Tag: demarco murray

State of Oklahoma’s top running back officially signs with the Sooners

The state’s top running back is officially apart of the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

Running back was an up-and-down group in 2023 for the Oklahoma Sooners. But [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] proved how good he was as a recruiter with the class of 2024.

One of those guys who committed and now has signed is the state of Oklahoma’s top-ranked running back, [autotag]Xavier Robinson[/autotag]. The Carl Albert Titan is built like a titan, standing 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing 220 pounds.

He burst on the scene after an incredible junior season in which he rushed for 2,594 yards and 39 TDs on 9.4 yards per carry. He had another fantastic season in 2023, securing Max Preps Oklahoma Prep Player of the Year. After receiving substantial interest nationally, he committed to the Sooners.

As far as his role for 2024, that is unclear. The Sooners return a great deal in the running back room. It’s unclear if new offensive coordinators [autotag]Seth Littrell[/autotag] and [autotag]Joe Jon Finley[/autotag] will use an H-back or fullback in their offense.

If they do, I can see a world where Robinson makes an immediate impact playing that [autotag]Trey Millard[/autotag], [autotag]Dimitri Flowers[/autotag] or [autotag]Jeremiah Hall[/autotag] type of role.

More from the [autotag]2024 Early Signing Period[/autotag]

 

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 Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Sooners continue to add via the transfer portal with commitment from RB Sam Franklin

Oklahoma continues to add productive pieces via the portal as UT-Martin transfer Sam Franklin commits to the Sooners.

Oklahoma has lost three running backs to the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] in the last few weeks. In many ways, it was beneficial, given it is nearly impossible to keep six scholarship running backs happy.

[autotag]Marcus Major[/autotag], [autotag]Daylan Smothers[/autotag] and [autotag]Tawee Walker[/autotag] entered the transfer portal. Walker is still practicing with the team, so there’s a chance he remains in Norman. [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] and the rest of the offensive staff decided losing three running backs was too much and offered multiple players in the transfer portal. One of those offers went to Sam Franklin, a talented and productive running back from UT-Martin.

After a visit with Oklahoma this week, Franklin cashed in that offer and announced his commitment to the Sooners. Franklin was a Walter Payton award finalist for the Skyhawks. The award is given annually to the national offensive player of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision of Division I.

For the 5-foot-10, 190-pound redshirt sophomore, 2023 was a massive year. With 223 carries, he amassed 1,378 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. He caught 14 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. He’s decisive and quick enough to break away at the second level. Adding him to [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] and [autotag]Jovontae Barnes[/autotag] gives Oklahoma three game-ready backs who have produced significantly. It also allows Oklahoma to ease incoming freshmen [autotag]Taylor Tatum[/autotag], [autotag]Xavier Robinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag] into the collegiate football world.

Franklin has two years of eligibility remaining, and his commitment brings Oklahoma’s transfer portal commitment tally to four.

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 Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

2023 Position Review: Oklahoma Sooners running backs start the season slow, finish strong

The running back position was a disappointment for most of the season but how they closed the year provided reason to be excited about 2024.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ running back room had an up-and-down season in 2023. It was supposed to be one of their stronger groups led by [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag] and [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag].

But both players battled injuries earlier in the season, so instead, it was the [autotag]Marcus Major[/autotag] and [autotag]Tawee Walker[/autotag] show for the first half of the year. Walker and Major did a solid job in that role, but both have their limitations. Oklahoma needed Barnes or Sawchuk to get healthy and take the reins.

Barnes was never really able to get healthy or contribute, but after the bye week, Sawchuk took off. He finished the year with four straight 100-yard games and gave the Sooners a look at what they hoped to have all season.

Let’s take a look at their overall grade based on preseason expectations, who stepped up, their best performances, and what the future holds for the position.

More: 2023 Review: Sooners Quarterbacks exceed expectations.

Oklahoma Sooners receive commitment from 2026 4-Star RB Jonathan Hatton

The Oklahoma Sooners earned their first commitment of the 2026 recruiting cycle with a pledge from four-star running back Jonathan Hatton.

The Oklahoma Sooners recruiting efforts are ahead of schedule. On Tuesday, they earned their first commitment of the 2026 recruiting cycle from four-star running back [autotag]Jonathan Hatton[/autotag].

Oklahoma offered Hatton back in June after attending [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] football camp. He was back on campus at the end of July and then was in town for the Oklahoma Sooners beatdown of Iowa State this weekend.

Hatton is a consensus four-star running back prospect and someone who could see his profile rise even higher over the next three years. 247Sports, On3, and Rivals each consider him a top-80 prospect in the cycle and top 10 player in Texas for 2026.

The sophomore already has fantastic size for the running back position, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds.

He’s a runner who displays fantastic vision with great cut-back ability. He’s strong at the point of attack, willing to take on tacklers, and can often break through contact. Hatton also displays enough speed to get to the second level and take it the distance for a touchdown.

