After leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a National Championship game this year and winning a Heisman trophy, quarterback Sam Bradford has decided to return for his junior season.

Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to a record breaking season, in which they scored 716 total points and had 78 offensive touchdowns. He also led the nation in touchdown passes with 50 and had a nation leading and college football record setting passer rating of 180.9.  He made the announcement with less drama than his counterpart quarterback in the Championship game Tim Tebow, but nonetheless Oklahoma Sooner fans are just as thrilled to have their star back for atleast one more season.

Sam Bradford grew up dreaming of playing quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, he had this to say at a news conference,

“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, and I really feel that there’s no need to cut this experience short,”

Leaving behind an opportunity to be an early first round pick, Bradford felt that to leave without a National Championship would be an unaccomplished goal.  This news also allows Bradford to accomplish a goal only one other player in the history of the modern era has achieved, and that is to win the Heisman trophy multiple times.  Bradford will have some help in making this run as tight end Jermaine Gresham is also returning for his senior season, Gresham has caught 23 touchdowns over the last 2 seasons.

This decision leaves many NFL teams that are quarterback deprived with a few more worries, with Matthew Stafford the only anticipated quarterback to be drafted in the first round.  These teams may have to select the next best quarterback and hope that he can become something special, the likes of Pat White, Graham Harrell, Chase Daniel, and Rhett Bomar. This draft features many players from the offensive line and the defense with some athletic wide receivers.

I think that Sam Bradford’s decision to stay was a good one and barring a serious injury has a shot at ending his college career on a high note, winning a national title.  If 2008 was a preview to the year we are going to have in 2009 then I cannot wait.

In Daniel, we have the quintessential top-notch college quarterback. He has solid mechanics, leadership ability, and athleticism. He’s been extremely accurate over his college career, completing better than 67% of his passes in slightly more than three seasons. He has shown the ability to get outside the pocket and make some tough throws on the run. He has also been a decent weapon as a runner, and has been a finalist for several major awards over the last two seasons. The best thing about Daniel to me is that I believe he can get better, as he has shown consistent improvement as his career has progressed.

Daniel will be fighting an uphill battle at the next level, however, and that hill may be too steep for him to climb for long. He has decent size, at 225 lbs, but he is extremely “vertically challenged”, and will probably measure out at slightly under six feet at the combine. His arm is also a major question mark in a league where arm strength is highly valued. Most of the passes he’s thrown in Missouri’s offense are five to fifteen yard timing throws. When he does throw deep, it is rarely into a tight window, as speedster Jeremy Maclin has made his life fairly easy in that department. Throwing for distance isn’t the problem, though. It’s the eighteen yard deep outs from seven yards deep in the backfield that I would worry about as a scout. Those balls are thrown routinely in most NFL offenses, and it takes arm strength to get them there on time, without being defended or picked off.

There are many other factors that Daniel will need to improve as he fights for an NFL roster spot next season, not the least of which is his obvious inability to read coverage down the field. Again, much of that probably relates to the offense he ran at Missouri, but it is something that will concern scouts nonetheless. When he does drop back and read coverage, he tips his hand far too soon by staring down his first read much of the time. The likes of Ed Reed would devour him due to that major flaw. He also holds on to the ball much longer than an NFL quarterback should, a trait which usually indicates an inability to process information quickly, leading to sacks, fumbles, or bad decisions at the next level. If he were three inches taller, I’d be forced to give him a third round grade, based on potential, and his experience as a passer. Unfortunately, he is not 6’3”, and that fact alone will push him down draft boards. Combine the rest of his imperfections with his lack of height and arm strength, and he will probably go somewhere in round five or six.

The other Chase in Missouri’s offense, however, is a different story altogether. Chase Coffman, the 6’5” 255 lb tight end, son of former NFL TE Paul Coffman, is going to be an awesome pro! I love this guy, and think he should receive first round consideration by teams at the end of round one. Coffman is not your typical tight end, something that makes his evaluation a bit difficult, and has rarely been tested as a blocker, but has exceptional athletic ability for a man his size. He is a very versatile player, and displayed excellent receiving skills from the slot. He has great hands and uses his body well to create separation and to make tough catches in traffic. He can “go up and get it” as well, and would definitely be a weapon on the goal line.

Coffman does not have ideal speed like Chicago’s Greg Olsen, or San Fran’s Vernon Davis, but is quick enough to get open consistently at the next level. He is a highly intelligent football player that comes from great bloodlines and will learn the NFL game quickly. He will have no problem finding holes in zone coverage from day one. The knocks on his speed and question marks about his blocking ability will most likely cause him to slide into the second round, where he should go quickly.

