Published: August 23, 2008 11:17 pm         

Loadholt big man for OU

NORMAN — On a team full of big guys, Oklahoma offensive tackle Phil Loadholt stands out.

The 6-foot-8, 337-pound senior dwarfed many of the fans seeking his autograph during the Sooners recent media/fan appreciation day.

“You get a little extra attention,’’ said Loadholt. “This (signing autographs) is fun. It’s fun meeting new people and making them happy.’’

Loadholt made the OU fans even happier last spring when he decided to return for his senior season rather than put his name in the NFL Draft.

The former Garden City (Kan.) Junior College product had an impressive resume for the pros, if being 6-8 and 337 pounds wasn’t enough.

He was an honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated and a Dallas Morning News All-Big 12 selection. He was a second-team All-Big 12 choice by the league coaches and the Associated Press.

The pros can wait.

“It wasn’t close at all,’’ said Loadholt about his decision. “I love it here. This is where I want to be. I wish I had another couple of years here.’’

Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said the Sooners’ chance for national championship might depend on how motivated seniors like Loadholt are.

That’s no problem for Loadholt.

“My teammates motivate me,’’ he said. “You see them working hard every day and that makes you want to work hard.

“The older players have to show the younger guys how to do it. You lead by example so they will get better, too. I just want to try to get better at everything. The coaches coach hard. We practice hard.’’

Each week, Loadholt said, is a learning session for him.

“I take the coaching I get and try to put it to work,’’ he said.

The Sooners likely will have an all-senior starting offensive line when they host Chattanooga Saturday. Loadholt said chemistry is important in building an offensive line.

That’s one reason Loadholt feels more comfortable now than he did at this time last year when he was coming in from Garden City.

“It’s a big difference,’’ he said.

“I know a lot of the guys now. It takes time to build relationships. It feels good. I love my teammates and I feel I’m getting better every day.’’

Loadholt always preferred the offensive line to the defensive line. He likes being in the trenches.

“Not everybody can do it,’’ he said. “There’s pretty much a different mentality on the offensive line.’’

Loadholt had the highest grade on the offensive line at 75 percent. He had 104 knockdown blocks, including 15 against Texas A&M.

“You watch me every game,’’ Loadholt said. “That will tell you how I play.’’

Opponents might notice a few tattoos on his arm. He’s had them quite a while, making him more imposing.

“I don’t know if it’s intimidating,’’ Loadholt said. “I’ve never played myself.’’

Loadholt is not looking back on a season-ending 48-28 loss to West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, OU’s fourth straight BCS Bowl loss.

“I can’t really control that,’’ he said when asked if the loss gives himself and the Sooners more motivation. “I’m just going to play ball on Aug. 30 and see what happens.’’

Controversy is not his middle name. His goals come out of Media 101.

“I’m just going to take it one game at a time,’’ Loadholt said. “I’m going to take care of business Aug. 30 and go on from there. I’m just going to try to get better every day.’’

The extra year in college won’t hurt his development for the pros either.

“I definitely had to give that consideration,’’ he said.

He just wants to soak in another year of the college experience.

“I’m just here trying to have fun,’’ Loadholt said. “There’s nothing like college football.’’

He is confident, especially with quarterback Sam Bradford returning.

For the first time since 2004, OU has a starting quarterback returning.

“Sam knows how to take care of business,’’ Loadholt said, “but everyone else does, too.’’

Loadholt was one of the Sooners who participated in a screening to become a bone marrow donor.

“You may help save a life,’’ Loadholt said. “It’s worth it.’’