Report: Travis Lewis and Ryan Broyles returning to Oklahoma

The news first broke on Sooners website LandThieves.com which saw the below on Lewis’ Facebook page:

Lewis, an outside linebacker, has been thought to be considering the NFL the past two seasons. It’s for good reason. Lewis is a rangy linebacker and the leader of Oklahoma’s defense. His play slid some this year as he finished with 99 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

The 2012 draft looks heavy on outside linebackers and Lewis should be near the top of the rankings.

It’s slightly more surprising that Broyles is also likely staying in school. As a junior he had 131 receptions for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a smaller wide receiver, it’s hard to see how he’ll be able to increase his stock next season.He’s not going to improve his deep speed or ability to shoulder off defenders.

Still, it’s always commendable to see a player return to school.

Sooners fans have plenty of reason to remain wary until the deadline passes for players to enter the draft. Last season defensive back Dominique Franks announced he was returning to Oklahoma before ultimately changing his mind. Franks was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 draft.As it stands, Oklahoma should enter next college football season perhaps as national title favorites.

Update: Here is the official release from OU regarding Lewis.

“I’m coming back to win a national championship, point blank. Anything else would be a disappointment. That is the main goal. This is a program built on a tradition of championships and I intend on being here for another one. I woke up this morning and realized I had made my decision that I was coming back. I don’t want to give up being a Sooner yet. I’m having too much fun as one and this is an amazing place to be.”