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Player News - Adrian Peterson #28

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Adrian Peterson 2006 Season News

Current Adrian Peterson News (2006 Season)

June 30, 2006

Adrian Peterson media teleconference:
Q: At times, it seems everything has come easy for you on the football field. What has been the most challenging thing for you to this point?
A: Basically, being able to be patient back there and trust in your offensive line that things are going to open. When I came in my first two years, just rushing and everything 100 miles per hour, relying on my speed. But just learn all about technique, waiting for different holes to open.

Q: A couple of years ago, Cedric Benson said he'd rather win the Heisman rather than win the Red River Shootout. What would you rather do?
A: Absolutely, beat Texas. No doubt about it.

Q: If NFL rules were like NBA rules, you could have come out after your freshman year. Looking back, has it been best that you're still in college or do you feel like you would have been ready a couple of years ago?
A:I think it's best to be in college right now, because I'm still learning. I probably would have still stayed. It's not basketball, it's football. You go to the NFL, you're playing against grown men, trying to feed their families. That's the way I look at it.

Q: You were quoted when you made your decision, I'm going to Oklahoma because they win championships and Texas doesn't. Of course Texas has won a national championship now. Does that add to the rivalry?
A: I guess you could say that.

Q: If you could be the Heisman winner or the first pick in the draft, which would be cooler for you?
A: Ooh. I'd say the Heisman Trophy winner. That's something I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid. Being able to get that would mean a lot.
Complete Adrian Peterson Q&A teleconference available at NewsOK.com

Peterson's father released: Adrian Peterson's father, incarcerated since his son was in the seventh grade, has been moved to a halfway house in Dallas and has a projected release date of Oct. 5. Two days later, in that same city, the Oklahoma Sooners play Texas in the Cotton Bowl. "If everything goes good, he should be there," the OU tailback said. "It's going to be crazy, being able to look in the stands, see him. Maybe be the extra drive I'll need." (NewsOK.com)

June 15, 2006

Adrian and Rhett on Maxwell Award Watch list: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Rhett Bomar are on the first watch list issued for the 70th Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the top player in college football. Peterson was a finalist for the honor in his freshman season of 2004 and was on the watch list last year as well. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement. Peterson has already eclipsed 3.000 rushing yards (3,033) in just two seasons at Oklahoma. He is the first Sooner back to accomplish that feat. Last season, he missed all or more than half of four games yet still rushed 220 times for 1,108 yards, the highest total by any Big 12 running back. Bomar set OU freshman marks for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns last season. He hit on 167-of-308 tosses for 2,018 yards and 10 touchdowns. After leading the Sooners to a 17-14 victory over No. 6 Oregon, he was named the offensive MVP of the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. (SoonerSports.com)

June 8, 2006

Peterson Tops NCAA Football '07 Ratings: If there was ever a doubt of Adrian Peterson's dominance, check the ratings of NCAA Football 07. Peterson is a 98 overall, a full four points higher than the second best back. There's a name for players like this.... Heisman. Here's a few Peterson specs, speed 93, strength 80, acceleration 96 (Full Specs at IGN.com) EA Sport's NCAA Football 2007 hits store shelves July 18th.

May 31, 2006

Peterson gets early Heisman vote: AJC - writer, Mark Bradley has went out on a limb and predicted the Oklahoma, RB, Adrian Peterson will win this year's Heisman. He edges both Auburn's Irons and Irish's Quinn. Hmm... who's second?

Two Sooners among top 7 Big XII prospects: Daily Tribune's Dave Matter, in his early Big XII 2007 top 12 NFL draft prospects, ranks two Sooners among the top 7. No surprise, star running back Adrian Peterson is tabbed #1, Oklahoma's SR. leading linebacker Rufus Alexander at 7th.

May 12, 2006

SportingNews ranks OU highly in Preseason: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson and Rufus Alexander have been tabbed The Sporting News Preseason Big 12 Players of the Year for offense and defense, respectively. TSN's preseason publication will be available in June. (SoonerSports.com)

May 9, 2006

ESPN.com's Big XII South Preview OU or Texas? The Skinny, So it turns out this Adrian Peterson is a pretty good little back. You might have heard of him. The kid from the Lone Star State who piles up yards by the hash mark when healthy. Well, Big 12 fans, here's a scary thought: That Peterson guy is once again at 100 percent -- and looking better than ever. He's lighter on his feet and was even more evasive than usual this spring. Avoid injury and he can go ahead and book a trip to the Big Apple.... Based on proven talent, one could make a strong case the Sooners' defensive ends are the best in the country. In fact, let's just go ahead and say it. Larry Birdine and John Williams were in line for huge seasons in 2005 before devastating injuries hit. Their absence only cleared the way for C.J. Ah You, who was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, and Calvin Thibodeaux, who led OU with 10 sacks. (More of Oklahoma Sooners preview, and rest of Big XII South at ESPN.com)

April 19. 2006

Peterson Cleared of Car Deal: Oklahoma's compliance department investigated the circumstances by which tailback Adrian Peterson bought a car and then returned it several weeks later but determined the arrangement did not violate NCAA regulations. Peterson, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2004, secured a financing agreement and drove the car for several weeks last winter but then returned it, said Bonita Jackson, Peterson's mother. We were gonna purchase the car, but the payments were gonna be too high, so we took the car back," Jackson said. Oklahoma officials determined that Peterson did not receive an extra benefit that is not available to the general student body of the university. "We have pursued the matter in exhaustive fashion over a five-month period," Oklahoma associate athletic director Keith Gill said in a statement. "Based on the information we have gathered, we do not believe NCAA rules violations have occurred." The dealership, Big Red Sports and Imports, regularly allowed customers who signed contracts to drive the cars for a period of time before financing had been secured, said Brad McRae, the dealership's part-owner at the time of Peterson's agreement. "We didn't do anything wrong," McRae said. "Is it standard operating business practice? Yes, it's standard operating business practice." Oklahoma also investigated the employment of football players by the dealership but found no violations. (AP/CNNSI.com)

