Nearly everyone who paid attention to the 2007 college football season figured former Sooner Adrian Peterson was a shoo-in for the cover of EA Sports’ popular video game title, NCAA Football.

That is, at least, before Boise State knocked off the Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl. The infamous “Statue of Liberty” play helped land Bronco quarterback Jared Zabransky on the coveted cover.

This year, EA Sports is letting fans choose the cover athlete by voting on the game’s Facebook page. Former Sooner running back DeMarco Murray is one of the contestants.

“It’s an awesome feeling just to be mentioned and to have the opportunity to be one of the four that’s possibly on the cover,” Murray said.

Murray joins Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Alabama running back Mark Ingram and Washington quarterback Jake Locker in the competition.

Murray played the game long before he was ever in the conversation for the cover and will continue to play it if he doesn’t win, he said.

The Las Vegas native, who became the all-time leader in career all-purpose yards at Oklahoma last season, said the support he’s received since the voting opened earlier this month has been encouraging to see.

“I know there’s a lot of people voting for me every day, from Sooner fans to people in Las Vegas and all over the world,” Murray said. “I’ve been getting a lot of support from everyone, and I’m so thankful.

“I’d kind of be surprised if I didn’t win it.”

Murray was even endorsed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on March 19, and it continues to promote him on its official website.

“You have to be ready for these kinds of moments,” Murray said. “It’s what you dream about and why you work so hard.”

Voting ends April 4, and the winning athlete will be announced April 19.

“I want this cover — something special for the fans,” he said.

LINKS:
» Vote for DeMarco here
» Visit the UFC's endorsement of Murray here