When you watch his highlights, his running style reminds you of running backs coach [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] and former Sooner great [autotag]Joe Mixon[/autotag]. Both were smooth runners with upright styles that can make people miss, as well as break tackles to pick up extra yards.

With the commitment the Sooners earned the pledge of one of the top players in the state of Texas.

Jonathan Hatton’s Recruiting Profile

Film

Hudl

Oklahoma set to host a number of prospects for season opener vs. Arkansas State

The Oklahoma Sooners are hosting a number of prospects over the next few recruiting cycles for their season opener. Who’s will be in attendance?

Oklahoma’s first game of the season comes against Arkansas State in what could be a blistering day in Norman, Oklahoma. Aside from the pageantry of the first game and the excitement it’ll generate, the Sooners will also be playing host to a number future Sooners and other OU targets.

With the summer dead period officially over, athletes can revisit schools. Oklahoma has already established a nice little list of visitors of both the official and unofficial variety.

We’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of all the visitors we know now.

Taylor Tatum on 247Sports ‘biggest freaks’ list for 2024

Taylor Tatum was a huge win for the Sooners. He was also named to 247Sports biggest “freaks” list.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] recevied some huge news in July when five-star running back [autotag]Taylor Tatum[/autotag] committed to the Sooners over the USC Trojans.

The Sooners’ running back room, led by [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag], is stacked for the next few years, and adding a talent such as Tatum will only boost their rushing effort heading into the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

Tatum was recently named No. 16 on the top 50 “freaks” in the 2024 class by 247Sports.

Tatum is one of the few members of this year’s list that will legitimately play two sports in college as he’s committed to Oklahoma for both football and baseball — and there’s a good chance that he will be a star in each sport for the Sooners. – Andrew Ivins, 247Sports

It’s no secret baseball played a huge role in why he ultimately chose the Sooners. Some even think he could be a better baseball player than a football player when it’s all said and done. Oklahoma has had success with dual sport athletes such as Heisman Trophy winner [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] played both.

Tatum, who also won district and area championships this spring in the 200-meter dash, is the type of running back that defenses hate to face with his strong core balance, sound vision, and elite burst. That’s evident after a junior season at Longview (Texas) in which he ran for a school-record 1,890 yards and 33 touchdowns. Pitchers don’t like to face him, either — not after he hit .350 this spring with 11 doubles, three triples and 20 RBI. — Ivins, 247Sports

Oklahoma fans hope he can continue that dominance in both sports when he makes his way to Norman. Then, instead of being one of the “biggest freaks” in high school, he can also be one of the “biggest freaks” in college.

His senior season is off to a phenomenal start. In Longview’s opener, he carried the ball 18 times for 149 yards and a touchdown. He also threw the ball for a 31-yard score.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

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 Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

‘Why not choose Oklahoma?’: Versatile three-star athlete Andy Bass commits to the Sooners

“Why not choose Oklahoma? The fanbase, family, facilities, coaches, team, talent… the list never ends.”

Heritage Hall three-star athlete Andy Bass commits to the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Oklahoma Sooners went fishing this offseason and hooked an excellent find. After announcing his top three, three-star athlete Andy Bass committed to Oklahoma on Thursday morning during a ceremony, which saw Oklahoma beating Kansas State and Syracuse.

Bass is a local kid who attends Heritage Hall, a school less than an hour from Norman, Oklahoma. “Why not choose Oklahoma? The fanbase, family, facilities, coaches, team, talent… the list never ends,” Bass told Sooners Wire on his commitment.

Bass is the starting quarterback for his high school team. However, Sooners’ offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and running backs coach DeMarco Murray plan to use him in multiple ways at Oklahoma.

“I would be in the running back room with Coach Murray,” Bass said. “But I would also be split out wide quite a bit to get me in space or in one-on-one situations. Coach Lebby even mentioned that I would be playing some QB inside the goaline. The diversity of my role on the team is something I am super excited about.”

It seems that plan for Bass worked.

Bass helps diversify the Sooners’ cabinet for offensive weapons for the future. Imagining the possibilities of being on the same field at the same time as Jackson Arnold could unlock some fascinating offensive packages as the Sooners forge on into the SEC next year.

Bass joins a versatile group of playmakers for the 2024 recruiting cycle for Jeff Lebby to utilize.

“I love how much the ball is shared between every position in so many unique ways,” Bass said of his future offensive coordinator’s offense. “It’s such an explosive offense. So, I believe my unique skill set will allow me to thrive in every aspect“

As for the head coach, Andy Bass shared his excitement playing for Brent Venables.

“The very first day I was at OU for a visit, I was in Coach V’s office for over an hour discussing his vision and plan for the future. If that doesn’t already say enough, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so passionate about what they do. I couldn’t be more excited to play for him. We keep in touch on the regular which you definitely don’t see from every coach.”

