NORMAL - Before deciding to enroll at Sam Houston State on Monday, former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar visited the Illinois State campus and considered joining the Redbirds.

The Sooners' starter at quarterback last season, Bomar was dismissed from the team this summer for receiving "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked" during employment at a car dealership, according to a statement from the school.

"He contacted us. He was looking for a place," ISU coach Denver Johnson said Tuesday. "I had some history there. A good friend of mine is on the staff with his dad. I've known his dad for a long time, but I don't know him well. He's a high school coach in Texas."

Bomar attended two Redbird practices last week before returning to his Texas home.

"Rhett was looking for a fresh start in an environment and program he thought he could thrive in," said Johnson. "I was happy to visit with him. We were very honest with him, very frank about this opportunity and what it would be and wouldn't be.

"He evaluated it and decided to go elsewhere."

Bomar, who is expected to receive a suspension from the NCAA, does not have to sit out a season if he transfers to a I-AA program such as ISU or Sam Houston State.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Bomar had yet to develop into an outstanding quarterback in his time with the Sooners. Bomar started as a redshirt freshman in 2005.

"Most people got caught up with what Rhett might become. The truth is we lost a guy who threw 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions," Stoops said. "He might progress to be one of those (standout) guys, but he hadn't yet."