Norman - OU Quarterback Sam Bradford has been named the Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year league officials announced on Friday.

The Putnam City native, Bradford was selected by a media panel based on his athletic achievements in 2008-2009, his academic success and citizenship.  For the first time this year the Big 12 included fans voting. Fans were able to vote at big12sports.com.

The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, Bradford also captured the Davey O’Brien, Sammy Baugh and Chick Harley awards.

A Consensus All-America, he was also the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and named to the All-Big 12 First Team.

The Sooners won their third consecutive Big 12 Championship, second under Bradford and finished runner-up in the BCS National Championship Game.

Bradford finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally with 50 touchdown passes and a 180.84 passing efficiency.

His success was not limited to the turf however. Bradford, a finance major, has only two classes which he failed to make an A in his three-years at OU. Both classes he received a B.

Bradford scholar honors include being named Academic All-American and Academic All-Big 12 in 2007 and 2008.

He has been very active in both the FCA and Sooner Spectators Program which brings patients from the children's hospital to OU camps for a behind the scenes look.

Other male nominees included Jason Smith (Baylor football), Derek Tolan (Colorado men’s golf), Jake Varner (Iowa State wrestling), Tony Thompson (Kansas baseball), Scott Sellers (Kansas State indoor and outdoor track), Mark Ellis (Missouri wrestling); Jordan Burroughs (Nebraska wrestling), German Fernandez (Oklahoma State cross country, indoor and outdoor track), Colt McCoy (Texas football), Gerald Phiri (Texas A&M indoor and outdoor track) and Graham Harrell (Texas Tech football).       

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