By Michael Kinney

Transcript Sports Writer

In his first public appearance since Wednesday’s player dismissals, University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced today that Paul Thompson would be the teams starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

Stoops made the announcement at Norman’s annual combined civics club Coaches Luncheon at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.

Stoops said it do not take much discussion with Thompson to find out where the fifth year senior stood.

“I appreciate the courage of Paul Thompson,” Stoops said. “We said Paul is our guy. But is he going to want to do it? In your heart you have to want it. He came back and said ‘I’m your guy, coach.’”

The luncheon allows members of local civic groups and the University of Oklahoma football coaches to get together, raise money for charity and discuss the upcoming season.

But Thursday it took on a different atmosphere with Wednesday’s news of Stoops permanently dismissing quarterback Rhett Bomar and sophomore offensive lineman J.D. Quinn from the team after having found out they received extra compensation from Big Red Sports and Imports, a Norman car dealership where they were employed.

Stoops, along with defensive coordinator Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, addressed the crowd and answered questions.

“It’s been an exciting few days,” Stoops said. “People have to make their own decisions. All parties involved knew what they were doing was against NCAA rules. It was pretty cut and dry for me.”

Stoops also told the more than 500 ticket holders that Thompson would be given the reins as the team’s starting quarterback. Thompson started the first two games in 2005 before he was replaced by Bomar. He then made the switch to wide receiver, which is the position he has worked on all summer.

However, the Oklahoma coaching staff have all the confidence in the world that Thompson can handle the situation.

“We have a grown man who is very smart,” Wilson said. “He is a quality kid who will do a phenomenal job. He has come down that ramp and played in important games.”

Stoops and Wilson said that last year the offense did not play to Thompson’s strengths. But that will not be a problem this go-around.