April 12, 2006

Where's Adrian? The most noticeable absence Tuesday at Oklahoma's practice was running back Adrian Peterson. Head coach Bob Stoops said Peterson was at the dentist because of a tooth problem, but will be fine and ready to go today. (NewsOK.com)

April 11, 2006

Peterson atop at #1 on CSTV's Top Running Backs: Adrian Peterson will claim his status as the nation's top collegiate running back with Reggie Bush off to the NFL. There are some who feel Peterson would have been the top back in the country in 2006 even if Bush had remained with the Trojans for his senior season. Peterson signed with Oklahoma as an elite prep talent, and it didn't take him long to live up to the hype. As a true freshman, Peterson finished with an OU-record 1,925 rushing yards despite starting just eight games. He finished second in the Heisman voting as a true freshman, the highest any freshman has ever ranked in the Heisman polling. (More at CSTV.com)

April 9, 2006

Adrian speaks about the draft first time publicly: Peterson on entering NFL draft early: "I wouldn't say that," Peterson said Wednesday, addressing the issue for the first time. "Anything can happen. Injuries or whatever - God's will they don't. "I'm not worried about that. I'm focused on this season and making a run back to the Big 12 championship and hopefully a chance for the national championship." And beyond that? "I could see myself being here," Peterson said. "I ain't even really been think-ing about that. Plus, we're playing Miami. "I'm looking forward to playing Miami, too." And Peterson isn't talking next January's Orange Bowl game. He's talking Sept. 8, 2007, in Norman, when the Hurricanes roll into Norman. "All the guys that have left early, they're all telling me, 'Stay as long as you can, stay as long as you can,'" Peterson said. "Because when you get to the next level, it's all business." (In part from NewsOK.com)

March 25, 2006

Peterson not laying off: Although it was just the third practice of spring drills and the first day in pads, OU running back Adrian Peterson was hardly taking it easy. He had several pad-popping collisions. But none was more noticeable than the head-to-head blasting Peterson delivered to safety Darien Williams. For his part, Williams stood Peterson up, but he got his head snapped back so fiercely it's a wonder he didn't get whiplash. "I've been telling them, that's just what I do," Peterson said. (NrewsOK.com)

March 22, 2006

Sooners & AD report to Spring Practices: The Sooners didn't wear pads, but they did conduct full team drills in their return to the field. "It was a little sloppy," head coach Bob Stoops said. "There's a lot of correcting going on but that's not unlike what we've had virtually every spring. We always start out throwing a lot at them right off the bat." The number 28 stood out behind the offensive line as junior running back Adrian Peterson participated in his first spring practice. Peterson sat out last year's spring with a shoulder injury. "It's exciting to get back to playing," Peterson said. "It feels like it's been a long time." Junior Allen Patrick was the only other running back to take the field with Peterson. Junior Jacob Gutierrez is still recovering from off-season knee surgery.. In addition, Larry Birdine made his return to the field as a senior defensive end after sitting out last season with a torn bicep. (OU Daily)

January 19, 2006

Peterson among the best: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson has received more national press before the 2006 NCAA football season. Sports Illustrated named the Junior, Oklahoma, running back top of the 2006 class of best college football players.. Find out who SI has among the best ranked at SI.com.

January 18, 2006

Oklahoma Peterson Cited: OU star running back Adrian Peterson was pulled over at 11:50 p.m. Sunday and received a ticket for driving with a suspended license, the Norman Police Department said Monday. "He was stopped for failure to stop at a stop sign," said Norman police Lt. Paul Swenson. Swenson said Peterson was pulled over at the intersection of Elmhurst and Oakhurst avenues in east Norman. He said Peterson received a warning for failing to make a complete stop, but was cited for driving with a suspended Oklahoma license. "He was brought to the police station to post a bond," Swenson said. Peterson, a sophomore who finished the 2005 season with 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns, told The Daily his license had been suspended as the result of a ticket he received in Texas in May 2005. He said he thought the ticket had been taken care of and that he thought his license had been reinstated about two weeks before he traveled with the football team to the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 8. (OUDaily)

December 30, 2005

AD First Sooner running back to 3,000 first 2 yrs: Adrian Peterson became the first Sooner running back to amass 3,000 rushing yards in his first two seasons. He finished with 84 rushing yards, including 76 in the second half.

