Published: August 17, 2008 12:15 am         

Former Tulsa standout hopes to shine at OU in fifth year

NORMAN — The long wait could be over for Quentin Chaney.

The once highly-recruited wide receiver from Tulsa Washington — now a fifth-year senior — is in position to finally be a starter for Oklahoma.

Chaney is listed as the starter at the wide receiver position vacated by Malcolm Kelly’s early exit to the National Football League’s Washington Redskins.

He is battling Adrian Tennell, whose season was cut short by knee surgery in 2007.

Chaney has caught only 15 passes in three seasons, but four of those came in the Sooners’ 48-28 loss to West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

He was one of OU’s few bright spots in the game with 129 yards in receptions, including a touchdown.

“That game was pretty good for me, but as a team we didn’t do the things we needed to to win the game,’’ Chaney said. “That’s not anything you want to accept as a person or a team.’’

Chaney will be counted on to do what he did in the bowl game — provide the speed to spread out the field.

“I have the speed to that,’’ he said, “but I’ll do whatever they need me to catch the ball — go deep or go short ... that’s what I want to do.

“The No. 1 thing I have to do is to step up and make the plays when they are needed.’’

That’s was what Kelly was known for. Chaney is confident he can fill Kelly’s shoes.

“Malcolm had a real good career, but he’s doing better things now,’’ Chaney said, “so it’s time for everyone else to pick up and keep things going. I have to step up and make the plays when they are needed.’’

Some thought Chaney would be in the NFL in 2008 after a spectacular career at Tulsa Washington. Half of his 24 receptions his senior season went for touchdowns.

But he has lived in the shadows of Kelly, Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias during his time in Norman.

“In high school, everyone here was pretty much the main guy,’’ Chaney said. “In college, you have to work hard and keep pushing yourself. Sometimes you have to wait your turn. Now is the time for me to get things done.’’

He is working harder to get those things done.

“I’m just coming along,’’ Chaney said. “Sometimes it takes a guy time to grow up and come into his own. I’ve been ready for a time. Now is the time to get it done.’’

Starting still won’t be easy. Tennell, a junior, probably would have started the Fiesta Bowl ahead of Chaney if he wasn’t injured. A group of young receivers have impressed OU coaches.

“At any position, you’re going to have competition,’’ Chaney said. “Everyone has to compete every day to make sure they’re making an impression.’’

Chaney has a good relationship with second-year starting quarterback Sam Bradford. The two were teammates together on the AAU Athletes First in summer basketball in high school.

“With Sam back, it makes it more comfortable for everyone,’’ he said. “I have good chemistry with Sam, but I have good chemistry with the other quarterbacks, too. Everyone spent the summer getting ready.’’

Chaney was a four-year letterman in basketball at Washington. He jokes he’s the better basketball player than Bradford because he can play more positions.

He still gets in some pickup games in his spare time.

“I miss the game (basketball), but that’s in the past,’’ Chaney said. “The grass (football field) is what I like to see.’’

He feels good about both himself and the Sooners going into the season.

Chaney has no goals yet, except to win the first game of the season Aug. 30 against Chattanooga.

“I’ll look forward to everything else after that,’’ he said. “I’m working on being consistent and making plays when the plays are to be made.’’

Chaney doesn’t have the NFL on his mind.

“I got to finish college,’’ he said. “Tomorrow is not guaranteed. You have to take it one game at a time.’’

He savors the college experience, wanting to make the most of his last year.

“It’s hard to believe I’m a senior,’’ he said. “It’s gone fast. I’ve enjoyed every day and every moment out of it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.’’