The running back position at the University of Oklahoma has had a number of productive runners over the course of its history. As the Oklahoma Sooners work through spring ball, they’re looking for the guy that’ll take the reigns as the next starting running back. Someone they can rely on in every situation.
Though most figure the lead roles will go to [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag] and [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag], true freshman [autotag]Kalib Hicks[/autotag] is having a strong start to his Sooners career.
“Hicks has done really well,” Brent Venables said after Wednesday’s practice. “He catches the ball well, he’s fearless, runs behind his pads does a great job in blitz protection… He plays fast and plays with really good instincts and good pace to him behind the line, and I know DeMarco (Murray) is really excited about him.”
Hicks amassed 3,228 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging 7 yards per carry on 455 rushing attempts in high school. He’s a fluid and physical runner that displays a lot of patience before hitting the hole.
With Jovantae Barnes recovering from surgery, Hicks has the opportunity to carve out a role on the depth chart this spring. In last year’s spring game, Barnes carried the ball a ton. With Barnes likely to be out, this could be Hicks’ time to shine at Oklahoma’s 2023 spring game on April 22.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]
[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.