Stormin in Norman
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Ten Most Indispensable Oklahoma Football Players in 2016

By Chip Rouse

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;Clemson Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners line up in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;Clemson Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners line up in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Mixon Gives the Sooners Offensive Versatility

They aren’t often in the OU backfield together, but when they are, Joe Mixon and teammate Samaje Perine are like double pleasure for the Oklahoma offense and double jeopardy for opposing defensive units. Together they are like thunder and lightning, Mixon being the latter.

Mixon not only has excellent speed and elusiveness in the run game, but also has become an added receiving weapon out of the backfield. The sophomore running back rushed for 753 yards last season and had five games in which he gained 70 or more yards. He also had a game in which his receiving yards exceeded the century mark. Over the entire season he caught 28 passes, four of them for touchdowns.

A news release recently posted on the Oklahoma athletic website compared Mixon to the Sooners lead running back, Perine, in this way:

"“When compared to Perine, Mixon is more likely to make a tackler miss than to plow through them, both backs will punish defenders, and having both ensures both that the Sooners’ run game will be fresh in the fourth quarter as opposing defenses wear down.”"

Mixon’s versatility is what makes him so valuable in the Oklahoma offense.

Next: Dede Westbrook Steps up to No. 1 in Receiving Corps

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