November 30, 2005

Five Sooners named All-Big XII: Thirteen Oklahoma Sooners, including five that received first-team recognition, were named to the All-Big 12 Conference Team that was announced today. The team was selected by the league's coaches. RB Adrian Peterson, FB J.D. Runnels and OT Davin Joseph were named to the first team offense, while DT Dusty Dvoracek and LB Rufus Alexander were named to the first team defense. Second team selections from OU included LB Clint Ingram, WR Travis Wilson, DE Calvin Thibodeaux and CB Chijioke Onyenegecha. DE C.J. Ah You was named the league's defensive newcomer of the year and was one of four Sooners named honorable mention. The other three were QB Rhett Bomar, WR Malcolm Kelly and CB D.J. Wolfe. Runnels, Joseph, Dvoracek, Ingram,Wilson and Onyenegecha are seniors. The other seven honorees from Oklahoma are scheduled to return for 2006. (Sooner Sports)

November 28, 2005

Peterson named Offensive National player of the week: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson has been named the national offensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Foundation. The sophomore received the honor for his performance in OU's 42-14 trouncing of Oklahoma State, Saturday. Peterson carried 24 times for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the Sooner victory. It marked the third time in two seasons that Peterson won the honor. On Monday, Peterson also was named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. The Palestine, Texas, native scored against the Cowboys on runs of 84, the longest of his career, and 71 yards. He picked up 210 yards in the second half, the highest single half total in school history. Former Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims held the old mark with 206 yards against Missouri in the second half of the 1979 game. (Sooner Sports PR)

November 27, 2005

Adrian Peterson ran for a season-high 237 yards, including two long touchdowns in the second half, and Rhett Bomar threw three touchdown passes to lead Oklahoma to a 42-14 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners' third straight win in the Bedlam rivalry was lackluster until Peterson, the Heisman Trophy runner-up last season, livened things up with an 84-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Peterson ran around the right end of the line, passed two downfield blocks and sped into the end zone untouched on the longest run of his career and a 28-7 lead. His previous longest run was an 80-yard score against the Cowboys in the Sooners' 38-35 win last year in Stillwater. (Fox Sports - Complete Stats)

November 9, 2005

Aggies on Peterson: (Adrian) Peterson, slowed by an injured ankle most of the season, rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries in the Sooners' most recent victory, at Nebraska. Peterson gained 101 hard-fought yards on 29 carries at A&M last season. "I feel sure," defensive coordinator Carl Torbush said, "they'll give him the ball many, many times, and I would, too, if I had a player like that." (Star-Telegram)

Peterson almost 100%: Stoops said starting tailback Adrian Peterson is close to being at peak condition after struggling with a sprained ankle. Peterson rushed for 146 yards to pace the Sooners' victory over Nebraska after missing the previous game and being hobbled for OU's two games before that. (San Antonio Express)

October 30, 2005

Peterson yards combined: Peterson's 36-yard TD run on his second play from scrimmage totaled more yards than his last four games combined. Peterson did not play against Baylor but tallied four yards on 16 rushes against Kansas State, Texas and Kansas. (Sooner Sports Release)

Peterson the Difference Maker: "You can't put what he means to us in words," OU fullback J.D. Runnels said. "You can tell the difference between Adrian with the ankle (injury) and plain old Adrian." Plain old Adrian is the type of player capable of breaking big runs on any play. The Sooners had been without it in their previous three games. They'd also lacked the ability to wear down a defense. Peterson brought that to the table Saturday, too. "He's a hard man to take down," Nebraska defensive lineman Jay Moore said. "I had him a couple times and he's strong. He's a heck of a back, you know. He's by far the best we've played so far." (Norman Transcript)

October 29, 2005

Oklahoma defeats Neb. 31-24: Adrian Peterson ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns and Oklahoma held off Nebraska's comeback bid to win 31-24 Saturday, giving the Cornhuskers back-to-back home losses in the same season for the first time since 1968. Peterson, coming off an ankle injury that limited him for a month, scored a 36-yard touchdown on his first carry. He added a 2-yard TD run in the second quarter as Oklahoma broke out to a 24-3 lead. Nebraska put together two straight TD drives in the second half to pull within a touchdown before the Sooners escaped with their first win in Lincoln since 1987. The Huskers, who lost 34-31 to Texas Tech here on Oct. 8, dropped consecutive home games for the first time since losing three in a row 37 years ago. Oklahoma (5-3, 4-1 Big 12) won its third straight and extended its regular-season winning streak over North Division opponents to 12. The Sooners haven't lost to a North team since a 20-10 defeat at Nebraska in 2001. Nebraska (5-3, 2-3) has now lost three of its last four after a 4-0 start. (Yahoo! Sports)

Adrian Peterson 24 rushes, 142 yards, 2 TDs, 58 long

October 27, 2005

Daily Peterson Watch: OU tailback Adrian Peterson practiced Wednesday and was close enough to full-speed that coach Bob Stoops sounded optimistic he would play Saturday at Nebraska. "My feeling is there' a decent to good chance he'll be ready to go," Stoops said. Peterson sprained his ankle Oct. 1 against Kansas State. He played sparingly against Texas and Kansas but didn't play Saturday against Baylor. Also expected to return are receiver Travis Wilson (ankle) and cornerback Eric Bassey (thigh). (NewsOK.com)

October 26, 2005

Peterson Watch: Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson, who has missed all or most of the last three games with an ankle injury, is getting more repetitions in practice than he has the past two weeks. "He's improved," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "We're more encouraged than we have been at any other time. We'll still need to see what happens later on in the week. There's just a difference in practice and making those cuts on gameday. (NewsOK.com)

October 25, 2005

Peterson says he's ready to go: Running back Adrian Peterson said he will be ready to play this week against Nebraska after sitting out Saturday against Baylor in hopes of finally getting over a sprained ankle. In his first public comments in weeks, Peterson said he was happy to see Jacob Gutierrez run for 173 yards as the Sooners won in double-overtime. But Peterson made it clear he's itching to get back on the field. "Sitting down was the best thing for me instead of going out there and trying and suffering another injury or something like that," Peterson said after Monday's practice. "But when the game started, I couldn't believe that I couldn't get out there and play." (Dallas Morning News)

October 24, 2005

Stoops hopes to have back his running backs: After Oklahoma's top three tailbacks on the depth chart -- Adrian Peterson, Kejuan Jones and Donta Hickson -- missed Saturday's game, OU coach Bob Stoops said Sunday he hoped to have all of them back for the Nebraska game. However, he said he can't be sure at this juncture. Peterson missed the game because of an ankle injury suffered on Oct. 1, Jones was suspended for what a source said was a curfew violation and Hickson sat out with an injured ankle. On Jones, Stoops said Sunday that the senior would be back playing this week. As for Hickson, Stoops said: "It's an ankle and we'll see (about his availability)." Peterson has been hobbled the past three games, but the game against Baylor was the first time he didn't test the ankle. (NewsOK.com)

October 20, 2005

Peterson Update: OU coach Bob Stoops said a decision on tailback Adrian Peterson's status for Baylor probably will not be made until Friday, and perhaps not until Saturday. Stoops said Peterson, who is nursing a sprained right ankle, went through limited participation in practice Wednesday. "We backed him off by the end (of practice)," Stoops said. "Friday, we'll probably have a better feel. It's a day-by-day deal. It is getting better. How much better it will be by Saturday, we'll see." (NewsOK.com)

October 19, 2005

Peterson is wait and see game: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said a decision on Adrian Peterson availability for Baylor won't be made until Thursday. He wants to see how Peterson practices before fully evaluating his status. "And I'm not playing here with that," Stoops said. "I think it's been obvious, we've tried to play him. And like I said, when you get into game speed and really need to push off and make a game-type cut, when it comes to that, he has been a little more tender than he thought he would be. Stoops was asked if he was delaying the decision to make sure Baylor has to prepare for the Sooners with Peterson factoring into the gameplan. "(Baylor) would have to answer that," Stoops said. "I don't know that it would change their thought-process a whole lot. Like we have been, we're going to work towards and do our best to have him ready" (Norman Transcript)

October 18, 2005

Peterson may sit out Baylor: Running back Adrian Peterson did not practice Monday and probably will not practice again this week as coaches and trainers try to get his injured right ankle back to full strength. Coach Bob Stoops said this may be the best way to get Peterson fully healed. It's possible that Peterson will not play against Baylor. Against Kansas on Saturday, it was clear that Peterson was still bothered by the injury suffered several weeks ago as he ran five times for minus-4 yards and fumbled a pitch. (Dallas Morning News)

October 16, 2005

Peterson says he is OK: OU tailback Adrian Peterson limped off the field in the second quarter Saturday night, gingerly favoring that sprained right ankle. He did not play again. But he did not reinjure the ankle, according to coach Bob Stoops. Afterward, Peterson said he was fine. "I'll be all right," he said. "I'm all right." Peterson rushed five times for minus-4 yards. His long run was 1 yard. And he lost a second-quarter fumble, giving Kansas possession at the OU 19. He did not play in the second half. "It's just hard to get a feel for how he's gonna be able to push through it and how effective he's gonna be," Stoops said. "We just didn't feel that he felt as comfortable as he needs to." Stoops said he believed Peterson would be able to practice more this week in preparation for Baylor. (NewsOK.com)

October 15, 2005

Peterson expected to play: OU All-American running back Adrian Peterson is expected to play after being limited to only 10 yards on three carries in last week's 45-12 loss to Texas because of a sprained right ankle. "He certainly gets our attention," KU defensive coordinator Bill Young said of the 6-foot-2, 218-pound sophomore. "He's been banged up so he hasn't performed up to his expectations. But when he gets healthy, people better look out. "Speed is his biggest thing. Also, he has strength and ability to break tackles. We have to hem him in and not let him bounce outside." KU did that quite well in Norman last year. At least for a while. (Kansas.com)

October 12, 2005

Bob Stoops On running back Adrian Peterson's status:
"He's better than he was a week ago. He didn't practice yesterday. It will probably be a day-to-day thing this week on how much he gets and how much he practices. But he is further along than he was going into the game last week, so that's encouraging. All of the X-rays and MRI's have all ruled out anything major. All that our doctors can decipher from it is a mild high ankle sprain."

October 11, 2005

Stoops encourage about Peterson's health: Running back Adrian Peterson's right ankle was sore after limited action against Texas. But coach Bob Stoops said the sophomore is further along in his rehabilitation this week and should be closer to 100 percent Saturday against Kansas. "We're more encouraged every day," Stoops said after Monday's practice. (Dallas Morning News)

October 10, 2005

Peterson expected to play: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Sunday he expected tailback Adrian Peterson to be able to play in the Sooners' game this week against Kansas University after being limited by a sprained right ankle during a loss to Texas on Saturday. Stoops said Peterson did not play enough during the 45-12 loss to the second-ranked Longhorns to make the injury worse and should be closer to full speed when the Sooners face Kansas on Saturday in Kansas City, Mo. "He got better and better as the week went and was close the other day. He just didn't have the lateral movement and the pace that he needs," Stoops said. (Lawrence Journal-World)

October 9, 2005

Peterson doesn't start: OU All-America running back Adrian Peterson's right ankle injury kept him out of the starting lineup, and he sat out the first 11 minutes of the game. When the sophomore entered the game, he carried for 7 yards then immediately returned to the bench. He carried just two times in the first quarter. The Sooners started the game with backup running backs Kejuan Jones and Jacob Gutierrez in the game. Jones was in the backfield, while Gutierrez was split out wide. (NewsOK.com)

Oklahoma knew all along: Oklahoma players said they knew all week that running back Adrian Peterson (sprained right ankle) wouldn't start and that he would be limited. Without Peterson, OU had no running game, averaging 2.3 yards per carry with a long run of 13 yards on a scramble by Bomar on a broken play. (Dallas Morning News)

