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Tennessee transfer Eric Gray adds versatility to Oklahoma’s dual-backfield along with last-season’s opt out, Kennedy Brooks.
After the firing of Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt, Gray entered the transfer portal. He will complement Brooks to form a dangerous running back tandem in the Big 12. Gray was the Vols’ leading rusher in 2020 with 722 rushing yards, and he passed the 100-yard marker five times a year ago.
In addition to his elusivenesses, Gray is a dynamic pass-catcher. That element will make him more lethal for opposing defenses when he lines up. He totaled 254 receiving yards for Tennessee last season, and Lincoln Riley will be looking to optimize his skills.
Players are no longer confined and forced to specialize in one area. In a spread offense, they are asked to perform multiple roles. Gray brings an added dimension to OU’s backfield, and quarterback Spencer Rattler has taken notice.
“Very explosive. He’s a guy that can make one cut and he’s gone. The other day in practice he had a run — reverse field, juked a linebacker and took it for 80. So, just that right there shows you what type of player he is; very confident, very humble player. He can come out of the backfield and catch the rock and of course run that thing. So, coach (DeMarco) Murray is coaching him up and those other guys as well. The running back room looks super deep right now. “
He is already wowing coaches and fellow teammates in spring camp and is poised for a breakout year donning Crimson and Cream. Gray can pick up short dirty runs on third down, elevate the screen game catching passes out of the backfield and hit holes to gain positive yardage. With the complement of Brooks, Oklahoma could have another dynamic running back duo as the team did with Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine.