Mon Jan 14 16:41:45 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Oklahoma LB Lofton going pro

---

Norman, OK (Sports Network) - Oklahoma All-American linebacker Curtis Lofton has decided to enter his name in the NFL Draft, becoming the second Sooner to forfeit his final year of eligibility since OU's 48-28 loss to West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl January 2.

"Curtis made a lot of big plays during his time here," said Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. "We wish him all the best in the NFL."

Lofton, who led the Sooners with 157 tackles in 2007 and had eight games in which he recorded double-digit stops, reached his decision Sunday, just four days after OU wide receiver Malcolm Kelly announced his intention to turn pro.

"I'll definitely miss my coaches and teammates," Lofton said. "I came in with my class three years ago and those guys are like brothers to me. And I'll miss playing in front of those 85,000 fans."

Lofton, who helped lead a Sooners defense that held opponents to just 20.3 points per game in 2007, finished his Oklahoma career with 192 tackles and three interceptions. The Kingfisher, Oklahoma product had 18 tackles in a 41-31 victory over Missouri on October 13, also totaled nine tackles in the Sooners' 38-17 victory against the Tigers in the Big 12 Championship game.

Oklahoma, which finished the season 11-3 and made its sixth BCS bowl game in the last seven years, has produced 35 NFL draft picks since Stoops began his tenure in Norman in 1999.