Last we saw Sam Bradford playing in real, live football games, things didn’t go so well for Slingin’ Sam and his squad.
His senior season at Putnam City North was his most woeful as a prepster. The Panthers finished 5-5 and missed the playoffs for the first time in several years.
Truthfully, though, Bradford had little help that season. PC North’s rushing game was almost non-existent. The Panthers averaged about 80 yards rushing a game.
The year before was an entirely different story. Bradford teamed with running back Deji Karim and wide receiver Kenny Brown to create one of the most potent offenses in the state. Karim rushed for more than 2,000 yards that season, opening up the field for Bradford and helping the quarterback have his best high school season.
The Panthers had a championship-caliber team that season. They failed to make the state finals only because of a comeback for the ages by Jenks. Bradford did all he could against the mighty Trojans that day, leading the Panthers on one scoring drive after another. He made the plays. He moved the ball. He rallied the troops. In the end, he could do little from the sidelines to help the defense.
The next season when Bradford had to try to win games practically by himself, he couldn’t do it.
He won’t be able to do it as a Sooner either. Then again, he won’t have to. OU has stars at running back, wide receiver and offensive line. The Sooners’ talent will make Bradford look good.
If what he did his junior year at PC North is any indication, Bradford will make the Sooners look good, too.