Oklahoma's White voted top AP player

Oklahoma quarterback Jason White capped his return from two serious knee injuries by being chosen Wednesday as The Associated Press College Player of the Year.

White emerged as the nation's top-rated passer and led the third-ranked Sooners to a berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Oklahoma (12-1) will play No. 2 LSU (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.

White, a leading contenders for the Heisman Trophy, received 27 votes in balloting by 56 members of the AP college football poll board, which includes representatives of newspapers, TV and radio stations. Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was second with 19 votes.

Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning and Kansas State running back Darren Sproles tied for third with three votes apiece. Michigan running back Chris Perry got two votes, and Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart and his top target, receiver Mike Williams, each received a vote.

White completed 265 of 414 passes for 3,744 yards and 40 touchdowns.

-- AssociatedPress