Oklahoma has probably tapped out at the running back position, with Bass, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson in the fold for 2024.

With running back settled for the cycle, DeMarco Murray can now turn his attention to the class of 2025, where names like Deondrae Riden, Michael Turner, Tory Blaylock, and Riley Wormley are names to watch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1367]

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 Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

Marcus Major feels the running back group brings out the best in him

Marcus Major has become the forgotten man in the running back room, but many believe he can still make a big impact this season.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] have a running back problem. The problem is there’s only one ball.

That’s a good problem to have if you’re [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeff Lebby[/autotag].

The Sooners return [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag], who as a freshman was second on the team in rushing with a little more than 500 yards. They also bring back [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag], who didn’t get a lot of playing time but when he got his chance in the Cheez-It Bowl he took advantage of it.

The forgotten player in the mix is [autotag]Marcus Major[/autotag].

Major has dealt with injuries it feels like every year he has been at Oklahoma. However, when he’s played he’s been a big play waiting to happen. Through three games last season, there were many who thought he was the best running back on the team. That includes [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], who ran for more than 1,300 yards.

Major told reporters, the competition between him, Sawchuk and Barnes has been great.

“They’ve progressed so much since they’ve been here, it’s only made me better, it’s making each other better,” Major said. “Iron sharpens iron. I appreciate them for being here and making me go every day and making me be my best every day.”

Major is a talented running back who, when healthy, can play a big role on this team. Some feel he could be the starter in the group as long as he is healthy.

“Me being available for the team so I can do whatever I can to help this team out and just going 1-0 every week.”

For now, it remains to be seen. But the way coaches have talked about Major this offseason, don’t be shocked if he doesn’t run out on the field first on Sept. 2nd.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

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 Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Sooners get prediction for 3-Star in-state product

Just one day after losing a battle for a four-star running back, the Sooners get a prediction for one of the most versatile players in the nation.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] staff continues to work to put a bow on the [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag]. This is a class that started slow but has picked up steam as of late.

That doesn’t mean the Sooners haven’t had their losses, they just come few and far between. Thursday, they missed out on four-star running back Caden Durham, who chose the LSU Tigers. Track was a factor in that decision.

Just one day after losing that commitment, the Sooners get a prediction for one of the nation’s most underrated and versatile players. That would be Heritage Hall’s do-everything player, [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag].

Bass was someone who came on the scene at one of Oklahoma’s camps in June. He wowed those in attendance with his speed and athleticism. He’s a guy who can play running back but could also play some wide receiver.

 

While it’s unclear what position he will play, it should be noted that [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] is his lead recruiter. But if he chooses Oklahoma, he probably will be used in a variety of ways.

Bass will announce his commitment on Aug. 24, 2023. He’s down to Oklahoma, the [autotag]Syracuse Orange[/autotag] and the [autotag]Kansas State Wildcats[/autotag].

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1367]

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 Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Four-star running back Caden Durham chooses LSU over Oklahoma and Texas A&M

Oklahoma misses out as four-star running back Caden Durham chooses LSU over the Sooners and Texas A&M.

While Oklahoma has been scorching hot this summer on the recruiting trail, they suffered a loss on Thursday afternoon as four-star running back Caden Durham decided to commit to LSU over the Sooners and the Texas A&M Aggies.

Oklahoma had been a staple in Durham’s recruitment for a year. The Sooners’ connections to Durham gave them a premium opportunity to land the speedster who plays his high school ball at Duncanville High School right outside Dallas, Texas.

Durham was raised in Oklahoma. His mother was a member of Oklahoma’s track and field team, and Durham has friendships with other 2024 Sooners targets. Oklahoma had a fair shot but a massive selling point in Durham’s recruitment was the ability to be a two-sport athlete and run track in addition to playing football. LSU has one of the nation’s best track programs.

When all was said and done, Oklahoma fought to the very last minute, even reportedly reaching out late the night before his commitment to try and swing him, ultimately to no avail.

In Durham’s commitment to LSU, the Sooners miss out on the No. 95 player in the  247Sports composite rankings and a consensus four-star player across the board.

The loss will sting, but DeMarco Murray has shown in the last few recruiting cycles that he has a good handle on recruiting running backs.

Earlier this summer, he landed the nation’s number one running back commitment when Taylor Tatum, another two-sport athlete, chose Oklahoma over the USC Trojans. Murray’s running back coup from the class of 2022 (Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk) figures to carry a significant portion of the Oklahoma rushing offense this year, so he is recruiting well and developing them into impactful players.

Considering the background, losing out on Durham should sting, but Oklahoma should and will bounce back in the long term. To round out this running back class, the Sooners will look to close on three-star athlete Andy Bass, who can play running back and line up as a slot receiver.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1367]