October 6, 2005

Peterson practices: Adrian Peterson practiced Wednesday, according to Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. Though Peterson's sprained right ankle was braced and heavily taped, he walked without a limp. Stoops said he "looked good" when practicing, too."He did some things," Stoops said. "We're not gonna push it. We'll give him more (today)." (NewsOK.com)

Peterson looking good: Moments after security guards allowed reporters into OU's indoor practice facility, coach Bob Stoops hollered: "He's out there. I see you looking." As expected, running back Adrian Peterson returned to workouts Wednesday, Stoops said. Players are not allowed to speak to the media after Tuesday's practice, so Texas will have to discover how well Peterson's right ankle is feeling along with everyone else Saturday. "He looked good," Stoops said. "Did some things. Didn't push it. I'm not going to sit here and detail it for you. We'll give him more tomorrow." (Dallas Morning News)

October 5, 2005

Peterson cleared: Still nursing a sprained ankle, OU tailback Adrian Peterson did not practice Tuesday. But afterward, coach Bob Stoops said the sophomore had been cleared by doctors. "We told him to wait until (Wednesday)," Stoops said. It's unclear whether Peterson is back at full-speed. He wore a protective boot as he watched practice Tuesday. But it's not necessarily an indication of a severe injury; it's a routine prescription for OU players who are nursing ankle injuries. One day last week, Travis Wilson wore a boot to classes, but he practiced, then played at full-speed against Kansas State. (NewsOK.com)

October 4, 2005

Peterson ankle is doing better: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson's injured right ankle is on the mend after almost two days of rest. The sophomore did not practice Monday and wore a medical boot to protect the ankle. "It's better than it was (Sunday); it's improved," said OU coach Bob Stoops. "They're probably going to take that boot off tomorrow, and he'll probably be ready to go, hopefully, by Wednesday." (NewsOK.com)

October 3, 2005

Peterson to play Saturday: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson should play Saturday against Texas despite missing the second half of the Kansas State game with a right ankle injury. The sophomore, who rushed for 51 yards before getting injured in the second quarter, will take several days off to rest. Coach Bob Stoops said Sunday that he expects Peterson to return to practice later this week. It's a rehabilitation schedule similar to the one doctors prescribed after Peterson first injured the ankle in the season opener against TCU. Peterson took the first part of the week off and then ripped off 220 rushing yards against Tulsa. "I think A.D. [Peterson] should be OK, from what I understand," Stoops said. (Dallas Morning News)

October 2, 2005

Oklahoma Wins Easily, Peterson hurt: Adrian Peterson rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown before leaving with an injury in the second quarter, putting a damper on Oklahoma's best offensive performance of the season and 43-21 victory over Kansas State on Saturday night. Kejuan Jones added two touchdown runs in relief of Peterson, and Rhett Bomar ran for one score and passed for another as Oklahoma (2-2, 1-0 Big 12 Conference) won its Big 12 opener for the sixth straight year. Peterson, the Heisman runner-up last year, left the game late in the second quarter and sat on a table on the sidelines as trainers worked on his right foot. He tried to stand once, but took a seat again as trainers continued to examine him. At halftime, he walked off the field on his own, but was limping noticeably. He returned to the sidelines in the second half, but did not play. The Sooners will face No. 2 Texas next Saturday in Dallas. (MSNBC.com)

Oklahoma star running back, Adrian Peterson left the game in the middle of the second quarter. Peterson appears not likely to return rushing for 51 yards on 8 rushes and one touchdown carry.

September 29, 2005

Peterson rumor squashed: OU coach Bob Stoops reacted vehemently Wednesday to questions about rumors concerning tailback Adrian Peterson. Stoops said Peterson would play Saturday against Kansas State. The rumors - driven, apparently, by Internet message boards and callers to a radio talk show - indicated vague off-the-field problems for the star player. But there appeared to be little, if any, substance. "I can't speak to stuff that isn't there," Stoops said. Peterson practiced Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Asked if the tailback was still in good standing with the team, Stoops said, "absolutely." "He's been practicing as hard as or better than anybody," Stoops said. "He's with us, and he's working his butt off." (NewsOK.com)

September 18, 2005

Peterson doesn't start nor speaks: Oklahoma All-American running back Adrian Peter son was held out of the starting lineup Saturday, but he didn't sit for long. Peterson, who was suspended for two practices this week for missing class, entered the game on the fourth play. Following the game, Peterson declined to speak to the media as he walked up the tunnel to the OU bus. (NewsOK.com)

September 15, 2005

Peterson returns to practice: Adrian Peterson returned to the practice field for the Sooners Wednesday. He'd skipped classes and was suspended from practice the past two days. Peterson leads a struggling OU team to a rejuvanated UCLA Saturday. School hasn't started at UCLA so only 44,000 fans attended the win over Rice Saturday at the Rose Bowl (seating capacity of 93,000). (NewsOK.com)

September 14, 2005

Peterson one class away from one game suspension? A new athletic department policy went into affect this semester that penalizes athletes for unexcused absences in class, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said. If an athlete misses three classes in any one course, he or she receives only a warning, according to the new policy. But if the athlete misses another class in any other course, that person is held out of two practices. If the athlete misses a fifth class in any course, he or she will be held out of athletic competition. OU officials, citing privacy concerns, would not comment on Peterson's specific situation. But the sophomore was held out of practice Monday and Tuesday. Coach Bob Stoops would only say that Peterson has "class attendance issues," but an OU source confirmed that Peterson has missed at least four classes to trigger the first penalty. Stoops said Monday, as of now, Peterson should play Saturday. It's an indication that Peterson could be held out of a game if he misses another class. OU has people on staff who go around campus making sure athletes are in attendance. "Overall, they're here first to get an education, regardless of what anybody says," Stoops said. "I think we do our best around the country, not just here, to get that done. But the guys also have to do their part." (Dallas Morning News)

