and well grounded young man.
Incredible attitude, great kid. Wish we heard more of these stories nationwide, instead of just the ones about the Bomar's and Grainger's of the world. So glad Keith is a Sooner......reminds you a little of Paul Thompson, doesn't it?
Keith came from a program that there is not an I in "TEAM" and that the only way to have a succesful seasone is to work together as a team and work hard as an idividual to help the team. He is a very unselfish kid that comes from a great family that has values and from a program that creates winners thru work, ethic and attitude.
i sure would like to see him get more playing time, maybe even some goal line packages to show case his running ability. moreover, history has shown us that injuries frequent the QB spot, thus its high time this coaching staff start getting the backups some real experience
Its refreshing to see someone with this type of maturity at his age. In this day in age where everybody wants instant satisfaction - Keith Nichols understands the team concept - good luck Keith.
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OU quarterback Keith Nichol was disappointed he didn't play last year, but happy with the Sooners' success as a team. By NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
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Hey Stoops, get this kid on the field any way you can, this kid is a winner!