Ironically, Missouri’s top prospect is not named Chase, though I believe it will be a household name within three years. Jeremy Maclin, the 6’1” 200 lb wide out with sub 4.4 speed is definitely the cream of the crop on the Missouri campus. This guy is a Playmaker! Notice the capital P. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and, in Missouri’s offense, he touched it all day long. Used as a return man, in the running game, and as a primary receiver, Maclin was Mr. Everything for the Tigers in both seasons he played, after red shirting in ’06.

His adjustment to the NFL will not be seamless, however, so a rookie of the year award is probably not in his future. He has much to learn about running routes as well as reading and adjusting to coverage, but will be utilized immediately as a punt and kick returner. He is very comparable, in ability, to Dolphins WR Ted Ginn, and his progression into an NFL offense will probably take as long. By the end of his third season, Maclin should become a primary target in the NFL, and will be competing for a Pro Bowl roster spot. He is a first round LOCK in ’09, and will most likely go in the top 20. Look for the Jets at 17 or the Bears at 18 to snatch him up.

Interestingly enough, this allows me to answer another question posted by “Gator Bait” who asked, “What are your thoughts on Percy Harvin? Where do you think he should go and how will he fair?”

Some may call me crazy, but I’ve seen enough film on Harvin and Maclin both to feel confident in saying that if you had them swap jerseys, you wouldn’t know the difference. I guess that I’d have to give Maclin an edge as a return specialist, but that will only matter in the short term. Okay, Maclin is also about two inches taller and maybe five pounds heavier, but everything else is pretty identical. The only real glaring difference is the roles they played on their respective teams, causing Maclin’s numbers to be much more impressive. Had Harvin signed with Missouri, and Maclin with Florida, I think the numbers would have been no better or worse in either offense for either player. The strengths and weaknesses are the same for both players, and the developmental projections I listed for Maclin will be the same for Harvin. It’s rare for me to see two guys so closely measured, and equally talented, but I’ve tried to find differences, and I just don’t see anything worth mentioning. The two inches in height and the extra opportunities Maclin was afforded at Missouri puts him ahead of Harvin in the draft, but Harvin will most likely be the third wide receiver taken in April, with an excellent chance of going at the end of the first round.

The gathering of Gator fans, which had been chanting “one more year” throughout the ceremony, erupted in its biggest cheer of the afternoon and Tebow was met with hugs from happy teammates and coaches.

It was music to the Gators’ fans ears, they were hoping that their leader and starting quarterback would utter those magic words.  Tim “Superman” Tebow will return to the Florida Gators and look to accomplish something no other Florida Gator quarterback has done and that is to lead his team to an undefeated season and a third National Championship.

“I just love being here. I love being a Gator. I feel loyal to this place, and I want to stick it out and finish what I started here.

“It was (a tough decision). I prayed about it a long time, talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of people involved with the NFL and Coach (Urban) Meyer for a long time. It was a tough decision. But I am having so much fun here and I want to enjoy it one more year.”

Tim Tebow had a sensational season, statistically it was not his best, however, he accomplished so much more in the grand scheme of things.  He will also be looking to achieve something only one other player in college football history has done and that is to win multiple Heisman trophies.  Archie Griffen, the only multiple Heisman trophy winner in the history of the award, dating back to 1935, will be surprised to see his accomplishment reached by another player.  With the likes of Sam Bradford, Drew Stafford, Pat White, Chase Daniel, Knowshon Moreno, Shonn White and many other fantastic athletes declaring for the NFL, there is a strong possibility that Tebow may be a repeat winner of the Heisman Trophy.

Urben Meyer may be as thrilled as anyone to hear that Tim Tebow  is returning and that this upcoming season will not be a learning year for the Florida Gators.  Florida had only three seniors on the field for the Championship game against the Sooners and this years success should carry over into the upcoming season.

The Gators are still awaiting the decisions of two other talented juniors, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes who have not officially disclosed their decisions yet and will have before this Thursday’s deadline to decide.

3 National Championships and 2 Heisman Trophies, it’s something athletes only dream of!

Tim Tebow Tells Gators Fans He’s Coming Back Video

The question that hangs in the balance is, “where in the draft will he go?” With Georgia’s, Mathew Stafford already having declared, Sam Bradford will likely be the second overall quarterback to be drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft.

“Bradford instantly jumps toward the head of the quarterback class in the 2009 draft and will battle Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford for the top quarterback spot” The National Football Post Reports

There are plenty of teams in dyer need of a franchise quarterback, Sam Bradford offers a team great potential, however, we are not so sure he is ready to ‘carry the torch’ just yet.  At Oklahoma he had some good receivers and a good offensive line to protect him, the team that drafts him will likely have neither.  Bradford would probably be a mid to late first round pick, depending on how he performs in the National Championship game and the NFL combine.

