By ROBERT CESSNAOklahoma's Landry Jones is displaying the kind of leadership and character so many people admired in Dallas Cowboys coaching legend Tom Landry for whom the Sooners' quarterback was named.
The Sooners are ranked No. 1 in the country and Jones is a big reason. Last season, he passed for 4,716 yards with 38 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions for 12-2 OU.
"I've grown so much as a leader," Jones said. "Last year, I stepped into the offseason knowing that this is my team and I played well, now this year knowing that again this is my team, that just gave me even more confidence stepping into the offseason."
Jones was brilliant in helping OU win its last five games last season. He had five touchdowns in a 45-7 romp over Texas Tech. He threw for 325 yards and three scores in a 53-24 victory over Baylor, but his last three games were even better against quality opponents.
Jones passed for 468 yards, tying the school record set by Sam Bradford in a 47-41 victory at rival Oklahoma State. Then Jones passed for 342 yards in a 23-20 victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game. He capped his sophomore season with a school-bowl record 492 yards passing in a 48-20 blowout of Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl.
"He had some really big games down the stretch," OU head coach Bob Stoops said. "Then you add the winter, how hard he works that everybody recognizes. Now just that experience [and] his confidence. He's become a really strong leader. And now he's more comfortable."
Jones caught fire after OU was held to its season low for points in a 33-19 loss at Texas A&M.
Jones said experiencing lows and highs have made him better and Stoops agrees.
"If he hadn't played and earned that respect by performance and meeting challenges, then it's hard to be that guy," Stoops said. "Well, he has all that now. He's a true, true leader on this team and a special one."
Jones has grown into his role.
"I like to pull people aside and let them know what I think about it," Jones said. "I'm more of a leader by example. I know one thing I need to work on is being more vocal and I've grown in that area."
All-American Ryan Broyles, who was Jones' favorite target last year with 131 catches for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns, says Jones is not the same guy forced into playing when Bradford was injured in 2009.
"He was shy at first," Broyles said. "He was our play-caller, but he was kinda timid. He didn't like the attention."
That's slightly changed. Jones displayed an easy-going manner as 15-20 writers gathered around him at the Big 12 Media Days, but he seemed at easy talking about the Heisman Trophy or his faith.
"That's one of the biggest things that's influenced me -- is the way he follows the Lord Jesus Christ," Broyles said. "I'm so happy to say my quarterback is a believer. And I think that trinkles down in the way he produces on the field. He's a great role model. He never says anything negative. But at the same time, he'll shoot you straight. And he'll let you know if you're not doing right."
Jones didn't say much when he was pressed into action when Bradford, coming off his Heisman season, hurt his shoulder in the 2009 opener against Brigham Young.
Jones started 10 games that season, passing for 3,198 yards. He had 26 TDs, but threw 14 interceptions as OU had maybe its worst offensive line in Stoops' 12 years. The Sooners, a preseason No. 1 pick, ended 8-5.
"I'm definitely glad I went through it," Jones said. "That was a tough year. We didn't play as well as we were meant to play. But thankfully, I learned a lot."
Jones surprised some this summer while working at the Manning Passing Academy when he'd love to win the Heisman.
"Absolutely, it's a personal goal of mine," Jones said. "But the No. 1 one thing is if I win the Heisman Trophy, but lose the national championship, I'd rather win the national championship and lose the Heisman Trophy. My ultimate goal is winning a national championship. If I win the Heisman Trophy, great, that's kinda like a topping of the cake."
Jones also wants to do something special this season for former linebacker Austin Box, who died in May.
"We wore the same number [12]," Jones said. "I've been talking to his parents about doing something to honor him."
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Jones got engaged in the summer to OU basketball player Whitney Hand. The two who dated for two and half years, announced their engagement via the social media.
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