Tag: demarco murray

Running Back Eric Gray on OU to SEC, new teammates, adjusting to OU

Speaking to the media, Eric Gray discussed a variety of things from his decision to come to Norman and acclimating to OU and the offense.

As the 2021 season inches closer, there isn’t a more anticipated debut than that of Eric Gray’s for the Oklahoma Sooners. After putting on an impressive display of athleticism and big-play ability at Tennessee and in the Oklahoma Sooners’ spring game, the buzz around Eric Gray has crescendoed over the last six months.

Soon, all of the hype will give way to what he does on the field. In a loaded backfield with Kennedy Brooks, Marcus Major and Tre Bradford, Gray and the Sooners will have opportunities for big plays out of the running back position.

Ahead of fall camp, Eric Gray was one of 10 players to meet with the media via Zoom, and he was asked about a host of things including his time in the SEC and the players he faced that are now teammates.

Position U: Where Oklahoma ranks on ESPN’s All-Time Positional Rankings

Where do the Oklahoma Sooners fall in the battle to claim superiority at the positional level? ESPN released their “Position U” Rankings.

One of the bigger topics of debate around college football is which school has had the best positional success. LSU, Texas, and Ohio State all claim to be “DBU” or defensive back university. How a team recruits and develops players at that position can have a lasting effect in the recruiting battles. Schools love to point to the players they helped develop into NFL-caliber talents.

That’s why the Oklahoma Sooners will put as many Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts highlights into a video package because of their recent college success and their current status in the NFL. Schools will highlight team success, but often when it comes to landing four and five-star recruits it can come down to how much success players at their position had in college and at the next level.

Before we get to 2021 in earnest, let’s take a look back at ESPN’s “Position U” rankings.

How did ESPN come to their rankings?

It’s a combination of college success, draft stock and NFL success. Our formula awards points for all-conference and All-America selections, rewarding the best college performers. It awards points on a sliding scale based on where a player is drafted, rewarding impressive NFL evaluations. Then, using data from Pro Football Reference, we add more points for production through the first five years of the player’s NFL career — beyond that, credit belongs to the NFL trainers and coaches — so that the draft busts and the late bloomers all get credit, too. – David M. Hale

Riley at Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma has two starting running backs

In Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray, the Oklahoma Sooners have a running back duo with a lot of experience leading the way in 2021.

The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2021 season in much better shape at the running back position than in 2020. Heading into 2020, the running back depth chart was topped by T.J. Pledger and featured freshmen Seth McGowan and Marcus Major. Pledger was the only one who had carried the football at the college level, and he only had 40 carries to his collegiate career.

Pledger was solid while awaiting the return of Rhamondre Stevenson from suspension. However, the duo of Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray put the Oklahoma Sooners ahead of the curve at running back heading into 2021.

Speaking at Big 12 Media Day yesterday, Lincoln Riley was asked about the usage of the running backs, and to no one’s surprise, he plans on playing both Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray a lot.

Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray come into the 2021 season with nearly 600 combined touches in their respective collegiate careers. That’s a ton of experience heading to the field for the Sooners in 2021.

We’ve seen Lincoln Riley and the offensive staff show an ability to feature two running backs in the offense. Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine both thrived in Riley’s offense in 2015 and 2016.

With Gray and Brooks’ versatile skillsets, the Sooners will rotate them in based on game situation. Gray will likely play more in two-minute drill situations or if the Sooners are forced to play from behind because of his receiving prowess. Brooks will play more in neutral situations or late in games when the Sooners are leading, where Riley and company will look to run the football.

Because both can catch the football out of the backfield, there’s a strong possibility that the Sooners will install packages into the playbook that have both Gray and Brooks on the field at the same time. Putting stress on the opposing defense is the name of the game, and with their ability to create big plays in the run and pass game, Lincoln Riley and DeMarco Murray will get creative to get them on the field together.

In Lincoln Riley’s offense, the starter designation isn’t as important as one might think. He likes to get a lot of players involved in the offense. Even a guy like Marcus Major will get some touches in 2021 though he sits third or fourth on the Sooners depth chart.

Behind what should be another really good offensive line for the Oklahoma Sooners, OU’s starting running backs Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray are set for a productive 2021.

Social media reaction to No. 2 ranked 2022 RB Gavin Sawchuk committing to Oklahoma

Social media reaction to Oklahoma landing the No. 2 ranked running back in the class of 2022 Gavin Sawchuk on Tuesday.

Oklahoma made a big splash on the recruiting trail on Tuesday with the gained commitment of class of 2022 four-star running back Gavin Sawchuk out of Littleton, Colorado. Sawchuk is the No. 2 ranked running back in his recruiting class.