September 13, 2005

Peterson up for USA Today Player of the Week: Oklahoma sophomore running back Adrian Peterson is one of five finalists for the USAToday.com Player of the Week. The website writes, "The Oklahoma running back ran for 220 yards and three touchdowns to help the 16th-ranked Sooners recover from their season-opening loss to beat Tulsa 31-15. Oklahoma never even attempted a pass during the second half as they rode their sophomore star to a much-needed victory. "We came out there and we played smash-mouth football," Peterson said. Each week during the season, readers can participate in the selection of USATODAY.com's Player of the Week. Choices will be made available on Sunday night. (SoonerSports.com) Fans can vote by visiting USATODAY.com

Peterson suspended two practices: Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson did not practice Monday and will not practice today while serving a penalty for missing classes. OU coach Bob Stoops said Peterson would play Saturday at UCLA. But Peterson, a sophomore, has run afoul of the OU athletic department's class attendance policy, which was instituted this fall. Further absences could result in penalties, including suspensions from games. According to Kenny Mossman, OU's associate athletic director for communications, if a student misses more than three classes in one subject, an escalating penalty phase kicks in. After an unspecified number of absences, the student is not allowed to practice. At some further point in the escalation, absences would result in suspension from competition. Peterson has not reached that point. Though it was uncertain Monday night whether he would start against UCLA, Stoops said in a statement issued by OU he would play. (NewsOK.com)

September 5, 2005

Peterson Fine: Running back Adrian Peterson missed two series in the second half with an ankle injury. Peterson said he was fine after the game Saturday and Stoops said the same Sunday. He even took issue with a report that said Peterson had suffered a high-ankle sprain. "I saw him walk in and he said he felt pretty decent," Stoops said. "I don't know where reports of a high-ankle sprain came from. I don't think he would have been able to play like he did the rest of the game if he had a high-ankle sprain." (Norman Transcript)

September 4, 2005

Peterson sprains ankle: OU running back Adrian Peterson appeared to suffer a high ankle sprain. The sophomore said after the game that he wasn't in a lot of pain, but he was scheduled to meet with athletic trainers after talking with reporters. (Dallas Morning News)

September 3, 2005

Peterson looking for more yards: Adrian Peterson rushed for 1,925 yards last season, setting all kinds of records in what might have been the finest freshman football season ever. What might he do as a sophomore? More and better, if Peterson has anything to do with it. "I always set (goals) higher than last season," Peterson said. "I'm not bragging. It's just how I am." Smiling, Peterson wouldn't reveal the exact numbers he's shooting for. (NEWSOK.com)

September 2, 2005

Peterson on Doak Walker Watch list: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, a finalist for the Doak Walker Award last season, is on the list of candidate for the 2005 honor. The SMU Athletic Forum presents the award annually to the nation's top college running back. Peterson set an OU single season mark last season with 1,925 rushing yards. He also set the NCAA record for most rushing yards by a freshman. The SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on Nov. 17, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will vote to determine the finalists on Nov. 18. The committee will cast a second vote on Nov. 28 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2005 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN along with other NCFAA member awards on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 8. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held at The Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006. Former Texas running back Cedric Benson, first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, won the 2004 Doak Walker Award. (Sooner Sports)

August 13, 2005

Peterson and Jones sit out scrimmages: Both running backs, Adrian Peterson and Kejuan Jones were held out of Saturday's scrimmage. Peterson could have played but was held out by the coaches. His running mate, Kejuan Jones, also sat out with a sprained foot. (SoonerSports.com)

August 10, 2005

Peterson & Walker Returns: Running back Adrian Peterson was held out of most drills during Saturday and Sunnday's practices as well as Monday's scrimmage. He was in full pads for the first time Tuesday morning. Peterson has been battling a tight hamstring and has been held back to prevent the injury from getting any worse. Peterson wasn't the only player in full pads for the first time Tuesday. Cornerback Marcus Walker suffered a shoulder injury Saturday, but went through both drills Tuesday. (Norman Transcipt)

August 9, 2005

Peterson doesn't play scrimmage: All-American running back Adrian Peterson did not play in the scrimmage. "He's been tight a little bit," Stoops said. "We're not going to push it. We'll just see how it goes," Stoops added that Peterson's ailment is not serious. (SoonerSports.com)

August 7, 2005

Peterson looks healthy look for him full contact Monday: The reports were correct. Despite being withheld from contact drills Saturday, Peterson appears healthy again. He looks bigger. And he appears at least as powerfully fast and shifty talented as before. All that said, we'll know more when the Sooners put on pads. Check the action in Monday night's scrimmage. Watch how Peterson runs with full-contact action. I suspect you'll see the same explosive talent Peterson had before the injury. Nothing so far has given anyone reason to suspect otherwise. If anything, he's shown signs of being at least as fast, and just as determined. Friday evening, as the Sooners practiced indoors on the artificial turf, Peterson lowered his shoulder and ran into a defender. The Sooners were wearing helmets, shirts and shorts. But Peterson clearly wasn't concerned about the shoulder. (NewsOK.com)

