One of the bigger questions facing the Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2022 was how the running back position would look with Kennedy Brooks off to the NFL. Eric Gray was expected to lead the way, but after a limited role in 2021, there was some uncertainty as to how he’d respond to being the feature back.
In his first start with the Oklahoma Sooners, Gray responded with 102 yards on 16 carries and 33 yards on two receptions for a fantastic day for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Gray displayed the elusiveness, agility, and big-play ability that had many excited about his potential in the Sooners’ offense when he transferred from Tennessee spring of 2021.
After five yards on the first scoring drive of the game, Gray then got the ball on the first two plays of the second drive with the Sooners backed up against their own end zone. He took Oklahoma to the seven with a three-yard carry and then exploded for 35 yards to get the Sooners’ offense on the move. A couple of plays later, Gray displayed his receiving prowess with a 24-yard reception.
Gray didn’t cross the goalline for a touchdown, but he put on display everything you needed to see. He even showed the ability to make plays after contact, averaging 3.31 yards per carry after contact per Pro Football Focus. He was counted upon to pick up a fourth down to help Oklahoma keep its momentum on the way to their fourth touchdown of the game.
Eric Gray, combined with Marcus Major, provides the Sooners with a dynamic duo. After being underutilized in 2021, Gray showed the game-breaking ability that will help the Sooners win a lot of games in 2022.
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