The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] sent out one of the best running games in the nation last season. That was headlined by [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], who had a career year gaining more than 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns.
That performance helped Gray get drafted in the fifth round by the New York Giants. Much was made about the performance freshman [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] put together in the bowl game, but a player who isn’t being mentioned much is the guy who also ran for 100 yards in that game, [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag].
Barnes is thought to be the guy who steps into the Gray role. Someone who can be a leader for the group. He told reporters he’s up for the challenge.
“Some people say I did okay my freshman year but I’d say that wasn’t really me,” Barnes said. “I was just getting a feel for college and just getting my feet wet.”
Barnes rushed for more than 500 yards and had five touchdowns, including a pair of 100-yard games and two multi-touchdown performances. He feels this year, he’ll be more comfortable on the field.
“I feel like last year was a rough side trying to get to know who I’m reading or who I’m supposed to cut off of just stuff like that. Getting to the next level and I feel like now I’m more comfortable with that and I know more. I just feel more comfortable on the field. I feel like I’m having more fun because I know everything. I don’t have to worry about who is coming or who is pulling or anything like that, I know it already.”
That improvement, along with the emergence of Gavin Sawchuk, is why many feel this group could be the strength of the team. It’s a group the team will almost assuredly rely on, especially when games get tight.
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