This years draft list for quality NFL quarterbacks is short, it may be an ideal time for Sam Bradford to declare. Colt McCoy has already confirmed that he is returning and the list of those that have declared includes Graham Harrell, Chase Daniel, and Pat White.

If we are correct with our prediction of where Bradford may be picked, there is a good chance that he may be picked between 17 and 20, all those teams may be looking for a quarterback.  If Sam Bradford has a good showing at the combine he may jump into the top 10.

Missouri Tigers vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Alamo Bowl Game Preview

Chase Daniel is 1 touchdown away from reaching 100 in his career, if he can reach that plateau he would be only the eighth player in FBS history to accomplish the feat. He has thrown 37 of his 99 touchdown passes this year, but with Missouri’s hopes of a National Championship Title vanished away.  There is no doubt that Daniel would trade everyone for an opportunity to be playing in January.

The senior quarterback has had a lot of support from wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, the standout wide receiver will likely enter the NFL draft this year. While Missouri Tigers was anticipating a BCS Bowl bid in the preseason, the Northwestern Wildcats came into the season with no expectations. It has been nearly a half century since the Wildcats have had a post season victory, that came in the 1949 Rose Bowl. The team set a goal at the beginning of the season to win a bowl game, they are one victory away from reaching that goal. The Wildcats will also get Tyrell Sutton back for this game, after missing the final 4 games with a wrist injury.

Alamo Bowl Game Prediction

The Tigers are a more talented football team, however, in these must win games that can be thrown out the window. The Wildcats should come into this game as the hungrier team, and although the Tigers offense is potent, the Wildcats defense is not too shabby. The game will come down to defense for the Wildcats, if they can slow down the Missouri attack they may win this game, if Chase Daniel gets into a rhythm, it may be lights out for the Cats.

Alamo Bowl Game Pick – Northwestern Wildcats (+1)

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The Heisman trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding player in college football, in order to be considered and outstanding performer, the player must be able to make the big plays in the big games and lead his team to victories. This season we have watched a few guys do this on a consistent basis, this year may arguably feature the most diverse athletes ever.

The Heisman nominees play their respective positions at a higher level than their competitors. We will give you the top 3 player nominees at all the major offensive positions that have contributed to their teams success.

Let us take a look at our end of season Heisman watch for Quarterbacks, check back tomorrow for our Runningbacks.

Top Heisman Quarterbacks Candidates:

1. Tim Tebow (Florida Gators) – Can anyone deny this guy a nomination? Better known in Gainesville as “Superman”, Tebow is having another outstanding season. His numbers may not dazzle you at first glance, but take a closer look at what he has accomplished this year. Tebow has thrown 17 touchdown passes to only 2 interceptions while also contributing 10 touchdowns with his legs. He has a 65% passing completion percentage, which ranks him first in the SEC amongst quarterbacks with a minimum of 45 passes. However, it’s the intangibles that Tebow brings to the Gators that cannot be measured by numbers. His ability to run the spread offense, the knowledge of when to run for a first down and the knack for making great decisions. The Gators have an 8-1 record, their lone loss was a one point defeat and have won every other game by at least 23 points, pure dominance.

2. Graham Harrell (Texas Tech Red Raiders) – As is the theme in Lubbock, the Red Raiders score a lot of points and rely on their offense to win a lot of games. This year they are led by senior quarterback Graham Harrell, who has carried them to an unbeaten season thus far, including wins against Texas, Oklahoma State and Kansas. Harrell leads the nation in passing yards at 4077, second in passing touchdowns at 36, third in completion percentage at 71.7 amongst quarterbacks with a minimum of 40 pass attempts. If Graham can lead this team to a National Championship berth he would be hard-pressed not win the Heisman.

3. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma Sooners) – Oklahoma has been unstoppable on offense all season long, just ask the teams they have played. The Sooners are second in the nation in passing offense, the player that leads the way is Sam Bradford, the Sooners pivot is having a standout season. The Sooners are second in the country in scoring averaging 51.4 points and have yet to be held under 35 points in any game this season, including posting 50 points in 6 of their 10 games. Bradford leads all quarterbacks in passing touchdowns with 38, third in passing yards per attempt at 10.3, and second in passing yards at 3406. Oklahoma has been one of the most exciting teams to watch this year and with Sam returning for his Junior season the Sooners will continue to light up the scoreboard for years to come.

Honorable Mentions: Colt McCoy (Texas), Chase Daniel (Missouri), Max Hall (BYU)