[autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag] had a strong freshman season behind Eric Gray in 2022. Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk are in a prime position to take over the Sooners with Gray’s departure for the NFL.
Last season, Barnes carried the ball 116 times for 519 yards and five touchdowns. That performance has many expecting Barnes to be the lead ball carrier and heading toward a breakout season in 2023. With another year under DeMarco Murray and Jeff Lebby’s coaching on offense, it’s hard to imagine Barnes doesn’t surpass his numbers from his freshman season.
Last week Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire ranked Barnes No. 2 among Big 12 running backs ahead of the 2023 season. This week, Barnes just makes the cut on Conn’s list of the top 25 running backs in all of college football.
Barnes is looking to be the next Oklahoma running back that causes headaches for the defense. Last year Eric Gray led the team but with his departure, there is ample opportunity for Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk to show they are ready to carry the load for the Sooners. – Conn, College Sports Wire Regional Editor
He just barely got on the list at No. 25, and a lot of it is because of the potential he has in that Sooners’ offense. He needs to show more this year to stay on this list. If the Oklahoma Sooners can answer some of the questions along the offensive line, look for Barnes to have a breakout year for the Sooners.
No. 1 on the list is Blake Corum after he decided to come back for another season to try and lead Michigan to a national championship for one more year.
Corum opted to return for a fourth season at Michigan over the NFL. He and Bijan Robinson were the top two running backs in the country and with Corum coming back, he is easily RB1 going into 2023. His backup Donovan Edwards picked up the slack and then some in Corum’s absence following his injury. Edwards is another back that is easily among the top five in the Big Ten after rushing for 991 yards and five touchdowns. They might be the best duo in the country. – Conn, College Sports Wire Regional Editor.
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