Peterson going pro?

John Shinn
The Norman Transcript

January 11, 2007 12:35 am

— • Reports say OU running back declaring for draft

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson has made no official announcement to enter the NFLDraft, but Wednesday night the Dallas Morning News, citing unnamed sources, said the junior has informed OU coach Bob Stoops of his decision and has already begun interviewing potential agents.
OU Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations Kenny Mossman said Wednesday night no formal announcement has been scheduled.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the NFL draft is Monday.
Peterson, who was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2004 as a freshman, rushed for 4,045 yards and 41 touchdowns during his three seasons in a Sooner uniform.
But he also missed nearly a season’s worth of games due to injury.
An ankle injury limited his availability in four games in 2005. He missed seven games this past season with a broken collarbone. He was still able to amass 1,012 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final campaign.
He said following the Sooners’ 43-42 overtime loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 he would take some time to make the decision.
Stoops said after the game he would do whatever he could to give Peterson an accurate assesment of where he would go in the draft.
If Peterson decides to come out, it wouldn’t be surprising. He has been projected as a high first-round pick in several mock drafts.
Peterson rushed for 77 yards on 20 carries in the Fiesta Bowl. He ranks third on OU’s career rushing list behind Billy Sims (4,118 yards) and Joe Washington (4,071).