UPDATE: Lacoltan Bester enrolled at OU, is officially eligible for football

Lacoltan Bester has achieved eligibility to play football at Oklahoma this fall. PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NORMAN — Lacoltan Bester has enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, according to the school’s online directory, making him officially eligible for the football team.

Thursday afternoon, EMCC coach Buddy Stephens said Bester had graduated and come to Norman. A few hours later, the Rivals site SoonerScoop.com reported Bester was eligible to play football if he’s enrolled, because junior-college transfers don’t need NCAA Clearinghouse approval.

Bester, a 6-foot-3, 205 pound wide receiver, helped lead East Mississippi to the 2011 NJCAA national championship. He had 76 catches, 1,042 yards and 17 touchdowns during the school’s title run.

Bester had lots of NCAA Division I interest, but the Sooners didn’t enter the mix until late because of questions about whether he’d be able to graduate. Bester visited OU’s campus one May weekend and signed his letter of intent before leaving.

Bester’s eligibility success is a huge boost for OU, which is very inexperienced at receiver after Stoops suspended three starters indefinitely in May.