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Thompson finishes out career at OU

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Paul Thompson never really cared much about where he played on the field at the University of Oklahoma - just as long as he could get on the field and help the Sooners win.

So, the former quarterback-turned-receiver was set to be the team's go-to player in the passing game when the 2006 season started.

However, circumstances found him coming full circle and the talented Thompson is right back where he should have been all along - playing quarterback and getting his team ready for the Fiesta Bowl.

“Everyone always thought I was a quarterback only, but I would have been happy wherever I played,” Thompson said. “I'm happy with how everything turned out. It's been a great experience here at Oklahoma and I want to close out my senior year with a win.”

Thompson just missed out of that win, losing 43-42 in overtime to Boise State. He threw for 233 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Playing in a BCS bowl and in big games is nothing new to Thompson, as he's been a part of teams that have played in four Big 12 Championship games as well as two national title contests.

“I had a chance to learn from guys like Jason White (former Heisman Trophy winner) and to be a part of a lot of success,” he said. “I've learned a lot of the mental side of the game, getting prepared and getting my focus set for when I was on the field.”

And once he got the opportunity, Thompson more than showed that he could be a great leader, throwing for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-17 win over the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

It was a far cry from last year, when he was shuttled in and out of the lineup with former starter Rhett Romar.

“It was a very different experience this time around,” Thompson said of his start against UAB. “I knew I had the support of the team and coaches, and there wasn't going to be a rotation at quarterback.

“I felt so much more relaxed and I wasn't scared about making mistakes and not getting another chance to play.”

Thompson made few mistakes in 2006, piling up solid numbers in wins against Washington (272 yards passing, two touchdowns), Middle Tennessee State (career-high 357 yards passing, three touchdowns) and Texas Tech (309 yards passing, two touchdowns).

In all, Thompson threw for 2,434 yards (185-of-304 passes) and 20 touchdowns with just eight interceptions.

He also got plenty of teammates involved, completing 20 or more passes to three different players. And when star running back Adrian Peterson went down, Thompson simply shouldered the big play load.

“I've always been a competitor and I try to make sure I've gotten a lot of people involved on offense,” he said.

What truly stands out about the senior signal caller is his leadership during adversity, as he always rose above the controversy surrounding a tough 34-33 loss to Oregon and a 28-10 defeat to archrival Texas.

However, his best game of the year may have been his regular-season finale against Nebraska in the Big 12 Title game. Thompson threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Sooners to a 21-7 win over the Huskers.

“The Big 12 title game was definitely a game I will always remember,” he said, smiling. “It's just amazing to be able to finish out my senior year playing the Big 12 title game and a BCS bowl as my last two games.”

The Sooners and Thompson worked quite a bit on staying sharp during the holidays, with practices running up to the week before Christmas.

While the beginning of the new year will bring a close to his college career, Thompson may not be done with the sport of football.

“I think there is a possibility for a future in the NFL for me,” he said. “But right now, the focus is on the Fiesta Bowl. After that, we'll see where things go.”

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