OU's Habern mulling NFL option
Published: 12/28/2011 5:15 PM
Last Modified: 12/28/2011 5:15 PM
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. – Landry Jones isn't the only Oklahoma Sooner uncertain about his future. What about the guy who snaps him the ball?
Junior center Ben Habern confirmed Wednesday that he recently submitted paperwork to the NFL draft advisory committee for review.
"I knew that going into this season I was old enough to do it," he said at Insight Bowl media day. "I just figured if I'm able to do it, there's no reason why I shouldn't… Might as well do it just to see what would happen."
Habern said he has not received an evaluation from the committee. He said once he does, he will sit down with family members and coaches to discuss it.
It wouldn't seem plausible for Habern to make the jump. You don't see him on any mock draft boards. And he is fully aware of coach Bob Stoops' lesson, complete with facts and figures, on staying in school long enough to maximize your draft value.
Still, there are other issues to consider.
"Injuries play a factor," he said, noting the broken arm that sidelined him for a chunk of this season. "If I'm physically ready and stuff like that."
That will be deliberated, along with whatever grade he gets back from the committee, after Habern returns home from the Insight Bowl. He has until Jan. 15 to make a decision, which gives him some time.
It's a good bet Habern returns to anchor the Sooners' offensive line for a fourth straight season. But why not at least explore the option if it's presented to you? That's how he figures it.
"I guess I'm hoping for the best," he said.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