This was the first of an expected multiple announced commitments for the Sooners on the heels of their seemingly highly-successful “Champ U BBQ” that took place at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium over the weekend. Sawhcuk is likely only the beginning.

As one would expect, social media had plenty of reaction to the highly-touted running back prospect electing to play his college ball in Norman. Here are some of the highlights:

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Oklahoma Sooners add transfer running back from LSU

Tre Bradford formerly of the Louisiana State Tigers has chosen to play his college football with the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Oklahoma Sooners football team might have found their replacement for Seth McGowan. McGowan entered the transfer portal prior to Lincoln Riley announcing that he and Trejan Bridges were no longer on the roster after their arrests.

Going into the season it was believed Oklahoma would roll with Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray and Mikey Henderson at the running back position. On Thursday, the Sooners gained another running back through the transfer portal.

Tre Bradford, Louisiana State

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Bradford entered the transfer portal after one calendar year with the LSU Tigers. He appeared in three games for the Tigers during his freshman season with 10 carried for 58 yards. Bradford added three receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown in his limited playing time. Of his 13 total touches, he averaged 5.5 yards per touch. He didn’t see the field until December games against Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss. Now he is heading to Norman, Oklahoma.

The Texas native played his high school football with Lancaster. In the 2020 recruiting cycle, Bradford was listed as a four-star prospect and the No. 13 running back in the country. The No. 18 overall prospect in Texas received 28 offers: LSU, Ohio State and Wisconsin were the top teams on his list. Oklahoma wasn’t among those offers, but Bradford will suit up with the Crimson and Cream.

Riley continues to add to his team and running backs coach DeMarco Murray will be tasked with getting the newest addition to the room up to speed with the Sooners offense.

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Oklahoma Sooners’ assistant coaches receive extensions

Multiple Oklahoma assistant coaches receive contract extentions at Board of Regents meeting.

As each college football season comes to a close and another one dawns, it is not just the roster that is evaluated. Coaches are as well for the optimization of talent. The Oklahoma Sooners made a statement about their assistant coaches, granting many a contract extension at the Board of Regents meeting per Sooner Scoop staff writer Bob Przybylo.

Offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator Bill Bedenbaugh, inside receivers coach/co-offensive coordinator Cale Gundy, cornerbacks coach Roy Manning, running backs coach DeMarco Murray, inside linebackers coach Brian Odom, defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux, outside linebackers/defensive ends Jamar Cain and director of sports performance Bennie Wylie all received extensions through 2023.

Defensive coordinator/safeties coach Alex Grinch and assistant head coach/passing game coordinator/outside receivers coach Dennis Simmons both received contract extensions through 2024.

In addition, Gundy was given a $20,000 raise and Simmons a $90,000 raise.

Locking up Alex Grinch for several years is key for the program’s success. Grinch significantly improved the defense over the past couple of years in Norman. The unit went from being the laughingstock in the Big 12 to one of the best in college football. A testament to the energetic man with the headset. Grinch took over as defensive coordinator/safeties coach in 2019 and revamped the group. The defense improved from a total defense ranking of 114th in 2018, 38th in 2019, to 29th in the nation in 2020. That is telling. The squad also drastically improved in rush defense (2018-59th, 2019-32nd, 2020-9th), interceptions (2018-112th, 2019-100th, 2020-3rd), and sacks-per-game (2018-74th, 2019-34th, 2020-7th).

His “Speed D” is built on playing aggressive, downhill, high-effort football to generate turnovers. In his hybrid 3-4/4-2-5 system, the defensive line operates in a one-gap, quickly penetrating and attacking style at the line of scrimmage. The dominance from the front frees things up for the linebackers and nickel backs. On the back end, Grinch prioritizes stopping the run, moving guys around in the box to disrupt tempo. His developed unit has poised Oklahoma for their next national title.

On the opposite side of the ball, Bill Bedenbaugh has created the protective wall surrounding Oklahoma’s high-profile quarterbacks. He continuously produces elite offensive lineman entering the NFL draft and primes them for success at the next level. Whether it be the team’s bread and butter- the counter pull, pass protection, or run blocking, the guys in the trenches perform at a high level under Bedenbaugh’s tutelage. His O-Line has paved the way for two Heisman Trophy winners and one runner up. Without the big guys up front doing their jobs, Oklahoma’s explosive offensive attack would be nonexistent.

He led the 2018 Oklahoma offensive line that was recognized as the nation’s best with the reception of the Joe Moore Award. The Sooners led the country in total offense (570.3 yards-per-game), scoring offense (48.4 points-per-game), rushing yards-per-carry (6.6) and yards-per-play (FBS-record 8.6). Bedenbaugh was a finalist in 2017 and semifinalist in 2018 for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. He has established himself as one of the best talent producers in the country and Oklahoma took notice with a well-deserved contract extension.

