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Peterson, '04 Heisman runner-up, to enter NFL draft
ESPN.com news services
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson announced Monday that he will make himself available for the 2007 NFL draft.
"The last few days have been stressful," Peterson said, according to a team press release. "I've been pondering a lot of things and looking at it from all the different angles, weighing the good and the bad.
"In the end, I think I just realized that this is a business decision and that it is time for me to take that next step. It wasn't easy. I haven't been sleeping much. I just put it all in God's hands."
Sooners head coach Bob Stoops said he supports Peterson's decision.
"I know this has been a trying time for him and he just needs to know that we support him whole-heartedly," Stoops said. "Adrian has been a great individual player and a great teammate. His leadership and work ethic sent a strong example, and he competed with everything he had. He has given us all a lot of great moments and has been fun to watch."
Peterson missed seven games this season with a broken collarbone, but still finished with 1,012 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yarder on the first play of overtime, in Oklahoma's 43-42 overtime loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.
The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2004, Peterson set an NCAA freshman record with 1,925 yards before injuries derailed his sophomore and junior seasons. He missed all or part of four games with a sprained ankle last season.
With 4,045 yards in three seasons, Peterson ranks third on Oklahoma's career rushing list, behind 1978 Heisman winner Billy Sims (4,118) and Hall of Famer Joe Washington (4,071). He also holds the NCAA with nine straight 100-yard games to start his career.
Twemty-nine Oklahoma players have been drafted since Stoops arrived before the 1999 season, according to the release. At least one Sooner has been selected in the first round of the draft each of the last five years -- a streak Peterson is projected to extend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ESPN.com news services
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson announced Monday that he will make himself available for the 2007 NFL draft.
"The last few days have been stressful," Peterson said, according to a team press release. "I've been pondering a lot of things and looking at it from all the different angles, weighing the good and the bad.
"In the end, I think I just realized that this is a business decision and that it is time for me to take that next step. It wasn't easy. I haven't been sleeping much. I just put it all in God's hands."
Sooners head coach Bob Stoops said he supports Peterson's decision.
"I know this has been a trying time for him and he just needs to know that we support him whole-heartedly," Stoops said. "Adrian has been a great individual player and a great teammate. His leadership and work ethic sent a strong example, and he competed with everything he had. He has given us all a lot of great moments and has been fun to watch."
Peterson missed seven games this season with a broken collarbone, but still finished with 1,012 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yarder on the first play of overtime, in Oklahoma's 43-42 overtime loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.
The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2004, Peterson set an NCAA freshman record with 1,925 yards before injuries derailed his sophomore and junior seasons. He missed all or part of four games with a sprained ankle last season.
With 4,045 yards in three seasons, Peterson ranks third on Oklahoma's career rushing list, behind 1978 Heisman winner Billy Sims (4,118) and Hall of Famer Joe Washington (4,071). He also holds the NCAA with nine straight 100-yard games to start his career.
Twemty-nine Oklahoma players have been drafted since Stoops arrived before the 1999 season, according to the release. At least one Sooner has been selected in the first round of the draft each of the last five years -- a streak Peterson is projected to extend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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