Newton says no to Sooners It's official. Atlanta Westlake quarterback Cameron Newton will be a FloridaGator.
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Newton announced his decision Thursday night, sticking to a deadline he set for himself more than two weeks ago.
The four-star, dual-threat signal caller had been heavily recruited by Oklahoma since coach Bob Stoops dismissed Rhett Bomar. The Sooners were among Newton's final three college choices, but in the end, the prospectopted for the program that had been courting him since his junior year in high school.
"Cameron likes the state of Florida," Newton's father, Cecil, told Rivals.com on Wednesday. "From his sophomore season on he was favoring Miami, Florida State or Florida."
Newton began the summer as a three-star recruit, but he shot up coaches' wish lists after outstanding performances at several football camps, namely Florida's Friday Night Lights Camp.
With Newton out of the picture, the Sooners' top quarterback prospectsinclude Northside (Ark.) passer Kodi Burns, Stephen Garcia of TampaFla., and Mike Greco, a top junior college player at Pearl River, Miss.
OU hasn't yet offered Burns -- who plays at Tulsa Tech tonight -- or Garcia.
Greco can't commit until after he graduates in May.
Just like old times: It was only one game, but Reggie Smith came through on expectations he would provide a boost to OU's return game against UAB.
His every return put a stir in the crowd and prompted the Blazers to eventually direct the ball away from him on kickoffs.
"I was having fun," Smith said. "It just felt like high school again. It felt fun being out there, catching the ball, making a few people miss and getting upfield."
Dual threat: Washington running backs Louis Rankin and Kenny James combined for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the team's opener.
Yet Huskies quarterback Isaiah Stanback might be a greater running threat. That seems to be OU's biggest concern and Washington's greatest asset.
"Everybody wants to find that 100-yard rusher," Washington coach Ty Willingham said. "Every team identifies him. 'Don't let him get this, hold him under that.' With that comes an instant target.
"But the nice thing about Isaiah is he also can throw the ball. He has the potential to have a heck of a day, and that's what we're geared up for."
Gymnasts to get rings: The Oklahoma men's gymnastics team is set to receive its national championship rings during Saturday's OU-Washington football game.
OU President David Boren and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione will honor the team on the field at halftime.
It was the team's second straight national title and fourth in the last five years. Team members will sign autographs at noon during the Sooner Fan Fest north of Owen Field.
By Scott Wright and John Helsley
