Dismissed Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar has enrolled at Division I-AA Sam Houston State, where he doesn’t have to sit out a year but still must wait for eligibility clearance from the NCAA.

Bomar and J.D. Quinn were kicked off the team Aug. 2 for violating NCAA work rules by accepting payment for more work than they performed at a car dealership.

Bomar could play for the Bearkats this season after a review by the NCAA reinstatement committee. Players transferring between Division I-A schools must sit out one year.

“This is a unique situation, and we look forward to assisting Rhett in continuing his education and athletic career,” Sam Houston State athletic director Bobby Williams said in a statement. “We will begin the restatement process for Rhett with the NCAA as soon as possible. There is no exact timetable for how long this process will take, but we will do everything possible to expedite the procedure.”

Quinn, an offensive lineman, also has three years of eligibility remaining. He will reportedly enroll at Montana, also a Division I-AA school.

Still competing

Most of the starters for Saturday’s season opener against Alabama-Birmingham are set. But OU defensive coordinator still Brent Venables hasn’t decided who will start at strongside linebacker.

“They’re still competing and it might be a game-time deal,” he said.

Junior Demarrio Pleasant and sophomore Curtis Lofton have been battling it out for the spot throughout the preseason. But Nic Harris, who was a safety last season, has also entered the fray.

“He has good range and good ball skills back there,” Venables said. “He’s really shown up for a guy that hasn’t been at that position very long at all. He’s showing a great deal of awareness back there.”

Injury update

OU coach Bob Stoops said the only player who could miss Saturday’s game would be sophomore wide receiver Manuel Johnson.

Johnson suffered an ankle injury during OU’s only open scrimmage Aug. 12. Malcolm Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias are OU’s starters, but Johnson could have been used in three-receiver sets.

His injury could mean more playing time for sophomore Fred Strong, but Stoops said it could also mean more offense for cornerback Reggie Smith.