August 5, 2005

Peterson shows no slow down: If there were any ill effects from off-season shoulder surgery, sophomore running back Adrian Peterson didn't show them Thursday. The All-American participated in all aspects of Oklahoma's first practice and looked strong. "That shouldn't be any surprise," said OU coach Bob Stoops. Despite sitting out spring drills, Peterson showed the same burst he had last fall when he finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. What's more, Stoops singled Peterson out when asked about team timed drills held earlier in the day. (NewsOK.com)

August 4, 2005

Adrian Peterson Cleared for workouts: Oklahoma football players reported for preseason workouts Wednesday and attended a mandatory team meeting. "Everybody that we expected to be here was here," coach Bob Stoops said through a spokesman. OU's first official practice is at 5:30 p.m. today, and several players who had off-season surgery are expected to be at full strength. That includes running back Adrian Peterson and cornerback Marcus Walker. Both had shoulder surgery in January. (Dallas Morning News)

July 28, 2005

SportsCentral preview: Adrian Peterson is one of the top three running backs in the country. He possesses an uncommon mix of explosiveness and patience. He knows exactly what hole to hit, and pity be upon that unfortunate linebacker that's on the other side, because Peterson introduces himself with his helmet. Peterson excelled last year by rushing for almost 2,000 yards, and will probably break that amount this year. He will be asked to shoulder much more of the offensive load due to the departure of Jason White. His durability will be pushed to the maximum, and his performance in November will have a great impact on the Sooners' future. (Complete Big 12 Preview available at SportsCentral)

July 22, 2005

Peterson No Show: OU coach Bob Stoops was asked about standout running back Adrian Peterson's absence at media days. Peterson was the 2004 Heisman Trophy runner-up. Stoops cited his tradition to bring seniors to the event. Peterson is just a sophomore. "Besides," Stoops said, "why burden him on having to see all you guys?"

July 17, 2005

Peterson named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) was named Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Rodrique Wright (Texas) was selected Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Zac Taylor (Nebraska) was chosen Preseason Newcomer of the Year in a poll voted on by media who cover the Big 12 Conference. Peterson was the runner-up in last year?s Heisman trophy balloting as well as the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer and Freshman of the Year. The 6-2, 210, sophomore running back was a 2004 All-Big 12 first team member while finishing second in the league in rushing with 148.1 yards per game. His 15 touchdowns for the Sooners ranked third in the conference. (BIG 12 Sports)

July 8, 2005

1. Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson, Soph. - Seldom do overhyped super-recruits live up to expectations, much less exceed them, but Peterson was everything and more as the best young back college football has seen since Herschel Walker. All Peterson did was rush for 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns averaging 5.7 yards per carry starting off his career with nine straight 100-yard games. He's 6-2 and 210 pounds with 4.4 speed and linebacker strength. He's not going to offer much wiggle through the line, but he hits the hole hard and is a killer when he gets outside. The he-gets-better-as-the-game-goes-on cliché applies here, be he needs a little more help after pounding the ball between the tackles for most of last year and finishing with a whopping 339 carries.. He isn't much of a receiver, but that's looking for a problem that isn't there. Find more of the Big XII Preview at College Football News.

June 22, 2005

Peterson on Maxwell Watch List: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson is one of 50 players announced today on the Maxwell Award Watch List. The honor, which goes annually to the top player in college football, was presented last season to Peterson's teammate at OU, Jason White. Peterson, a finalist for the Maxwell Award in 2004, was the runner-up in voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy and was the first freshman ever named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented to the nation's top running back. The Palestine, Texas, native rushed for a school record 1,925 yards last season and in doing so set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a freshman. Maxwell Football Club President, Ron Jaworski, announced the list for the 69th Maxwell Award for the Collegiate Player of the Year. Players selected have distinguished themselves as All Conference or All American selections from their respective universities in past years. Underclassmen are selected based on recommendations from the Maxwell Football Club Advisory Committee. (SoonerSports)

June 16, 2005

SI ranks Peterson #1: Sports Illustrated ranked the top 10 running backs for the 2005 season and picked Oklahoma sophomore Adrian Peterson as the best in the nation. The photo-essay, located at SI.com, picked the running backs most likely to make a run for the Heisman Trophy. Oklahoma had two players finish in the top three of the Heisman voting in 2004. Quarterback Jason White, the 2003 Heisman winner, finished third while Peterson finished second -- the highest finish ever for a freshman. He was also the first-ever freshman finalist for the Doak Walker Award. (SoonerSports)

June 6, 2005

No A.D. Bobble Heads: It shouldn't come as a surprise, but Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson is on everybody's short list for the 2005 Heisman Trophy. It also shouldn't surprise that OU doesn't plan a promotional campaign. "No bobbleheads," said Kenny Mossman, OU's associate athletic director for communications, laughing. Sticking with a philosophy of the last few years, Mossman said he doesn't believe they're especially effective -- or that Peterson, the Heisman runner-up as a freshman, needs it. "Campaigns are designed to get more media attention for an athlete," Mossman said. "That's one thing he doesn't need. He's getting a lot of attention." So much attention, in fact, that OU has routinely turned down interview and photo requests for Peterson. (NewsOK)

May 5, 2005

Adrian Peterson Involved in Fight: Two men and one woman were injured April 23 after several fights broke out around 4 a.m. at Denny's Restaurant involving a group of men, including Adrian Peterson, OU freshman running back, according to 911 police calls and a police radio traffic recording. The participants were suspected of using alcohol, according to a police report. After witnesses declined to comment, The Daily obtained a copy of the two 911 calls made from Denny's, 2535 W. Main St., and a recording of the radio traffic between the Norman Police Department and a squad car at the time of the fight. Norman police received calls about a man whose forehead was cut and needed stitches, another who had Tabasco sauce and glass in his eye and a woman who was cut with glass. None of the victims could be identified. OU football head coach Bob Stoops said he was aware of the incident; he has talked to the players about it; and their understanding is that the incident may have been instigated by other people, according to Kenny Mossman, associate athletic director for media relations. More at Oklahoma Daily

