Nate Hybl has been through a lot since he transferred to OU from the University of Georgia in 1999.
After backing up Josh Heupel during the Sooners' national championship season of 2000, Hybl won the starting job over then-sophomore Jason White in 2001. During the Sooners' game against Kansas State, however, Hybl injured his shoulder. With that nagging injury strongly influencing a relatively ineffective performance against Texas, White was given an opportunity to run the offense.
With White playing well, Hybl, still nursing the shoulder injury, was forced to watch from the sidelines. Then, White injured his knee against Nebraska and Hybl is thrust back into the starting lineup for the remainder of the season as the Sooners finished 11-2 and beat Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.
This year, after another offseason of close competition for the starting job, White got the nod as the starter and Hybl was forced, once again, to be the backup. Again, White injured his other knee and Hybl once more finds himself as the starting quarterback.
Through seven games, the Sooners are 7-0 and 3-0 in the Big 12 and Hybl has helped guide the team to comeback wins over Alabama, Missouri and Texas, and a blowout of then-ninth ranked Iowa State.
Despite that, Hybl has had to deal with a great deal of criticism from fans and the media.
This season Hybl has thrown for 1,313 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions, all coming in the Red River Shootout against Texas.
"I think the way Nate has been playing speaks for itself," said senior tight end Trent Smith. "Everyone knows Nate has been playing quite well."
Though not flashy, Hybl has been having a great season and has impressed teammates, coaches and members of the national media with his poise and winning attitude.
Before the Red River War on Oct. 12, head coach Bob Stoops said, "Nate has really been doing it for us this year. I couldn't be more confident in a guy coming into this game."
Despite an uncharacteristic showing against Texas, it seems Hybl is gaining confidence, as is the rest of the team, heading into the homestretch of the season. All of the ups and downs have helped him become mentally tough and prepared him to be a great leader on the team.
"He's one of my closest friends. I know the frustration he went through after losing the starting job," Smith said. " The way he continued to work and stay positive shows what he's all about. He's taken shot after shot and you just can't keep him down."
It has been a rough road for Hybl at OU, but his hard work and continually upbeat attitude has begun to pay huge dividends for himself and the entire Sooner team.
The Nate Hybl file:
Hometown:
Hazlehurst, Ga.
Year:
Sr.
Record as a starter:
18-1
Career passing stats:
326-565-19
Career passing stats:
326 of 565, 19 INTS
Passing TDs:
25hello there & you too
