Stoops has feeling about Bradford's decision to come

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Bob Stoops has an idea which way his Heisman-winning quarterback Sam Bradford is leaning. But he isn't sharing.

"I do (have a feeling) but I won't say," the Oklahoma coach said here at the American Football Coaches Association national convention Monday.

Bradford, a redshirt sophomore, is arguably the most significant underclassman still deciding whether to declare for the NFL Draft. He has until Thursday's deadline to do so. There is a three-day grace period during which any early entrant can pull his name back out.

"Everyone wants to know," Stoops said of his quarterback, "he'll get it figured out."

Bradford is projected to be one of the top two quarterbacks taken in the draft if he comes out. One Oklahoma source who had spoken to numerous NFL types said Bradford's graded out somewhere between the No. 10 and No. 20 pick in the first round. That is significant because some analysts are projecting Bradford No. 1 overall.

The quarterback is one of the big three underclassmen who still haven't made a decision at Oklahoma. Junior offensive lineman Trent Williams is weighing his options along with tight end Jermaine Gresham. Williams and Bradford are consulting with their families and coaches. Gresham is relying heavily for advice from his Ardmore (Okla.) High School coach, Mike Lloyd, a former NFL player.

Another redshirt sophomore, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, intends to return to school.

The case against Bradford: He could stand to add some muscle at 6-feet-4, 212 pounds, plus he has played in only 28 college games. The case for: Bradford's value might never be higher after winning the Heisman and leading the Sooners to the BCS title game.

If Bradford moves on, Oklahoma is ready to insert Landry Jones, a 6-4, 210-pound freshman from New Mexico who redshirted in 2008. Jones drew raves after coaches and players saw what he could do while taking snaps during bowl practices.

"He has a lot of similarities to Sam in his personality, size and the way he throws," Stoops said. "He's got a promising future."

Asked if he feels comfortable sticking Jones into the position, Stoops said. "Not as much as if he (Bradford) did return. Hopefully we don't have to feel that way."

A reporter said Stoops sounded optimistic with that last statement.

"I didn't intend to," he said.