Gavin Sawchuk sets official visit with Oklahoma, three others

The No. 2 running back of the 2022 class locks in a visit to Oklahoma.

Head coach Lincoln Riley and running backs coach DeMarco Murray will have another top playmaker set to visit Norman. Gavin Sawchuk of Valor Christian in Littleton, Colorado, is another top target for the Sooners in the 2022 recruiting class. The team already received a commitment from Raleek Brown and could add Sawchuk later in the cycle.

According to 247Sports, the No. 2 rated running back of the class has set four official visits. Sawchuk will visit Norman during the annual ‘ChampU BBQ’ event from June 18-20.

Official visits have been locked in with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC, according to Sawchuk’s father, Kevin.

Oklahoma, whose coaches have had the benefit of being the last staff to meet with Sawchuk in person during this recruitment, holds the momentum in the 247Sports Crystal Ball with all five forecasts. The Sooners have already made noise out West in the cycle by grabbing a pledge from four-star all-purpose back Raleek Brown of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei.

Gavin Sawchuk’s Recruiting Profile

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 4 44 1 4
Rivals 4 44 1 2
ESPN 4 65 1 4
247 Composite 4 44 1 2

Vitals

Hometown Littleton, Colorado
Projected Position Running Back
Height 5-11
Weight 185

Recruitment

  • Offered on Jan. 11, 2020
  • Unofficial visit on Mar. 7, 2020
  • Official visit on Jun. 18, 2021

Offers

Crystal Ball

Film

Twitter

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DeMarco Murray praised RB Seth McGowan, “Jumps off your eyes”

A spring look at RB Seth McGowan

Oklahoma running back Seth McGowan is gearing up for year two during spring practice. After starting running back Kennedy Brooks opted out of the 2020 season and Rhamondre Stevenson suspended for multiple games, McGowan became the starter as a true freshman. The 5’11, 211-pounder rushed 58 times for 370 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. The young rusher averaged 6.4 yards-per-carry and made an impact in OU’s rushing attack.

He split time in the backfield with T.J. Pledger and showcased his versatility and explosiveness. McGowan was not only a dynamic runner but also a receiving weapon for Lincoln Riley.

Running back’s coach DeMarco Murray spoke with media on McGowan’s skillset and growth during his freshman campaign in Norman.

” He’s a player that when you first look at him from working out in practice, I mean he is going to jump off the field, going to jump off your eyes. He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s physical, he’s versatile. But as young player, you got to learn the scheme, you go to lean patience, you got to learn the offense. For him, he’s an extremely smart kid and obviously talented. For him, he has to take it one play at a time- good, bad, or ugly… Obviously, this spring getting more reps, more experience, learning the offense and continuing to grow as a person but he is extremely versatile and we are happy to have him.”

He comes into the 2021 season listed as the RB3 behind returning Kennedy Brooks and Tennessee transfer, Eric Gray. However, Oklahoma coaches like to preach and reiterate that during spring camp, there is no depth chart. Competition breeds success.

McGowan made a name for himself after last year’s increased role and he took advantage. He was an integral part of OU’s screen game with his speed after the catch and quickly accelerated through the C and D-gap on runs. McGowan was elusive down the perimeter and will be a promising player to keep an eye on in 2021. As his skills become more refined throughout the offense, he has limitless potential.

Oklahoma Football Notebook: DeMarco Murray, Jadon Haselwood, Trejan Bridges and Eric Gray talk Thursday

Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray, WR Jadon Haselwood, WR Trejan Bridges and RB Eric Gray met with the media on Thursday.

Spring football for the Oklahoma Sooners continues to be in full swing with the annual spring game just 16 days away on April 24.

After a year where the offense for the Sooners took a little bit of a mild step back from the lofty standards Lincoln Riley had previously set, fans are very excited to see what they can look like on that side of the ball this season in the second year with starting quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Pair Rattler’s growth with several key returning players and additions, and the video game numbers Riley has managed to put up in the past may very well be back again in 2021.

On Thursday, Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray, wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, wide receiver Trejan Bridges and running back Eric Gray discussed the latest with the team going through spring practices. Here are some of the highlights of what they had to say:

Big 12 Conference’s all-time leading rushers

A look at the top 10 rushers in Big 12 history

The Big 12 Conference is known for offense, but mostly from a passing standpoint with its air raid offenses. The conference has had its fair share of notable running backs across the board. Continue reading “Big 12 Conference’s all-time leading rushers”