To crib a line from Mark Twain, reports that Oklahoma had named redshirt freshman Trevor Knight as its starting quarterback were greatly exaggerated.
Twitter was abuzz Monday night after Bob Barry of KFOR TV (Oklahoma City) indicated Knight had won the job over redshirt junior Blake Bell, citing sources within the program. However, Sooners head coach Bob Stoops had already shot down a chance to name Landry Jones' successor earlier that evening, and multiple reports Tuesday morning indicated nothing had been decided.
"When we're ready we'll say so," Stoops told reporters.
Barry's report does reflect a growing sentiment that Knight has performed well enough to have a strong claim to the position. The redshirt freshman from San Antonio even took the first reps with the first-team offense Monday.
Bell was regarded as the heavy favorite to start, largely because of his effectiveness as a change-of-pace option the past two seasons, rushing for 372 yards and 24 touchdowns. But his accuracy as a passer has always been a question mark.
Knight threw for 27 touchdowns against three interceptions as a senior in high school, while also proving to be an effective runner.
However, unless Stoops is secretly planning to install the read-option as the full-time offense for Oklahoma, the ability to throw the ball will be the deciding factor between Bell and Knight.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
