June 12, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws during minicamp at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

There has been plenty of talk of what will become of Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford, both here in St. Louis and around the country. What should we expect of him this season? Will he be the guy who won a Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and won NFL Rookie of the Year, or will he look more like what we saw last season? I think there is plenty of room for optimism that Bradford will be much improved, but I have some concerns about the young signal-caller as well.

First, my concerns. I don’t think much is being made of this issue (and there may be nothing to it), but Bradford’s ankle has me a little worried. I know he played through the injury some last year and has had a full offseason to get it healthy, but I have heard some reports that it isn’t back to 100 percent yet. If this is one of those injuries that lingers around, it could have a serious impact on his performance. I’m not saying it’s a problem, but it’s something to keep an eye on. The issue that is getting some press is the idea that Bradford suffered from “cabin fever” in the pocket last season and that it could have a lasting effect. There’s no question that the offensive line has to be better, but I think if they can hold their own this season that it won’t be an issue. The problem is, I don’t know how good the line is going to be. There are probably more concerns, but I think these are my big ones right now.

Despite the issues listed above, I think 2012 is going to be a good year for Bradford. The kid has a ton of talent, and I have to believe a full offseason with the new offense will be very beneficial. Brian Schottenheimer’s philosophy looks to be more up Bradford’s alley than Josh McDaniels’, so that will help. I have to believe that the offense as a whole will be healthier this season than in 2011. I know you can’t predict injuries, but there’s no way this team can lose as many guys as last year, right? I think we can assume the O-line will be better, and while I believe they will be much better than people expect, the addition of Scott Wells and what hopefully becomes the maturation of Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith should help. I still don’t love our weapons on the outside, but a full season of Danny Amendola and improved play at the tight end position will make a difference.

There are certainly concerns, but I really think Bradford is going to break out in 2012. The coaches and front office believe in him, and I don’t think there’s any reason for the fans not to agree. Let’s throw 2011 out and forget about it, because 2012 could be the real start of something special.

Dec 6, 2008; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford (14) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the Big 12 championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Oklahoma won the game 62-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

The news reel has been pretty slow for the last few days, but I thought this was a nice story. Rams QB Sam Bradford has donated $500,000 to the University of Oklahoma — his alma mater — to help in the construction of a new student housing facility that will open in 2013. Thanks to the donation, Bradford’s name will be on the new dining hall in the facility, as the school plans to call it the “Sam Bradford Training Table.

Here is what Bradford had to say of the donation: “My experience at Oklahoma made it possible for me to realize my dreams,” Bradford said. “The coaches, the academic environment and every aspect of being a student-athlete at OU made me a better person. I am honored to give back to a program that did so much for me and hope that in some way this contribution can make it possible for those who follow me to enjoy the same kind of experience I did as a Sooner.”

Good story about a great human being. It’s always nice to hear about guys giving back, and it seems like we get to hear plenty of these stories from Rams players. WE have a guy like Bradford out there leading the way and helping out when he can, and I think that rubs off on the other guys. You see so many reports about guys getting arrested and making mistakes, but I think we need to recognize moments of charity just as much. Good work, Sam. Now let’s get the stuff on the field figured out, and everything will be great.

Everybody’s favorite quarterback, Sam Bradford, is no stranger to trophies. His mantel currently houses a Heisman Trophy, and NFL Rookie of the Year, and there is plenty of room for an NFL MVP and Lombardi Trophy as well. As if that wasn’t good enough, Oklahoma University honored Sammy with a 10-foot tall bronze statue over the weekend. The Sooner family honored their Heisman Trophy-winning signal caller on Saturday night, and as you can see, the trophy is pretty spectacular. It sounds like Bradford was pretty blown away by the whole thing.

“You know,” Bradford said, “I’m pretty young to be walking around looking at a statue of myself. “I never thought I’d be standing here giving a speech in front of a statue of myself,” Bradford said, with confetti still in his hair. “Pretty cool, though.” (Tulsa World)

Bradford’s statue will join a group that includes former Heisman winners Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White. It was a pretty special evening, and I just want to congratulate Sam on his big day. There haven’t been many positive stories over the last few weeks thanks to the lockout, so it’s nice to have something fun and interesting to write about.