Sam Bradford predicts 'big year' for Oklahoma QB John Mateer

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Sam Bradford is one of the greatest quarterbacks in Oklahoma Sooners' history and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history. Bradford finished his Oklahoma career with 8,403 yards, 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, while completing 67.6% of his passes.

He led one of the most prolific offenses in college football history during the 2008 season. That season ended with Bradford winning Oklahoma's fifth Heisman Trophy and leading the Sooners to the national championship game. The Sooners would lose that game, but Bradford would go on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, before his NFL career was filled with injuries.

Since he retired, Bradford has largely stayed out of the spotlight. However, a report on Monday revealed that Bradford has been working with current Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer on defensive recognition and improving his fundamentals. Bradford also said that he believes that Mateer is in for a big year.

“I think he’s become more comfortable with his game, and in Norman, and with his teammates," Bradford told George Stoia at SoonerScoop. "So I think it’s going to be a big year for him.”

Mateer had an up-and-down season last year. Early in the year, he looked poised to win Oklahoma's eighth Heisman Trophy, but at the end of the year, he really struggled. A big reason for that was a thumb injury on his throwing hand.

Mateer already has the physical tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football, but his next step is becoming a more complete player. Having someone like Bradford, who mastered the mental side of the position during his time at Oklahoma, could be invaluable.

If Mateer can combine Bradford's lessons with his natural ability, the Sooners could have the type of quarterback play needed to make a deep College Football Playoff run.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sam Bradford predicts 'big year' for Oklahoma QB John Mateer

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos