Just 24 hours ago, we discussed how Marcus Major’s ineligibility would impact OU’s backfield. Now, for the second time in as many days, Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners are suddenly without another running back in Tre Bradford.
Bradford’s unexpected departure leaves running backs coach DeMarco Murray in strange territory. On the one hand, there is no immediate cause for alarm as Oklahoma still possesses two starting-caliber backs in Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks (with two more four-star prospects on the way in 2022).
On the other hand, the Sooners have no immediate depth. And if something unthinkable were to happen to either Gray or Brooks, then a position of strength within the offense could become an unexpected liability.
As you could imagine, back-to-back blows to the running back room have sent social media into a frenzy. Especially with the season opener versus Tulane just nine days away.
While some are downplaying the Sooners’ bad luck, others declare their title hopes dead before the season even begins.
Re: Tre Bradford, Marcus Major:
Y'all must've forgot Oklahoma made a player out of *Dom Whaley.*
Miss me with the notion that it won't find a third running back behind Brooks and Gray.
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) August 26, 2021
Oklahoma has lost 2 RBs in 2 days on the 2021 squad
– Marcus Major (Academically Ineligible)
– LSU Transfer Tre BradfordOU is down to 2 scholarship backs, and while Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks are phenomenal, that sucks to hear.
OU has two 4-star RBs committed for 2022
— Antonio MacBeath (@TonyMacUMP) August 26, 2021
If these Tre Bradford (rumors) are true, this season has quickly went from national championship expectations to maybe we win the big 12 again.
Seems like Murray and Riley have some thinking to do. Nine days until kickoff with (potentially) only two scholarship runningbacks.
— KCđ´ââ ď¸ (@KcHolz) August 26, 2021
Others are simply choosing to smile through the pain.
#TBT to Tre Bradford's Oklahoma Highlight Reel. pic.twitter.com/ARnAGivKyI
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) August 26, 2021
While whispers that Bradford is returning to LSU are nothing more than speculation at this time, here’s what Patrick Conn of LSU Tigers Wire had to say about the notion:Â
Given his familiarity with the running back room, could Tre Bradford find his way back to Baton Rouge with LSU? This is pure speculation but it would make sense if he suddenly had a change of heart. Bradford was expected to be the No. 3 for Oklahoma, but with the injury concerns surrounding Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr, he could see more playing time this season with the Tigers.
LSU sent a sleeper cell. https://t.co/ES813WBjMC
— SlmTdd (@PhantomSamurai5) August 26, 2021
Both Bradford’s reason for leaving the Sooners and his desired landing spot is unknown. What we do know, however, is that we haven’t heard the last of this story. Â Sooners Wire will provide updates as they are made available.
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