Oklahoma football: New look, but no RB drop off for 2021

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of articles taking an early look at the Oklahoma football position groups for the 2021 season.

Oklahoma and running backs coach DeMarco Murray are going to have a lot to work with for the 2021 season.

While the lead running back spot is clear at the moment, with Kennedy Brooks returning after an opt-out year, the depth is going to be something special to complement him.

In two previous seasons with the Sooners (2018 and 2019), Brooks gained over 1,000 yards each year, including a combined 18 rushing touchdowns.

In 2020, Rhamondre Stevenson led the team in rushing with just over 650 yards on the ground despite missing most of the season due to a suspension. The ground attack missed Brooks greatly so having his power back will create plenty of play-action opportunities for Lincoln Riley and this offense.

So how has the running back room improved despite losing Stevenson to the NFL Draft and T.J. Pledger to the transfer portal? Besides Brooks, the Sooners were able to add just as much and even more than they lost.

The addition of Tennessee transfer Eric Gray will strengthen the run game

The transfer of Eric Gray from Tennessee is an addition Big 12 defenses should have to worry about in 2021. The junior made a solid jump in terms of production in 2020, collecting 772 rushing yards and averaging nearly five yards per carry, and putting him in an offense that puts players in the best position to succeed will benefit Gray.

Do not expect Gray to come and take Brooks’ job or anybody else in the 2021 running back room. Oklahoma is simply building a room of guys that can come in in relief of him and not miss a beat.

Sophomore Seth McGowan showed plenty of promise, collecting 370  rushing yards and three touchdowns off of 58 carries his freshman season a year ago. His impact was also seen in the receiving game with three catches for 70 yards in the Cotton Bowl against Florida.

With a full year under his belt, expect McGowan to receive more opportunities despite the deep room this team may have in 2021. He and Gray could see some first-down opportunities that set up Brooks to use his power to finish on third down.

Marcus Major, a redshirt sophomore. is also looking to expand his role for Oklahoma as he and McGowan will now split their opportunities with Gray as well as the starter Brooks. At 5-foot, 11 inches and 220 pounds, he can be a power back used on the goal line to punch in short-yardage opportunities in the red zone. Two-back sets with Brooks and Major could be used effectively, using Brooks as a decoy or blocker for Major.

A unique piece to this group of talented athletes is a hybrid tight end/running back in Jeremiah Hall. As a redshirt senior he was an All Big-12 First-Team selection although the stats may only show one rush out of the backfield.

Hall has been primarily used as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He has great elusiveness, standing 6-foot, 2 inches nd stout. Catching 18 passes for five touchdowns shows that when he gets the ball something positive is probably going to happen.

While he will not take rushing opportunities away from the other running backs, he makes offensive sets with multiple running backs that much more dangerous and unpredictable for defenses.

Sophomore Mikey Henderson is also worth a mention. He is a player who could make early-season appearances. Although his role was small last season, there could be room for him to see more action in 2021. He was impressive the few times he did receive playing time last season.

Depth at running back is value added for the Sooners in 2021

This running back room may not be filled with star power from top to bottom, but there are plenty of solid players here. Each player has unique capabilities that allow a creative mind like Lincoln Riley to really do whatever he can come up with.

This also allows Coach Murray to use his experience to better these players as he was a versatile running back in his playing days at OU and in the NFL.

While, yes, Brooks will be the featured back for this offense, these other names all have the chance to make just as big of an impact.

Expect big things out of this running back room, but Oklahoma Football will look to work in a high volume of play-action plays with the stud receiving core they have.

With plenty of options in terms of play calling in the run game, one thing is certain, the talent is more than available.