Sam Bradford to Stay at OU

"I've dreamed about playing at Oklahoma since I was little, and my three years here have been probably three of the best years of my life," Sam Bradford said. "I really feel that's there's no need to cut this experience short and I'm really looking forward to coming back."

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Sam Bradford announced Wednesday that he will return to the University of Oklahoma for his junior season.

"After looking at all the information and obviously weighing the pros and cons of both opportunities that I have, I feel it is in my best interest to come back to the University of Oklahoma for my junior season," Sam Bradford said.

Bradford won the Heisman Trophy this season and led the Sooners to play for the BCS National Championship.

He said in the press conference he looks forward to leading his team to a fourth-straight Big 12 Championship and another opportunity at the National Championship.

"After looking at all the information and obviously weighing the pros and cons of both opportunities that I have, I feel it is in my best interest to come back to the University of Oklahoma for my junior season," Sam Bradford said.

Jermaine Gresham, Trent Williams and Gerald McCoy all announced they will return to the Sooners for the 2009 season.

"We are pleased that these players are returning to our program," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "They understand the value of gaining another year of experience and improving their position in the draft along with the value of either finishing their degree or being within a few hours of completing it."

McCoy redshirted his first year at Oklahoma and was eligible to enter the NFL draft for the first time. He ranked second on the team with 6 1/2 sacks this season, but had been expected to return.

NEWS 9 Sports Director Dean Blevins has the following thoughts:

"There was no celebration after Florida beat the Sooners in that memorable BCS title game. But it is time for Sooners everywhere to celebrate.

The money would have been grand, guaranteed, and invested wisely. However, Bradford took the national championship loss very hard. He understands he needs to add some muscle and weight to his slender but sturdy frame. And he knows experts like Bill Parcells believe he should have returned for another year.

Bradford surely took note of the fact that people like ESPN's Todd McShay, alleged draft expert, dropped Bradford from his No. 1 overall pick to No. 9. He sure didn't do that because of a poor performance in the title game. Bradford was terrific.

I believe McShay dropped him eight spots, a considerable drop since most people say if you are a top five pick you leave and lower than that you stay, because he's now getting the real scoop from draft personnel from the teams. He's not just flying off with what he thinks will happen.

I'd think the Bradfords took note of this and it kind of scared them off a little.

There were many other reasons for the decision to stay and we will be getting into those in the very near future and throughout the day on News 9.

As our favorite weatherman is prone to say, ‘Stay with News9. We'll keep you advised.'"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.