Oklahoma’s coaching staff has always preached the philosophy of the best players playing regardless of age or class. The players expressed the same philosophy with the selection of this season’s team captains.

Sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford and sophomore defensive tackle Gerald McCoy were among the five selected.

“Those guys are respected guys. They work as hard as anybody we’ve had here and it tells you a lot about them,” OU coach Bob Stoops said following Monday’s practice. “That’s the kids’ vote. That’s what they think of those guys. They’re leaders and I concur. They’ve been great players.”

Center Jon Cooper, defensive back Nic Harris and tight end Brody Eldridge were also elected by a players’ vote.

Cooper and Harris are both seniors. Eldridge is a junior.

The captains were announced to the team following Friday’s practice. The selections were made public Monday.

“It was one of the best days of my life when I was named a captain,” Cooper said. “It’s by far the greatest honor I’ve ever gotten in my life.”

The offensive players voted for two offensive selections and a defensive player. The defensive players voted for two defenders and one offensive player.

Having underclassmen as team captains isn’t unprecedented, but having sophomores has rarely occurred. This year will be different.

“They’re great leaders,” Cooper said. “I know I voted for ’em. Everybody loves Sam and Gerald.”

Anticipation

Nobody is predicting any problems for the Sooners in Saturday’s season opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga. OU will enter its first game as a nearly 50-point favorite.

But Stoops said there’s still one thing he’ll be looking for Saturday night.

“You’re always a little uneasy early because you want to find out what’s your team’s personality,” Stoops said. “Until you get out there in those live and meaningful situations, you can’t build that character and toughness. You can only do that on gameday. That’s what I’m waiting to see.”