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ARLINGTON, Texas – If the Oklahoma coach, Lincoln Riley, could relive his clash with quarterback Austin Kendall in January, he would behave exactly the same way.
Riley has maintained his position that he does not think Kendall should be eligible for West Virginia immediately, even though Kendall has completed his undergraduate studies in Oklahoma.
"I was always going to let him go to West Virginia," Riley said. "My argument was to be able to eliminate it immediately next year. I do not think it's healthy for the league. "
The NCAA rules state that an undergraduate player must spend a season to acclimate to his new environment, unless waived. A player who enrolled in a higher school at another university can play immediately, however.
Oklahoma itself will benefit from this rule this season thanks to quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose transfer since Alabama is what prompted Kendall to leave the Sooners in the first place. But Riley sees Hurts differently since he comes from the SEC rather than the Big 12.
"We need to protect our league with this and that's something we need to deepen," Riley insisted.
Riley said the only reason he gave in was due to the respect he had for Kendall and his family.
"At the end of my relationship with the Austin family, the personal side got the upper hand on the commercial side," said Riley. "My views have not changed. But at that time, I wanted to do the best thing for the kid.
Kendall's respect is a recurring theme for the Sooners. His former teammates from Oklahoma are a little more ecstatic than Riley was for his departure to West Virginia.
"He's an extremely motivated player and an extreme competitor," said Creed Humphrey, of Sooners' center. "For him, being potentially outgoing is great. I am so excited for him. "
Receiver of all conferences, CeeDee Lamb, has received many passes from Kendall over the last two seasons, and recognizes him for having played a key role in his own growth.
"Austin is not a businessman, but he will definitely be there when you need him," Lamb said. "I am forever grateful for him and the memories we had. I think he'll be the best he can be in West Virginia. "
Humphrey considers Kendall one of his best friends on the team. He says it will be very strange to be on the opposite side when visiting the Mountaineers on October 19th.
"It will be great," said Humphrey. "But it will be a strange feeling."
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