April 10, 2005

A. Peterson No Show for Scrimmage: Adrian Peterson made nary an appearance on the Owen Field turf Saturday afternoon. We can only suppose he was off doing curls or lifts or whatever you do to rehabilitate a surgically repaired shoulder. Absent from Oklahoma's second spring scrimmage, the running back played instead on thoughts. He would have broken this run. He would have eluded that tackle. The Sooner offense is showing promise this spring even with its inexperienced quarterbacks, rebuilt offensive line and young wide receivers. Without Peterson, though, the unit is but an imitation of the real thing. (NewsOK)

February 18, 2005

Each year, ESPN The Magazine's trademark NEXT issue looks ahead to the year that will be and identifies those athletes whose talent and style will shape the landscape of sports in the coming year. Last year, Kazuo Matsui led a group that included Olympic gold medallists Michael Phelps and Jennie Finch as well as soccer prodigy Freddy Adu, and Wimbledon champ Maria Sharapova. This year Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is at the head of the NEXT class.

January 25, 2005

Peterson ESPN Photo Shoot
SoonerSports.com reports A camera crew from ESPN the Magazine was in Norman this weekend to conduct a photo shoot with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. The national publication has an upcoming issue entitled "Next" where it will feature prominent athletes expected to make an impact in 2005. Peterson will be featured on the cover. The photo shoot was held on the second floor of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Peterson posed with an OU football, his helmet, his jersey and various other props including a crimson OU flag draped around his shoulders.

January 18, 2005

Surgery for Both stars: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson will miss spring practice after having surgery on his left shoulder Monday. The procedure was successful, the Sooners sports information department confirmed to ESPN. Peterson, the Heisman runner-up, dislocated the shoulder in fall practice and again during the Sooners' game against Texas A&M on Nov. 6. "It's a common surgery in football and a number of players have had the procedure done and returned to perform at a very high level," Oklahoma trainer Scott Anderson said. Starting cornerback Marcus Walker, another freshman, had similar reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder. (ESPN)

January 3, 2005

Adrian Peterson was 7 years old when he started pumping iron and preparing his game. "My dad used to go to the YMCA all the time and lift weights and I used to lift weights with him," Oklahoma's freshman sensation said. "When I first started we used go out and work on plays, just try to get myself better. I guess that's how I developed a love for the sport." (Tahlequah Daily Press)

January 2, 2005

Adrian Peterson: On his recruiting trip to USC and choosing OU
"I had a little too much fun. I went to the clubs, had the opportunity to meet Leonardo DiCaprio. I just made the best decision for me. Either way I would have won considering we are both playing for the National Championship. My parents never pressured me during the decision."

December 12, 2004

Leinart wins Heisman, Peterson second: Matt Leinart edged out the two Oklahoma teammates Adrian Peterson and last years's Heisman winner Jason White. Peterson, fell short of becoming the first Heisman winner as a freshman. Peterson received 997 overall points, edging out teammate and White (957) for second. Peterson's second-place finish is the best by a freshman. Georgia's Herschel Walker had the previous freshman best when he was third to winner George Rogers of South Carolina, a running back, in 1980. Michael Vick was a redshirt freshman quarterback at Virginia Tech when he was third in 1999. Leinart received 1,325 points and won all but one of the six voting regions. He came in third in the Southwest, where White led with 263 points and freshman tailback and teammate Adrian Peterson was second with 197.

December 2, 2004

Peterson Invite: Oklahoma Quarterback Jason White has been invited to New York for an opportunity to win back to back Heisman trophies. In addition, star freshman running back Adrian Peterson has been sent an invitation. White would be only the second person to win two Heisman's, also Adrian Peterson would become the first freshman to win the Heisman no one younger then a junior has captured the award.

November 22, 2004

Heisman Race: Adrian Peterson and Jason White remain atop the ESPN.com Heisman Poll

November 21, 2004

Peterson runs over bears: No. 2 Oklahoma 35, Baylor 0 - Adrian Peterson ran for 240 yards, including three second-half touchdowns, and Oklahoma got the lopsided win it needed for the BCS standings.
After a slow start, the Sooners (11-0, 8-0 Big 12) scored on four straight possessions. Jason White threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Travis Wilson just before halftime to make it 14-0, and Peterson had short TD runs on the first three drives of the second half.

November 15, 2004

Heisman: Adrian Peterson and Jason White remains 1st and 2nd in ESPN's Heisman Poll

November 13, 2004

Peterson OK: Heisman Contender Adrian Peterson will play despite a shoulder injury late in the Texas A&M win.

November 11, 2004

Heisman Race: Jason White remained hot throwing 5 TD passes, moved within the top 2 spots only behind our ahead of freshman Adrian Peterson. Oklahoma Sooners, have 2 Heisman contenders in top 2 ahead of USC's Bush and Leinart on ESPN.com Heisman Poll.

November 4, 2004

Peterson Injured: As the Oklahoma offense hits the field they are one of the most balanced attacks in America. With two Heisman contenders in Adrian Peterson and former winner Jason White. Peterson, who is coming off a career day againist Oklahoma State running for 249 yards. When its not Peterson, White is stepping up as veteran Heisman winner and taking charge the Sooner offense.

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