Peterson: Decision hasn't been made yet Tailback has until Monday to decide if he'll enter draft
By John Helsley
Published: January 12, 2007
NORMAN — Adrian Peterson sat at home Wednesday night, watching his life flash before him.
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Or someone else's version of his life, with Internet and televised reports saying he had declared for the NFL Draft.
Thursday, Peterson regained control, issuing a statement to the contrary.
"I have spent the last few days considering my options to either enter the NFL Draft or stay at OU,” Peterson said in a statement released through Oklahoma's sports information department. "The facts are that I have not hired any representation, and I have not declared for the draft.
"My meetings with Coach (Bob) Stoops and my parents have been to discuss all the scenarios. I see a lot of options in both, so I am still undecided on what I want to do. I wish people would give me the opportunity to decide. Once I do, I will make an announcement at the right time. Any reports that are different than that are false.”
Speculation all season put the running back on the early entry list for the NFL Draft. Peterson himself stoked such speculation, telling The Oklahoman last September:
"My goals when I got here were win a national championship first and then have an opportunity to win the Heisman. Those are things I want to do, but the only thing right now I know for a fact that would keep me back next year is a major injury. God willing, that won't happen.”
Peterson would miss seven games after suffering a broken collarbone, although that injury wouldn't be considered serious. And he returned to rush 20 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl and finished the season with 1,108 yards in seven games.
Still, sources close to the situation now say Peterson is wrestling with the decision.
"This has been a lot harder than people would think,” one source said.
Peterson has until Monday to add himself to the list of underclassmen entering the NFL Draft.
The Sooner junior has been interviewing potential agents in the event he does decide on jumping to the NFL. Peterson was scheduled to meet with agent Jimmy Sexton on Thursday.
According to two sources, Peterson previously met with agents Tom Condon, Eugene Parker and Drew Rosenhaus.
Those meetings were all done under the blessing of Stoops, who said that he wanted Peterson to have access to all information available concerning his draft stock.
Most draft experts place Peterson among the first 10 picks.
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. pegged Peterson at No. 6 on his draft board.
Despite Peterson's previous comments, however, he was vague while discussing his pending decision in the days leading up to the Fiesta Bowl.
"I'll look at it like my college decision, what's best for me,” Peterson said during the Fiesta Bowl's Media Day. "I'm going to be the one who's going to be dealing with everything, so I'm looking out for Adrian.”
Could there be factors tugging on Peterson, prompting him to consider a return to OU for his senior season?
A Heisman Trophy run?
The OU rushing record, with leader Billy Sims only 73 yards in front of him?
Team goals, with the Sooners perhaps primed for a national title run in 2007?
"I think what's being underplayed from everybody is Adrian is a great competitor and he loves playing here,” Stoops said Thursday. "He loves playing with his team, and I think also that people don't realize maybe in the end, he feels he hasn't gotten everything he set out to get.
"He maybe feels a little unfulfilled that way.”
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Turning pro
Pros
•Riches: A projected top-10 pick, Peterson would become an instant millionaire if he enters the draft.
•Biggest stage: Almost every boy's childhood dream is to play in the NFL. Peterson's was.
•Ultimate test: Peterson is known as a great competitor. As a pro, he'd be testing himself against the game's greatest players.
Cons
•Business: For the most part, playing college ball is fun. And it's played for fun. Everything about the NFL is business.
•Unfinished business: Jumping to the NFL early would leave Peterson without some of his stated goals: a national title, a Heisman and the OU rushing record.
Staying in school
Pros
•Fun factor: If you saw Peterson during those two months he was injured, he couldn't stay away from his team. He enjoys being a Sooner.
•Trophies: With a return to OU, Peterson is a cinch to become the school's rushing king, and he'd be a favorite for the Heisman. He'd also enhance the Sooners' already promising shot at joining the national title race.
Cons
•Injury risk: Peterson has been injured at some point during each of his three years at OU. A significant injury could jeopardize his NFL future altogether.
•Delayed payday: Another year at OU is a year in which he won't be making millions.
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